Director of Social Services
Position Overview
Heritage Grove Estates is seeking a compassionate, organized, and experienced Social Services Director to lead the social services function within our skilled nursing community. The Social Services Director is responsible for supporting the psychosocial well-being, rights, preferences, and quality of life of our residents.
Key Responsibilities
Complete psychosocial assessments for new admissions and update assessments as required
Identify residents' emotional, social, behavioral, and psychosocial needs and coordinate appropriate interventions
Develop and update individualized social services care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team
Provide residents with supportive interventions related to adjustment, grief, loss, family concerns, and other psychosocial needs
Advocate for resident preferences, choices, dignity, independence, and quality of life
Monitor residents for changes in psychosocial well-being and communicate concerns to appropriate members of the care team
Support residents and families through difficult healthcare decisions and transitions
Coordinate discharge planning with residents, families, nursing, therapy, physicians/providers, and other interdisciplinary team members
Identify appropriate community resources and services to support safe resident transitions
Assist with referrals for home health, hospice, transportation, durable medical equipment, community services, alternative living arrangements, and other resources as appropriate
Assist in addressing barriers that could interfere with a safe and successful discharge
Develop positive and professional relationships with residents and their families
Serve as a resource and liaison between residents, families, facility staff, and leadership
Aid families in navigating concerns related to adjustment, care transitions, resident needs, and facility services
Identify opportunities to improve resident and family satisfaction
Follow up on concerns to help ensure appropriate resolution
Collaborate with facility leadership to promote a resident-centered culture where individuals feel heard, respected, and cared for
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete social services documentation in accordance with facility requirements and applicable regulations
Support facility survey readiness and participate in regulatory surveys as appropriate
Participate in audits, corrective action plans, and quality improvement initiatives related to social services
Maintain compliance with HIPAA, CMS requirements, Kansas requirements, facility policies, and professional standards
Serve as the facility's primary resource regarding social services and psychosocial resident needs
Participate in facility leadership and interdisciplinary meetings
Collaborate closely with the Administrator, Director of Nursing, MDS, Admissions, Therapy, Activities, Dietary, and other department leaders
Provide education and guidance to staff regarding resident rights, psychosocial needs, communication, behavior management, and related topics
Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives
Identify trends involving grievances, resident concerns, psychosocial needs, or discharge barriers and communicate findings to facility leadership
Promote a professional, compassionate, and solution-focused approach to resident and family concerns
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or another applicable human-services field preferred; education and qualifications must meet applicable requirements for the position
Education and qualifications must meet applicable requirements for the position
Education and qualifications must meet applicable requirements for the position
Previous experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, senior living, healthcare, or geriatric services strongly preferred
Knowledge of resident rights, psychosocial care, discharge planning, and long-term care practices
Familiarity with CMS requirements, the MDS/RAI process, and skilled nursing regulatory expectations preferred
Strong assessment, documentation, organization, and case-management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution abilities
Ability to communicate effectively with residents experiencing varying cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical needs
Ability to manage multiple priorities and sensitive situations professionally
Strong commitment to confidentiality, resident advocacy, and person-centered care
Benefits
Competitive compensation
401(k) retirement plan
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Care Cash Program
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Supportive and collaborative work environment
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
About Us
Heritage Grove Estates proudly serves the Topeka, Kansas community by providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care services. Our mission is to make every resident feel cared for. We are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care while creating an environment where residents are treated with dignity and respect and employees are supported in delivering exceptional service.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Heritage Grove Estates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.