Become a Social Service Assistant
Social Service Assistants form a vital link between the professional staff, patients and their family members in long-term care (LTC) facilities. If you want a rewarding career helping less able members of our society, Social Service Assistant may be the choice for you. This 100% online course will prepare you to work as a Social Service Assistant.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime!
Course Details
What you will learn:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the aging process, including misconceptions, physical changes and psycho-social aspects
- Demonstrate knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations
- Show understanding of the rights of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities
- Demonstrate knowledge of the admission and discharge process
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of documentation
- Demonstrate ability in basic performance skills, such as teamwork, communication skills and working with administrative staff and other disciplines
- Discuss issues involved in the management of internal support staff, budgeting, supplies, and outside resources
- Show understanding of methods of identifying resident interests and needs and the use of assessment in care plan development
- Evaluate a care plan for effectiveness
How you will benefit:
- Become able to work as a social service assistant in a variety of settings including long term care, assisted living, adult day programs, retirement communities, or community center
- Receive a certificate of completion to show to prospective employers
- Develop the communication skills needed to effectively work with patients and coworkers
- Understand the medical knowledge and compassion needed to provide care for the elderly
INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF LONG-TERM CARE
Learn about the history of long-term care and the philosophies surrounding patient-centered care. Explore the fundamentals of the aging process and discuss common misconceptions about physical changes.
OVERVIEW OF REGULATIONS AND RIGHTS
Understand the rules and regulations that will affect you in your future role. Learn about residents’ rights and advocacy situations for you and your patients.
DOCUMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE SKILLS
Develop an understanding of the techniques used for admissions and discharging patients. Study the principles of documentation and basic performance skills.
PROCESSES AND ETHICS
Learn about the ethics of social workers and the roles of managers in the system. Learn how to effectively solve problems and support patients.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND LEGAL ISSUES
Examine the legal and financial issues that might affect you as a social services assistant. Learn how to create a professional image and communicate well with others.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- Long Term Care
Cindy Gaschler has worked in the healthcare field since 1999. She began her career as a CNA, then completed her LPN, and continued with an ADN degree. She functioned as a Long-Term Care charge nurse, Inpatient Rehabilitation nurse, MDS Coordinator, and Director of Nursing. Following this she re-enrolled in college and obtained a BSN while performing duties of Human Resources, Staff Development Coordinator, Risk Management, Health Information Management, and Senior Living Manager.
$695.00 (USD)
This course is 100% online.
| Course Hours | Start Date | Completion Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 70 Hours | Start anytime | 6 months |
Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for Social and Human Service Assistants is expected to grow by 17% between now and 2029. This is much faster than the average for most other jobs.
The BLS estimates that Human and Social Service Assistants earn $16.85 per hour, or $35,060 per year, on average. According to PayScale.com, top Social Service Assistants make $18.70 per hour.
FAQs
WHAT DO SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANTS DO?
Social Service Assistants work under the direction of licensed social workers and LTC facility staff to provide services to patients and their families. Duties may include assisting with admissions, informing patients of their rights, advocating on patients’ behalf and helping patients adjust to life in the LTC environment.
IS LICENSING REQUIRED FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANTS?
Each US state sets its own licensure requirements for Social Services Assistants. After completing this course, you will be qualified to work in the following states: WA, CA, ID, WY, NM, ND, KS, OK, TX, MN, MO, WI, TN, AL, OH, WV, NH, FL. Please check with your state for its requirements.
HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED SOCIAL SERVICE ASSISTANT JOBS?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human services workers are crucial to limiting the spread of the Coronavirus, especially among the elderly. According to SocialWorkers.org, the mental and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may create additional opportunities for those who do the work of Social Service Assistants.
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