Social Services Designee

Where You’ll Work

CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison includes the services of a 22-bed critical access hospital, a 26-bed skilled nursing facility, an attached rural health clinic, and an Emergency Department that is available 24 hours a day. We offer many outpatient services, including physical therapy, radiology services, laboratory services, cardiac rehabilitation, and IV treatments. Since opening in 1952, CHI St. Alexius Health Garrison has been dedicated to serving the residents of Garrison and the surrounding rural communities. The hospital is equipped with 4 emergency rooms, on-site lab, radiology, CT and physical therapy services. Our patients have access to 24/7 emergency care, swing-bed program, and acute care services. 

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Social Services Designee, you will help residents of Garrison Memorial Hospital Nursing Facility and Swing Bed so they can attain and maintain their highest level of physical, mental, and psycho-social functioning. Every day you will coordinate care, manage admissions and discharges, and serve as a primary advocate for our residents and their families. You will be expected to facilitate interdisciplinary care plans, provide emotional support, and resolve grievances while ensuring compliance with all facility policies. To be successful in this role, you must possess strong communication and advocacy skills, demonstrate the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary medical teams, and maintain a compassionate approach to patient care.

• Admissions Management: Oversee the referral and application process, evaluate clinical needs with staff, and conduct timely patient assessments and documentation
• Care Coordination: Actively participate in interdisciplinary care planning, quality improvement meetings, and utilization reviews to ensure comprehensive service delivery
• Advocacy & Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for patients and families by explaining facility policies, promoting resident rights, and providing social and emotional support
• Grievance & Conflict Resolution: Manage patient grievances professionally and ensure all concerns are addressed in accordance with facility policies and resident rights
• Discharge Planning: Coordinate the entire discharge and transfer process, including necessary documentation, referral arrangements, and transportation logistics
• Professional Development & Collaboration: Engage in community outreach, provide staff education, and maintain a collaborative relationship with the consulting Licensed Social Worker to ensure high standards of practice

Job Requirements

Required

• High school diploma or GED 
• Social Services Designee in Long Term Care Certification through the NDLTCA

Preferred 

• Minimum one year experience in a healthcare setting working directly with patients