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Social Services Assistant

Social service Assistants are entry-level social work assistants who work in senior living communities. Social service assistants work under the supervision of licensed social workers and other staff who have more education and experience and assist these professionals with their daily tasks. They often conduct admission interviews, inform residents and their families of their rights, advocate for residents with social services organizations, help residents to adjust to living in the facility and coordinate care services.

Education & Experience:
Social service assistants need to have a high school diploma, and some employers require a Certified Nursing Assistants license.

Salary Average
$41,589

Certifications
None required

Next Steps
Social Worker

Social Worker

Social workers who are employed in geriatric care communities perform a number of functions, including helping new residents adjust to life in their new environment, advocating for the residents’ needs and rights, providing supportive counseling and making psychosocial assessments. Social workers collaborate with other health care professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to develop an individualized plan of care. When discharge is an option, the social worker will make referrals for mental health services and coordinate discharge planning. If an older adult is not expected to go home, the social worker can help him or her deal with feelings of loss or depression. The social worker’s duties may be related to end of life planning. Any facility with more than 120 beds must employ a qualified social worker on a full-time basis.

Education & Experience:
A social worker must possess a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or be regionally accredited and determined by the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health examiners. This typically takes four years to complete.

Salary Average
$51,942

Certifications
Social workers must obtain 40 hours of continuing education credits in a two-year cycle to maintain licensure.

Next Steps
Social Services Director

Social Services Director

The social services director is responsible for ensuring that the social, psychological and physical needs of all residents in the senior living community are being met. They provide counseling and social services to residents and their families. The social services director reports directly to the administrator and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, providing information on an individual resident’s psychosocial condition.

Education & Experience:
A social worker must possess a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or be regionally accredited and determined by the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. This typically takes four years to complete.

Salary Average
$66,830

Certifications
Social services directors must meet the same continuing education requirements as social workers.

Next Steps
Administrator
Social Services Consultant

Assistant Director of Nursing

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for supervising clinical staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs) to help insure continuity and quality of resident care. In the Director of Nursing’s absence, the ADON assumes responsibility for the nursing department.

Education & Experience:
An ADON must meet the registered nurse education requirements and typically possess at least five years experience in a clinical setting with some management experience.

Salary Average
$81,912

Certifications
Hospice and Palliative Care
Infection Prevention
Dialysis

Next Steps
Director of Nursing
Staff Development Coordinator

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