Maniilaq Association

2/19

Title:  Social Services Assistant                                                                                        Range:  13                                         
Program: Social/Patient Advocacy Services                                                                       Status:  Non-Exempt         

Housing Priority:  None                                                                                                   Covered:  Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

Works with the Patient Advocacy Services Manager to maintain the successful functioning of the Social/Patient Advocacy Services Program.  Provides a number of services to include but not limited to: translation, patient equipment ordering, patient escorts, and assist in filling out necessary paperwork and completes documentation.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Social Services Assistant is partially responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Social/Patient Advocacy Services Program.

Major services provided by the Assistant are as follows:

1. Direct patient/family services:

a)  Translating for providers and medical staff, medical procedures and medication information for patients who require Inupiaq interpretive services.

b)  Assisting in the process of assuring that appropriate patient consent forms are completed and that any needed Privacy Act data access agreements are translated from Inupiaq to the patient/family.

c)   Assists with cleaning deceased bodies, and preparation for burial services.

d)   Assist in discharge planning for patients, including accessing community resources.

e)   Provides emergency consultation services outside of regular office hours, as required, for patient situations involving unexpected crisis, severe injury or death.

f)    Assists patients in obtaining/accessing community resources for financial assistance, that assistance to be used for medical equipment, hospital-related travel, emergency situations etc.

g)   To assist patients in obtaining medical equipment and documenting the equipment order.

h)   Assists patients with explanation and completion of Advanced Directives.

2. Assists in case and problem solving consultation with community social workers, Public Health Nurses, school personnel, etc., as requested.
3. Serves on select hospital committees to provide knowledge of community, cultural norms and language.
4. Participates in community education programs.
5. Visits daily with patients and visitors within the hospital to assure that patient needs and concerns are met.
6. Documents visits, services and interventions of assigned patients per policy.
7. Provides coverage of program in the absence of the Patient Advocacy Services Manager.
8. Participates in various trainings and ongoing Continuous Process Improvement.
9. Attends community programs and services in the community as time and necessary coverage at the hospital permits.
10. Demonstrates knowledge of and maintains skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient being served.
11. Provides coverage in Anchorage when the Patient Support Worker is out on leave.
12. Assists with all aspects of Patient Advocacy as assigned.   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalent required.  Inupiaq fluency preferred.  Knowledge of the people and organizations in the NANA Region.  Good communication skills and an aptitude for working with people.  Ability to move frequently between MHC programs and use office equipment.  Some patient escort travel required:  must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to travel in small aircraft required.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description.  This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet physical demands.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.