Director of Social Services

About the Role

The Director of Social Services plays an integral role in the success of our team and communities, creating a place our residents are proud to call home. This position provides strategic leadership, establishes departmental standards, and exercises independent judgment in managing operations, staffing, and budgetary performance of the Social Services Department. The role ensures the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are met on an individual basis, in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Interview and complete written assessments of each patient within five days after admission.
• Develop a plan, including goals and treatment, for social work services for each patient who needs such services, with participation from the patient, family, licensed healthcare practitioner, director of nursing services, and other appropriate staff.
• Provide weekly progress reports in the patient's health record, written and signed by the social worker, social work assistant, or social work aide.
• Participate in regular staff conferences with attending licensed healthcare practitioners, the director of nursing services, and other appropriate personnel.
• Plan and implement discharge processes for each patient.
• Conduct orientation and in-service education for staff members on all shifts at least monthly.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Personnel Management

• Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of personnel.
• Schedule department work hours, including vacation and holiday schedules, and assign personnel to tasks.
• Support staff development through coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to resolve staff performance issues.
• Develop and participate in planning, conducting, and scheduling in-service training, on-the-job training, and orientation programs.

Requirements

• Ability to make independent decisions and follow instructions.
• Tactful communication with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the public.
• Experience working with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset individuals.
• Effective communication skills for interactions with supervisors, team members, residents, and families.
• Must meet all applicable state and federal requirements for the position.
• Bachelor of Social Work degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• One or more years of social work experience in a healthcare setting.
• One or more years of supervisory experience.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has direct reports and supervisory requirements.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Potential and/or direct exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants, and hazardous chemicals.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while working on a computer and telephone.
• Walking the property for tours, meetings with prospects, and lease signings.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Alternating between standing and sitting.

Cognitive Requirements

• Ability to execute tasks independently.
• Clear and effective communication skills.
• General computer literacy.

Environmental Requirements

• Exposure to ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment.

Service Standards

Employees commit to providing courteous, responsive, and high-quality service to residents by following the principles of the Platinum Service® program, characterized by high responsiveness delivered flawlessly, timely, and with care.