Social Worker Assistant in Victorville, California at High Desert Pace Inc

Under the direct supervision of the Social Worker, the Social Work Assistant is responsible for supporting the Social Work Department by assisting with participant communication, follow-up, resource coordination, documentation, and assigned administrative tasks. The Social Work Assistant works within the scope of the role and does not provide clinical social work services, counseling, assessments, or independent decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Support the PACE philosophy by promoting participant-centered care, dignity, independence, and respect for participant choice.
• Assist the assigned Social Worker with follow-up tasks related to participant needs, care coordination, service planning, and supportive services.
• Serve as a liaison between the Social Worker, participant, caregiver, decision-maker, IDT members, and external agencies by relaying information and supporting communication within the scope of practice.
• Refer participant concerns, psychosocial needs, safety issues, suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, changes in condition, or requests for clinical intervention to the assigned Social Worker and/or Supervisor.
• Schedule appointments, follow-up calls, home visits, or meetings as assigned.
• Conduct home visits or participant follow-up visits as directed by the Social Worker or Supervisor.
• Accompany participants to approved appointments to support access, follow-through, and continuity of care as approved by Supervisor or IDT.
• Assist with transportation, housing, community resources, and other supportive service coordination as directed.
• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation of participant contacts, concerns, services provided, expressed wishes, and follow-up activities within the scope of the Social Work Aide role.
• Assist with money management
• Assist with ongoing financial eligibility for participants, including recertification as needed.
• Provide telephone support using professional, respectful, and culturally sensitive communication.
• Assist participants and caregivers with understanding basic program processes, participant rights, responsibilities, and the grievance process, while referring complex concerns to the Social Worker.
• Recognize and promptly report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, safety concerns, or changes in participant well-being.
• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough documentation of participant contacts, concerns, services provided, and follow-up activities within the scope of the Social Work Assistant role.
• Use the EMR appropriately and follow program documentation standards, HIPAA requirements, and confidentiality policies.
• Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate respectful communication with participants, caregivers, staff, external providers, and IDT members.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-services, projects, and committees as assigned.
• Adhere to and support center practices, procedures, and policies, including assigned break times and attendance expectations.
• Maintain flexibility in scheduled work hours based on program needs.
• May require the use of a personal vehicle.

Education & Training

• Preferred one (1) year of documented experience in working with a frail or elderly population required.
• Prefer experience in a community-based setting or geriatric program.
• Preferred case management experience
• Bachelors degree in social work or related field required.
• Is medically cleared for communicable diseases and has all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant care.

Skills & Abilities

• Interest in the risk-based long-term program to serve frail elderly in a community-based setting.
• Experience and thorough knowledge of social service principles and practices.
• Knowledge of psychosocial, behavioral, and family needs of the elderly population.
• Knowledge of financing mechanisms such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Prospective Payment Systems.
• Knowledge of the local and social service delivery systems and aging network.
• Proven ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with the staff, the elderly, and providers of services, public and private agencies.
• Energetic, dependable, resourceful and flexible.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Computer skills required.
• Preferred bilingual

Working Conditions

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to access all areas of the center throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds occasionally, 15 pounds frequently, and 7 pounds constantly; required to obtain assistance of another qualified employee when attempting to lift or transfer objects over 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate verbally with an excellent comprehension of the English language.