Social Service

Gardner Heights is a 110-bed skilled nursing community in Shelton, CT, known for its excellent reputation and strong census. Specializing in secure dementia care, long-term living, and short-term rehabilitation, Gardner Heights is part of Apple Rehab—a family-owned company with local leadership in Avon, CT. Our decades of staff longevity ensure outstanding resident care outcomes.

About the role

The Social Services role is responsible for implementing and documenting a resident’s plan of care related to social and emotional needs in the electronic medical record. You will collaborate with nursing, MDS, and rehabilitation departments to facilitate discharge plans and educate residents, families, and staff on residents’ personal, property, and health service rights. The role also involves maintaining updated community resources, resolving reported concerns, and providing timely referrals to agencies for assistance (e.g., conservatorship or Medicaid applications). Accessibility to residents, families, and staff is essential.

Responsibilities

• Implement and document a resident’s plan of care for social/emotional needs in the electronic medical record.
• Collaborate with nursing, MDS, and rehabilitation departments to facilitate discharge plans.
• Educate residents, families, and staff on residents’ rights, including personal, property, and health service rights.
• Maintain updated resources for residents and families regarding community services and agencies.
• Record, resolve, and follow up on reported concerns with appropriate documentation.
• Provide timely referrals to agencies for resident/family assistance (e.g., conservatorship, Medicaid).
• Remain easily accessible to residents, families, and staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited program in Social Work or a related field.
• Previous experience in a long-term care facility and familiarity with current Requirements of Participation regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of admissions, discharge procedures, residents’ rights, and documentation requirements under current regulations.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Innovative problem-solving to address diverse resident needs while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
• Must have a vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Patience, tact, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude toward residents and their support networks.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Professional communication with residents, staff, and family members.

Benefits

Apple Rehab offers an attractive benefits package for employees working 30 hours or more per week, including:

• Scholarships and career growth opportunities
• 4 weeks of paid time off
• 7 paid holidays
• Health insurance benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Call-a-Doc / 24-7 MD telephone service
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• 401K retirement program
• Longevity credit