Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority is hiring: Social Worker in Cherokee

Job Title: Social Worker
Job Code: SOCIALWK
Department: Social Services
Division: Tsali Care Center
Salary Level: Exempt 1
Reports to: Administrator
Last Revised: November 2023

Primary Function
The Social Worker supports residents’ social, psychosocial, spiritual, mental, and emotional needs, aiding them in achieving their highest level of function during their stay. The Social Worker helps with admissions from other care settings, facilitates the resident experience, and coordinates safe discharge planning with necessary community resources.

Responsibilities

Admission and Ongoing Care:

• Maintain an updated referral log and provide information for the Long-Term Care Committee meeting.
• Participate in admission team meetings and promptly respond to hospital case managers on referrals.
• Meet with residents and guardians to prepare for admission, explaining long-term care requirements and assisting with admission paperwork (e.g., Consent for Admission, Resident’s Rights, Advance Directives).
• Conduct psychosocial assessments, care planning, and provide counseling to alleviate social and emotional issues.
• Complete and update Minimum Data Set (MDS) sections accurately and on time.
• Coordinate telehealth visits for residents as needed.

Care Planning:

• Attend interdisciplinary meetings to contribute to individualized care plans, addressing psychosocial challenges, setting goals, and outlining social work interventions.
• Engage residents and families in care plan development, ongoing evaluations, and discharge planning.
• Conduct quality assurance duties as assigned, including plan correction audits.

Resident Rights:

• Ensure policies meet Tribal, State, and Federal regulations related to residents’ social and emotional needs.
• Educate residents, guardians, and staff on residents' rights, HIPAA, and procedures for abuse prevention and reporting.
• Develop and conduct in-service training sessions on resident rights and other relevant topics.
• Organize and participate in the theft loss program, handle resident complaints and grievances, and maintain a log of these records.

Medicare and Medicaid Assistance:

• Complete necessary documentation for Medicare and Medicaid assistance, including the FL2 form for resident admissions.
• Help residents and families understand Medicaid eligibility and application processes, and support financial planning when necessary.
• Collaborate with county DSS for financial assistance and counseling needs.

Resources and Discharge Planning:

• Be proficient in discharge planning, including coordination with family members and community resources for a smooth transition from the facility.
• Discuss discharge plans with residents and families to ensure proper preparation.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support the activity department in planning social events, assist with Resident Council meetings, and ensure infection control compliance.
• Lead grievance investigations, compile a 5-day report for shared files, and submit documentation for CMS as required.
• Maintain professional appearance, demonstrate reliability, and accept related duties as directed.

Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related human services field (e.g., sociology, psychology, rehabilitation counseling) from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one year of experience in a healthcare setting.
• State certification preferred, six-month period for proficiency.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license required.

Job Knowledge

• Proficiency in Cherokee Indian Hospital and Tsali Care Center policies and procedures.
• Skilled in the use of office equipment (e.g., keyboard, calculator, copier) and computer software applications.
• Ability to write reports, organize tasks, communicate effectively, and work independently or in a team.
• Knowledge of the facility’s organization, resident treatment guidelines, and relevant procedures.

Contact with Others
Frequent interaction with coworkers, residents, families, and healthcare professionals, requiring cultural sensitivity, tact, and professionalism to maintain positive relationships and address residents' unique needs.

Confidential Data
Access to sensitive information is handled per the Privacy Act of 1974 and Tribal policy, with strict confidentiality required to protect residents’ information. Breaches of confidentiality may result in disciplinary action.

Work Environment
The Social Worker works in an office setting with exposure to communicable diseases. Adherence to OSHA guidelines for universal precautions is essential. The role may involve responding to resident grievances, handling hostile situations, and being on-call for emergencies. Some minor lifting and assisting residents with mobility may be required.

Responsibility for Accuracy
The Social Worker’s accurate and timely work affects facility efficiency and resident outcomes. Errors could impact reporting, appointments, and care coordination, so attention to detail and adherence to guidelines are essential.

Resourcefulness & Initiative
The Social Worker follows established policies and guidelines but must also use initiative to adapt to changing situations and respond to residents’ needs. Effective communication, problem-solving, and client case management are crucial to providing quality service.

Customer Service
Consistently deliver excellent customer service, demonstrating behaviors that align with CIHA’s guiding principles. Actively seek ways to assist residents and families, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and professionalism.