Director of Social Services

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and support all Social Services staff, ensuring resident needs are met and documentation is complete and compliant.
• Ensure departmental policies, procedures, and workflows align with Elderwood standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality assurance audits and performance improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with the EAS Policy and Procedure Committee in developing and updating social work policies.
• Act as an advocate for residents’ rights, dignity, and emotional well-being.
• Complete social histories and psychosocial assessments for newly admitted residents.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, including baseline, routine, and discharge care plan meetings.
• Provide or coordinate therapeutic interventions to support resident adjustment, grief, and coping with life transitions.
• Perform cognitive, mood, and behavioral assessments and complete required MDS sections.
• Identify and promote individualized, non-pharmacological interventions to support residents’ psychosocial needs.
• Ensure compliance with Resident Rights, PASARR requirements, transitions of care, and person-centered care planning.
• Complete PASARR screens and review Level II assessments as required.
• Serve as the Resident and Family Grievance Officer, ensuring timely investigation and resolution of concerns.
• Coordinate facility cooperation with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• Participate in ethics committee meetings as needed.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, Elderwood’s Code of Conduct, and all company policies.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with residents and families from admission through discharge.
• Facilitate family meetings and interdisciplinary conferences as requested.
• Assist residents and families with advance directives and care planning.
• Make referrals and coordinate services with external providers, including hospice, counseling services, psychologists, psychiatrists, and community agencies.
• Absorb and coordinate services with external providers, including hospice, counseling services, psychologists, psychiatrists, and community agencies.
• Assist residents with accessing personal items, communication supports, financial resources, and legal referrals as appropriate.
• In the absence of a Director of Admissions, collaborate with the Business Office to support the admissions process.
• Complete or oversee pre-admission and admission checklists.
• Ensure room readiness and coordination of necessary equipment prior to admission.
• Participate in census and admissions meetings.
• Support resident and family satisfaction surveys.
• Serve as a champion of the Ambassador Program to promote exceptional customer service.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate Degree in social work or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Casework experience required.
• Casework with the elderly or work in a supervisory capacity requiring initiative and responsiveness to the needs of others preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record required.
• Ability to meet the public easily, handle problems diplomatically, and cooperate with other staff members necessary.
• Evidence of professional growth, continuing education and community involvement considered.