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Social Service Designee/Aide

The Kentucky Social Service Designee Course is designed for Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Settings, including required social services functions, offered in partnership with KCARE.

In partnership with Kentucky Coalition for Aging Resources and Empowerment (KCARE)

  • Social Service Designee training for Kentucky long-term care settings
  • Discuss the philosophy of long term care
  • Learn the aging process and understand the role and function of this position.

Enrollment for this course is completed directly through KCARE.

Details

What Happens After You Enroll

Here’s a clear, step-by-step overview of what to expect after registering for your course with We Care Online.

1 Enroll & Submit Payment

Register for your course and complete your payment securely online.

Note: Some courses have eligibility or prerequisite requirements—please review these before enrolling.

2 Confirmation & Next Steps

You’ll receive a confirmation email with important details about your course, including next steps and any required actions before access is granted.

3 Access Your Course in Canvas

Our team will add you to Canvas, our online learning platform, where you’ll complete your coursework. You will be able to access your course on the course start date.

Access will only be granted after registration is processed and requirements are verified.

4 Instructor Review & Completion

Your instructor reviews completed coursework and verifies that all program requirements are met.

Some courses may include additional documentation, skills verification, or testing.

5 Certificate Issued

Once approved, your certificate is issued through our secure certificate system.

Completion records are maintained in compliance with state and employer requirements.

Program steps may vary slightly by course or state based on regulatory requirements.

Social Service Designee – Kentucky Course Overview

This online Social Service Designee course prepares students to support residents, families, and care teams in long-term care settings. Students learn the philosophy of long-term care, the role and function of the Social Service Designee, aging processes, psychosocial needs, resident rights, documentation, care planning support, and communication within the facility and community.

Kentucky course: This course is offered in partnership with KCARE. Students who complete all coursework receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Kentucky. Employer requirements and role expectations may vary by facility.
CAREER PATH
Ideal for long-term care social service roles
A strong fit for students preparing to work as a Social Service Designee, Social Service Aide, or Social Service Assistant.
FOCUS
Resident support, advocacy, and documentation
Learn how social services support resident well-being, care planning, communication, and dignity in long-term care.
OUTCOME
Kentucky Certificate of Completion
Complete the 45-hour online course and required coursework to receive the Kentucky-issued Certificate of Completion.
Where You Can Work
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Resident care and support settings
  • Facilities serving aging adults and individuals with psychosocial needs

Also known as: Social Service Designee, Social Service Aide, or Social Service Assistant. Job titles may vary by employer.

Learning Experience
  • 45 clock hours of online coursework
  • Self-paced learning with a one-month access period
  • Training focused on long-term care social services
  • Coursework covering resident rights, care planning, documentation, and communication
Tip: Watch for your confirmation email after registration and check your spam or junk folder if you do not see it.
What You'll Learn
  • The philosophy and settings of long-term care
  • The role and function of the Social Service Designee
  • Aging processes and psychosocial aspects of care
  • Resident rights, advocacy, and ethical responsibilities
  • Admission, discharge, and adjustment-related processes
  • Resident assessment and individualized care planning concepts
  • Progress notes, intervention records, and documentation basics
  • Communication, teamwork, mediation, and problem-solving
  • Hospice care, Medicare/Medicaid, SRS, and Adult Protective Services concepts
  • Financial planning, legal considerations, and facility/community resources
Enrollment Requirements
  • No prerequisite listed for this course
  • Computer or tablet with reliable internet access
  • Ability to complete all coursework within the one-month access period
  • Required textbook purchased separately
Upon Completion

After completing all required coursework, students receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Kentucky. We Care Online does not issue the certificate for this course. Employer requirements and hiring preferences may vary by facility.

Registration Questions?
Contact KCARE at 502-425-5000.
Full Course Objectives
  • Describe the role and function of social services in long-term care
  • Explain the responsibilities of a Social Service Designee in resident support
  • Identify the philosophy, settings, and demographics of long-term care
  • Recognize aging processes and psychosocial needs of residents
  • Apply person-centered care principles that support dignity and resident choice
  • Support resident rights, advocacy, communication, and ethical decision-making
  • Understand admission, discharge, and care planning processes
  • Identify documentation needs such as progress notes and intervention records
  • Recognize the importance of teamwork, mediation, problem-solving, and facility/community resources

Requirements

State Availability: This course is offered for students in Kentucky. Requirements and employer expectations may vary by state and facility.
ENROLLMENT
There are no formal prerequisites to enroll in this course. Students may register independently and complete the program fully online.
EDUCATION
No specific degree is required to take this course. Employer expectations may vary by facility and role.
CERTIFICATE
OF COMPLETION
After successful course completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion from KCARE.
EMPLOYER
POLICIES
Hiring standards vary by employer. Confirm employment qualifications and job-specific expectations with your intended employer.
📘
Required Textbook
Click the book image to order
Long Term Care textbook
Long Term Care
Required for course completion
Tap to order
Purchased separately. Price subject to change without notice.

Career Info

Social Service Designees support residents, families, and care teams in Kentucky long-term care settings. They help connect residents with services, support psychosocial well-being, assist with documentation, and help residents maintain dignity, rights, and quality of life.

What Does a Social Service Designee Do?
  • Support residents with social, emotional, and psychosocial needs in long-term care settings
  • Assist with resident adjustment, family communication, and care planning support
  • Help identify resident concerns, preferences, rights, and support needs
  • Document social service notes, interventions, and follow-up as assigned by the facility
  • Coordinate with nursing, activities, administration, families, and outside community resources
Where Social Service Designees Work in Kentucky
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Nursing homes
  • Personal care and residential care settings, depending on employer needs
  • Facilities serving older adults and residents with psychosocial or support-service needs

Job titles and duties may vary by Kentucky employer and facility policy.

Salary -- Kentucky
Estimated average hourly pay: $19.05 per hour
Estimated average annual earnings: $39,630 per year

Wage estimates vary by location, employer, and experience level. Actual earnings are not guaranteed.

Kentucky Pay Snapshot
Occupation Group Social and Human Service Assistants
Estimated Kentucky Employment 4,480
Average Kentucky Wage $19.05/hr (≈ $39,630/yr)
Kentucky wage data is listed under the broader Social and Human Service Assistants occupation group. Actual pay for Social Service Designee roles may vary by facility, region, experience, and job duties.
Career Advancement Path

Students may use Social Service Designee training as a step toward broader resident support, long-term care, or human services roles:

  • Social Service Designee → Lead Social Services Support role
  • Social Service Designee → Social Services Assistant / Coordinator
  • Social Service Designee → Admissions, resident services, or discharge planning support roles
  • Social Service Designee → Long-term care administration pathway, with additional education if required
  • Social Service Designee → Social work or human services degree pathway, if the student chooses further education

This course does not guarantee employment, licensure, or advancement. Employers may set their own education, experience, and credential requirements for social services positions.

Job Outlook

Social Service Designee roles align with resident support and human services work in long-term care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Social and Human Service Assistants to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Kentucky facility demand may vary by region, employer, resident census, and staffing needs.

Sources & Disclosure: Wage and outlook estimates are based on publicly available labor market data and may vary by employer, location, experience, and shift differentials. Wage estimates vary by location, employer, and experience level. Actual earnings are not guaranteed. Referenced sources include KYSTATS -- Employment & Wages by Occupation, KYSTATS -- 2025 Statewide Occupational Employment & Wages Report, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics -- Social and Human Service Assistants outlook.

Instructor

Melanie Fischer, RN
Melanie Fischer, RN
Department Director / Course Instructor

Melanie Fischer is a dedicated healthcare professional with a passion for helping others. Her journey in the healthcare industry began in 1993 when she sought a summer job during high school and landed a housekeeping position at Ellis Good Sam. While she enjoyed her role, Melanie’s desire to make a more meaningful impact on the residents she served led her to pursue a career in healthcare.

In 2003, Melanie achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse (RN), and since 2006, she has been a valuable member of the We Care Online team. Alongside her fulfilling career, Melanie and her husband run a farm in Northwest Kansas, where they grow crops and raise cattle, and they are blessed with four beautiful children. Family time is precious to Melanie, and she relishes moments spent with her husband and kids outside of work.

Having experienced the healthcare industry for many years, Melanie shares valuable advice for those aspiring to enter this field. She emphasizes the importance of patience and treating both residents and co-workers with respect and professionalism. Her personal mantra revolves around prioritizing the needs of others above her own.

At We Care Online, Melanie holds a crucial role in ensuring students have the best online learning experience possible. Her responsibilities include supporting multiple classes and assisting with online and state-related procedures, advertising upcoming classes, and providing support to students and facilities alike.

Always approachable and eager to help, Melanie is happy to answer questions and support you throughout your course experience.

Melanie Fischer, RN
Lori Wagoner
Instructor Assistant

Lori Wagoner is a dedicated and accomplished professional who serves as an Instructor Assistant for Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, Activity Director, and Social Service Designee courses at We Care Online Classes. With a passion for healthcare and education, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.

In her position as an Instructor Assistant, Lori plays a crucial role in supporting students pursuing careers as nurse aides and medication aides. She provides guidance, instruction, and mentorship to help students develop the skills and confidence required for success.

Lori’s healthcare background includes experience as a Nurse Aide and Medication Aide. She is known for her strong commitment to patient safety, clear communication, and helping students understand real-world expectations in healthcare settings.

Lori supports students throughout the course by helping questions get answered and making sure students know what to do next.

FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about enrollment, payment, access, completion, and Social Services Designee/Aide roles.

1 Can I take the course without working at a facility?

Yes. Students may enroll independently and complete the course fully online. Employment at a facility is not required to register.

2 Do I need a textbook?

Yes. This course requires the Long Term Care textbook. It is purchased separately and can be ordered from the textbook section on this page.

3 How do I enroll?

Use the Registration Options button on this page and complete the online registration form. Watch for your confirmation email after registering because it contains important next steps.

4 How do I pay?

Payment options include pay in full, facility invoice, and Afterpay. Available options are shown in the registration section.

5 Do you have a payment plan?

Yes. Afterpay is available for eligible students who want to split tuition into installments.

6 When do I get access to the course?

Access is granted after admin processing. Your course start time begins once your access is granted.

7 How long do I have to finish?

This is a self-paced online course. Your available access period is provided after enrollment, and you may complete the coursework on your own schedule within that time.

8 What is the role of a Social Service Aide in long-term care?

A Social Service Aide helps support residents, families, and the care team by addressing social, emotional, and psychosocial needs. The role may include helping with communication, documentation, advocacy, and access to services and resources.

9 What qualifications are required to become a Social Service Aide?

Qualifications vary by employer and state. In many cases, candidates are expected to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer or require training such as this course.

10 What are some typical duties performed by Social Service Aides?
  • Assist with resident assessments and care planning support
  • Document resident interactions and progress-related information
  • Provide emotional support and social engagement assistance
  • Communicate with families and care team members
  • Advocate for resident needs, preferences, and rights
11 How are challenging situations or family conflicts handled?

Social Service staff are trained to respond professionally and compassionately. They use communication, mediation, and problem-solving skills to address concerns and help maintain a supportive environment for residents and families.

12 What is a person-centered approach in long-term care?

A person-centered approach means care and support are guided by the resident’s preferences, values, goals, and choices. Social Service staff use this approach to help promote dignity, respect, and quality of life.

13 Can a Social Service Aide help with financial or legal matters?

They may provide support and help connect residents or families with appropriate resources, but they do not provide direct legal or financial advice.

14 Will I receive a certification when I finish?

Students who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. Employer requirements and job titles may vary by state and facility.

15 How does a Social Service Aide collaborate with the care team?

Social Service staff work with nurses, therapists, administrators, and other team members by sharing relevant information, supporting care planning, and helping coordinate resident-centered services.

16 What career advancement opportunities are available after this course?

Career paths may include Social Service Aide, Social Services Designee, and other resident support roles. Some students continue into broader social services, case support, or healthcare-related training depending on employer expectations and additional education.

Enrollment Options:

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