Social Service Assistant for Long-Term Health Care

The Social Service Assistant for Long-Term Health Care course provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to become a part of the interdisciplinary healthcare team within a variety of long-term healthcare settings. Social service assistants work under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Daily tasks include assisting in the admission process that includes assessing the resident’s needs, frequently updating the resident’s status, observing residents and observed behaviors, assisting with providing information to residents and their families, assisting with fielding grievances, and assisting residents as necessary.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Describe the types of individuals who might require long-term care solutions.
• Distinguish between the various types of long-term care options and environments.
• Identify the common tasks performed and responsibilities by the caregivers in long-term care environments.
• List individual rights and expectations of those for whom care is given.
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals.
• Discuss medical-related laws and ethical principles.
• Explain the different types of dementia including risk factors, signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Compare dementia with the normal age-related memory changes.
• Describe the type of options available for memory care.
• Discuss best practices in memory-care facilities.
• Explain effective strategies for caring for patients with dementia and their families.
• Describe the characteristics of professional behavior in the long-term care environment.
• Explain the requirements for privacy and confidentiality in health care.
• Describe the aging process and characteristics of the aging population.
• Describe the physical changes of the older adult.
• Identify common disease conditions of older adults.
• Describe the social and psychological concerns related to aging.
• Identify common behavioral health disorders of older adults.
• Discuss the safety issues and guidelines for the older adult resident.
• Explain how to meet the older adult’s social and psychological needs.
• Explain the importance of and procedures for proper hand washing.
• Describe the procedures for ensuring infection control in the residential environment.
• Explain the proper interaction for individuals with transmittable diseases.
• Identify Standard Precautions of the CDC.
• Identify healthcare PPE, including proper donning and removing procedures and proper use.
• Discuss how to manage medical waste.
• Discuss the admissions and discharge procedures common in long-term care facilities.
• Discuss principles and standard practices of documentation in social services.
• Explain professional skills expected in the healthcare setting, including communication, interpersonal relationships, attire and professional appearance, and professional attitudes.
• Explain common administrative skills, including supervision, budget management, inventory management, and scheduling.
• Explain methods for identifying interests and needs of residents.
• Discuss use of assessments for developing care plans for residents.
• Describe the benefits of activities and programs for residents of assisted living communities.
• Describe ways in which an assisted living community interacts with the local community.
• Explain ways in which an assisted living community interacts with residents’ family and friends.
• Describe activities designed specifically for residents with memory-related disorders.
• Identify best practices in assisted living communities related to activities and programs.
• Explain strategies and techniques that lead to excellent customer service for assisted living residents and their family and visitors.
• Describe common activities and programs in assisted living communities designed to address the psychological, social, physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of the residents.

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the opportunity to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Social Services Assistant for Long-Term Health Care (SSALT) Certification

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.