Social Services Clerk

Description DESCRIPTION OF POSITION This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The

provides the employee, CEO, Administrator, Human Resources, applicants and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified individuals who can perform the essential functions of the job when reasonable accommodation can be made.

POPULATION SERVED The position involves direct interactions with a population of residents between the ages of 18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise are required to serve this population. Exceptions can be made based on hospital licensure.

This position is responsible for providing clerical and administrative support to the Social Services Department, including maintaining resident social service records, preparing correspondence and referral documentation, scheduling appointments and care plan meetings, and assisting the Director of Social Services/Social Service Designee with day-to-day administrative operations, in accordance with current federal, State, and local standards governing the facility and as may be directed by the administrator.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS This position requires a High School Diploma or equivalent. Prior clerical, administrative, or office support experience preferred; experience in a healthcare or long-term care setting is a plus. Working knowledge of computer and basic software applications (word processing, spreadsheets, email, and resident record/EHR systems) used in job functions.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Good oral and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality of resident and department information in accordance with HIPAA and facility policy.

Requirements DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Maintain and organize resident social service files and records, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with facility recordkeeping standards. 2. Prepare, type, copy, and distribute social service correspondence, forms, and reports as directed by the Director of Social Services/Social Service Designee. 3.

Schedule and coordinate appointments, meetings, and care plan conferences for the Social Services Department. 4. Answer telephone calls, take messages, and respond to routine inquiries from residents, families, and outside agencies, referring complex or sensitive matters to the Director of Social Services/Social Service Designee. 5. Assist with intake paperwork for new admissions, including gathering demographic and social history information as directed. 6.

Assist in preparing and organizing documentation for discharge planning, including referral packets to sub-acute rehab, long-term care, home health, and other agencies. 7. Track and follow up on requests for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and referrals to home health and visiting nurse agencies as directed. 8. Assist in coordinating transportation arrangements for residents to outside appointments and facilities. 9.

Maintain the Social Services Department calendar and follow-up/tickler system for care plan meetings and required documentation deadlines. 10. Assist in tracking and filing resident grievances and complaints according to facility procedure. 11. Support the department with Medicare/Medi-Cal and financial assistance program paperwork under the direction of the Social Service Designee. 12.

Maintain department reference materials, forms, and office supply inventory. 13. Enter and update information in the resident record/EHR system as directed. 14. Assist in preparing materials for facility surveys (inspections) and audits by authorized government agencies. 15.

Photocopy, scan, fax, and file documents for the Social Services Department. 16. Maintain strict confidentiality of resident, family, and facility information at all times, in accordance with HIPAA and facility policy. 17. Communicate professionally and courteously with residents, families, facility staff, and outside agencies. 18.

Assist the Director of Social Services/Social Service Designee with other clerical and administrative duties as assigned. 19. Attend in-service training and department meetings as required. 20. Maintain compliance with all facility, State, and Federal regulations applicable to the position.

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS I. RESULTS ORIENTATION — Meets current objectives and positions the organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.

II. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY — Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude.

Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families. III. QUALITY OUTCOMES — Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers.

All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.

IV. SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT — Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility. A.

Accident/Injury Reporting — Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA. B. Unsafe Conditions — Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment.

C. Workplace Standards — Complies with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.) D. Safety Techniques — Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.

E. Modified Work — Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician's release to return to work following an accident/injury. F.

Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment — Follows the prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an accident/injury. V. EDUCATION — Participates in required in-services and educational programs on an ongoing basis.

VI. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY — Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status.

The category shown below is designed to communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position. ? Category I Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective measures to perform the task. ?

Category II Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily available. ? Category III Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, non-intact skin or mucous membranes.

The employee must have the ability to perform

without posing a "direct threat" in the workplace.