This online class will begin within 24-hours of student enrollment. Students will have 6-months to access their course and will complete approximately 70 hours of course work during this time.
Social Services Assistant
Social Service Assistants form a vital link between the professional staff, patients and their family members in long-term care (LTC) facilities. If you want a rewarding career helping less able members of our society, Social Service Assistant may be the choice for you.
Job Outlook for Social Services Assistants
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for Social and Human Service Assistants is expected to grow by 17% between now and 2029. This is much faster than the average for most other jobs. The BLS estimates that Human and Social Service Assistants earn $16.85 per hour, or $35,060 per year, on average. According to PayScale.com, top Social Service Assistants make $18.70 per hour.
Course Objectives
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the aging process, including misconceptions, physical changes and psycho-social aspects
- Demonstrate knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations
- Show understanding of the rights of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities
- Demonstrate knowledge of the admission and discharge process
- Learn basic workplace skills, such as teamwork, communication, staffing, budgeting, inventory control
- Learn to develop programs that actively engage residents
- Evaluate a care plan
INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF LONG-TERM CARE
Learn about the history of long-term care and the philosophies surrounding patient-centered care. Explore the fundamentals of the aging process and discuss common misconceptions about physical changes.
OVERVIEW OF REGULATIONS AND RIGHTS
Understand the rules and regulations that will affect you in your future role. Learn about residents’ rights and advocacy situations for you and your patients.
DOCUMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Develop an understanding of the techniques used for admissions and discharging patients. Study the principles of documentation and basic performance skills.
PROCESSES AND ETHICS
Learn about the ethics of social workers and the roles of managers in the system. Learn how to effectively solve problems and support patients.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND LEGAL ISSUES
Examine the legal and financial issues that might affect you as a social services assistant. Learn how to create a professional image and communicate well with others.
Instructors
- Cindy Gray
Cindy Gray has worked in the healthcare field since 1999. She began her career as a CNA, then completed her LPN, and continued with an ADN degree. She functioned as a Long-Term Care charge nurse, Inpatient Rehabilitation nurse, MDS Coordinator, and Director of Nursing. Following this she re-enrolled in college and obtained a BSN while performing duties of Human Resources, Staff Development Coordinator, Risk Management, Health Information Management, and Senior Living Manager.
Social Services Assistant FAQs
WHAT DO SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANTS DO?Social Service Assistants work under the direction of licensed social workers and LTC facility staff to provide services to patients and their families. Duties may include assisting with admissions, informing patients of their rights, advocating on patients' behalf and helping patients adjust to life in the LTC environment. IS LICENSING REQUIRED FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANTS?Each US state sets its own licensure requirements for Social Services Assistants. Please check with your state for its requirements. HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANT JOBS?According to SocialWorkers.org, the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may create additional opportunities for those who do the work of Social Service Assistants.