Social Services Director

About the Role

The primary purpose of the Social Services Director is to assist in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the overall operation of our facility’s Social Services Department. This role ensures the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are met and maintained on an individual basis, in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Review facility policies and procedures as part of the interdisciplinary team to assure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Participate in reviewing and setting policies concerning resident care and quality of life.
• Participate in developing facility social work policies and quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Understand and meet all government requirements for social service documentation.
• Document progress in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and psychological well-being.
• Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure.
• Work with residents, families, significant others, and staff to provide support, information, and organization for self-advocacy to improve quality of life and care.
• Complete a social history and psychosocial assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies psychosocial needs, goals, and interventions.
• Provide therapeutic interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility.
• Provide support and education to residents, family members, and significant others regarding placement, facility issues, and referrals to appropriate social service agencies.
• Facilitate groups for residents, family members, and significant others as appropriate to their needs.
• Provide clinical interventions to address catastrophic events during a resident’s stay.
• Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services.
• Educate staff regarding the role of the social worker, psychosocial needs of residents, cultural diversity, residents’ rights, and prevention of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.
• Educate residents and families regarding their rights, responsibilities, problem-solving, and available community, health, and social services.
• Supervise students assigned to social services in accordance with school guidelines and monitor their progress.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of experience in social services.
• Long-term care experience is preferred.

Physical Demands

• Required to sit, stand, bend, and walk regularly.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability sufficient for written and verbal communication.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.