Key essential skills are: Critical Thinking, Oral Communication, Problem Solving. Level 1. Level 2

Transcription

1 NOC: 4152 Occupation: Social Worker Occupation Description: Responsibilities include providing counselling, therapy and assistance to residents and family as appropriate. Social workers may also act as liaisons to government bodies on behalf of the facility with regard to resident care needs. Key essential skills are: Critical Thinking, Oral Communication, Problem Solving. Essential Skills Reading Text Writing Document Use Computer Use Oral Communication* Money Math Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting Measurement and Calculation Data Analysis Numerical Estimation Job Task Planning and Organizing Decision Making Problem Solving* Finding Information Working with Others Continuous Learning These Essential Skills are not ranked by complexity level. The skill levels represented in the table above illustrate full skill ranges for experienced workers in their roles, and not for individuals preparing for entrance into this occupation for the first time. Below are examples for each essential skill category representing a sampling of the possible duties and tasks for this role within the industry and the corresponding essential skill level. All examples will not necessarily apply to every organization. Reading Text Review prescription medication information to determine correct administration and potential side effects. ( 1) Read descriptions of social programs, community events, brochures, etc. to ensure familiarity with resources available to residents as well as professional development opportunities. ( 1)

2 Assess reporting forms, such as intake or assessment forms, medical charts or referral forms to obtain information about resident s background and requirements. ( 2) Stay abreast of current social work issues through newsletters, trade publications and newspapers. Share information amongst colleagues/co-workers as appropriate. ( 2) Review case notes from treatment sessions to obtain pertinent information such as observations, key issues, conclusions and specialists recommendations for consideration in the treatment and interactions with the resident. ( 2) Read policy and procedure manuals as well as training materials so as to be prepared for prospective situations based on the nature and population of the facility. ( 3) Consider and review applicable legislation based on resident s needs and convey the pertinent information to appropriate resident family members. ( 3) Read medical reports, specialists assessments, investigative reports and program evaluations. Assess the information therein, and incorporate it into treatment or action plans as appropriate. ( 4) Review documentation on topics geared to the nature and population of the facility. Consider integrating the information found into processes and treatment plans as appropriate, or for use in the development of prevention and intervention programs. ( 4) Writing Add comments to intake or assessment forms. ( 1) Compose case notes for resident files. Notes may include resident history, concerns, observations and planned follow-ups. Such notes are potentially subject to court subpoena, and composition must be appropriate for that venue. ( 2) Develop speaking notes and handouts for workshops or presentations. ( 2) Write correspondence to colleagues, co-workers, healthcare professionals as well as professionals in other fields. This may include referral letters, client summaries, etc. ( 3) Write policies and protocols, including research summaries and supportive information. ( 4) Compose reports such as assessments, evaluations, investigations, research documentation and funding requests. For example, a social worker in a long term care facility may compose documentation summarizing resident history, professional observations and recommendations and conclusions. Composition and information included in this report must take into consideration the potential that this documentation may be called into evidence for legal proceedings, or may be considered with regard to funding requests. As such, all content must be reviewed and considered with the utmost care. ( 4)

3 Document Use Review lists and tables, such as resource directories, information tables, etc. ( 1) Update reporting forms such as referral forms, discharge summaries, timesheets, reimbursement forms, etc. ( 2) Complete assessment forms, which may include checklists or tick boxes. Required forms may include: intake forms, screening assessments, applications for assistance, etc. ( 2) Review and interpret graphs and/or test results denoting psychosocial information for use in development of treatment or action plans. ( 2) Consider and implement simple schematics such as decision making trees for use in assessments and protocol determination. ( 2) Computer Use Access information on work-related topics via the internet. ( 2) Use software to communicate with colleagues, co-workers and supervisors. This may include the addition of attachments or links. ( 2) Refer to databases and utilize to generate reporting, or to input or retrieve data. ( 2) Use electronic spreadsheets to compile and manage data. ( 2) Generate letters and reports using word processing software. ( 2) Oral Communication Discuss work-related issues and requirements with support staff. ( 1) Investigate programs with colleagues in other community and social service agencies. With appropriate consent in place, discuss program suitability and advocate for assistance as appropriate. ( 2) Present seminars or workshops to colleagues on specific information, issues or strategies. ( 2) Solicit feedback from other social work professionals to assist with difficult cases and seek feedback on counselling strategies and resources. Review caseload and counselling approaches with supervisor. ( 3) Conduct interviews with residents to complete needs assessments. Active listening and questions geared toward information gathering should be employed. Interact with residents and resident family members, potentially with conflict management strategies employed in the case of potential situations. ( 3) Provide counsel to residents who may be dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, etc. This may involve assessing verbal and physical cues to determine underlying issues and then providing assistance and guidance in the development of skills and resources to address or cope. ( 4)

4 Money Math Calculate expenses for reimbursement. ( 2) Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting Schedule appointments ensuring appropriate time allocation for sessions. Reprioritize as needed to accommodate any emergency or rush situations. ( 1) Review financial information to assess potential financial assistance availability for residents. ( 2) Measurement and Calculation Complete scoring of psychosocial tests and assessments. ( 2) Data Analysis Review resident income information relative to benchmarks to assess eligibility for social assistance, legal aid, etc. ( 1) Assess resident health and wellness utilizing results from recognized psychosocial testing instruments and assessments. ( 2) Numerical Estimation Estimate amount of time required to conduct counselling sessions, taking into consideration individual resident needs along with historical experience. ( 1) Job Task Planning and Organizing Social workers plan and organize required actions and tasks based on caseload with new assignments determined by supervisor. Social workers may need to adjust their scheduling due to an emergency or crisis situation. ( 3) Decision Making Determine if an interpreter is required to conduct interviews, taking into consideration resident comfort with this approach. ( 2) Determine programs and treatment protocol for residents, taking into consideration their goals and needs as well as the availability of suitable programming. ( 2) Select therapies and strategies to best implement the chosen treatment plan, with consideration given to appropriateness, cost, social worker expertise, as well as organizational protocols. ( 3) Determine when to cease treatment based on desired outcomes and responses to treatment. ( 3) Escalate emergency situations as appropriate, with consideration given to safety of residents. ( 4)

5 Problem Solving Deal with residents who may be cognitively impaired or who present high risk, determining how to approach the situation and how best to implement treatment.( 2) Interact with resident family members who may not be cooperative or may not be in agreement with treatment plan. ( 3) Determine how to most effectively provide services and treatment to hostile or aggressive residents. ( 3) Consider contingency plan or alternate approach when the desired or optimal treatment is identified as unavailable. ( 3) Finding Information Consult local resource directories to locate available community resources. ( 1) Investigate possible situations of elder abuse. This may involve interviews or medical record examination. ( 3) Working with Others Social workers work independently to provide counseling services to residents. Coordinate treatment strategies with other healthcare professionals. Participate in supervisory or leadership activities. o Participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement. o Make suggestions on improving work processes. o Monitor the work performance of others. o Inform other workers or demonstrate to the m how tasks are performed. o Orient new employees. o Make hiring recommendations. o Assign routine tasks to other workers. o Assign new or unusual tasks to other workers. o Identify training that is required by, or would be helpful to, other workers. Continuous Learning Continuously learn in order to stay abreast of new community resources, counseling interventions and therapeutic treatments. Determine learning goals based on areas of expertise. Attend conferences, seminars and workshops offered by post-secondary institutions, community organizations and professional associations. Obtain learning about a variety of subjects ranging from cultural diversity to sexual health. Review academic journals, articles and books to learn about new perspectives on social issues and prospective therapeutic treatments. Benefit from the expertise of other professionals and learn by discussing cases with other social workers and participating in case management teams.

6 May also learn from feedback offered by clinical supervisors.