Social Service Designees are social work assistants who work in senior living communities. Social Service Designees 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. Nursing facilities and basic care facilities may employ social work designees provided they work under the direction of a licensed social worker or social work consultant. The North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners must be notified of the name of the designee, the employer name and the name of the licensed social worker who is providing direction or consultation to the designee.

Education & Experience:
Social service designee’s requirements are determined by each facility. A facility with less than 120 beds can employ a Social Service Designee as the Social Service Director. Quarterly consultations with a person meeting the full Director requirements is required in these situations..

Salary Average
$39,104

Certifications
None required

Next Steps
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. All nursing facilities 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), pass an examination approved by the board adhere to the code of social work ethics adopted by the board.

Salary Average
$47,778

Certifications
Social workers must obtain 20 hours of continuing education credits in a two-year cycle to maintain licensure.

Next Steps
Social Services Director