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  • This course is by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
  • OBRA-Aligned Social Service Designee / Aide Training accepted by long-term care facilities in most U.S. states
  • 100% Online & Self-Paced — start anytime and complete on your schedule
  • Designed for Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Settings, including required social services functions
  • Covers Federal Requirements, with guidance on facility-level compliance
  • Flexible payment options available
  • Certificate of Completion Issued for employer and personnel file documentation

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 Training – Kansas Course Overview

Our online Social Service Designee Training is designed to help students build the knowledge and skills needed to support residents, families, and care teams in Kansas long-term care settings. Students learn about person-centered care, aging, psychosocial needs, resident rights, documentation, communication, and the role of social services in long-term care.

Kansas-approved course: This course is approved for Kansas Social Service Designees. Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online.
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 the daily responsibilities of social services in Kansas long-term care facilities.
OUTCOME
Preparation for Kansas SSD responsibilities
Build practical knowledge to support residents, families, care planning, and regulatory documentation.
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.

Learning Experience
  • Flexible online course format
  • Self-paced access to course materials
  • Multimedia presentations and interactive quizzes
  • Practical case studies and real-world scenarios
Tip: Watch for your confirmation email after registration. It includes important next steps.
What You’ll Learn
  • Person-centered long-term care
  • Aging processes and psychosocial aspects of care
  • Resident rights and advocacy
  • Admission and discharge processes
  • Communication, teamwork, mediation, and problem-solving
  • State and federal regulations
  • Resident assessment and individualized care planning
  • Progress notes and intervention records
  • Hospice care, Medicare/Medicaid, SRS, and Adult Protective Services
  • Financial planning, legal considerations, and ethical issues
Enrollment Requirements
  • Intended for students preparing for Kansas Social Service Designee roles
  • Computer or tablet with reliable internet access
  • Ability to complete online coursework within the access period
  • Review employer requirements before enrolling
Upon Completion

After successfully completing course requirements, students receive a Certificate of Completion from We Care Online. This course is approved for Kansas Social Service Designees.

Questions?
Call 888-932-2501 ext 102
Full Course Objectives
  • Explain the role and function of social services in long-term care
  • Describe the responsibilities of a Kansas Social Service Designee
  • Apply person-centered care principles in resident support
  • Identify psychosocial needs related to aging and long-term care
  • Support resident rights, advocacy, and ethical decision-making
  • Understand admission, discharge, and care planning processes
  • Complete documentation such as progress notes and intervention records
  • Recognize legal, financial, Medicare/Medicaid, SRS, APS, and hospice-related considerations
  • Use communication, teamwork, mediation, and problem-solving skills in care settings

Requirements

Course Requirements

State Availability: This course is offered for students in AL, CA, ID, MN, NH, NM, ND, OH, TN, WA, WV, WI, and WY. 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 We Care Online.
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

Career Info – Social Service Designee (Kansas)

Social Service Designees in Kansas support residents in long-term care by assisting with psychosocial needs, communication, care planning support, documentation, and coordination of services that promote dignity and quality of life.

What Does a Social Service Designee Do?
  • Support residents and families with emotional and social needs
  • Assist with documentation such as progress notes and intervention records
  • Help uphold resident rights and person-centered care practices
  • Support care planning and interdisciplinary communication
  • Assist with admission, discharge, and transition processes
Where Social Service Designees Work
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Rehabilitation and post-acute care settings
  • Facilities providing resident support services

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

Salary – Kansas
Estimated hourly pay range: $10.31 – $18.68 per hour
Approximate annual range: ~$21,000 – $39,000 per year

Pay varies based on location, employer, experience, and facility type. (Source: PayScale)

Kansas Pay Snapshot
Entry-level $10–$13/hr
Mid-range $14–$17/hr
Experienced $18+/hr
Ranges reflect general Kansas estimates and may vary by employer and experience.
Career Advancement Path

Social Service Designee training can support advancement within long-term care and resident services roles:

  • Social Service Aide → Social Service Designee
  • SSD → Expanded social services responsibilities
  • SSD → Admissions or resident services roles
  • SSD → Care coordination or case-support pathways
  • SSD → Additional healthcare or social services training

Advancement depends on employer expectations, experience, and additional education or training.

Job Outlook

Demand for social services support roles in long-term care continues as facilities focus on resident well-being, compliance, and care coordination. Opportunities vary by region and employer across Kansas.

Sources & Disclosure: Wage estimates are based on publicly available data and may vary by employer, location, experience, and responsibilities. Source: PayScale. This course awards a Certificate of Completion and does not guarantee employment or job placement.
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

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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