Director of Social Services

Summary/Objective In keeping with our organizations goals, the primary purpose of the Social Services Director is to assist the Administrator to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of our Social Services Department. Success in this position is measured by compliance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility. Additionally, success is measured through patient quality outcomes.

Job Duties

Participate in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating and directing of the social service programs of the facility

Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff and other related departments in planning social services

Develop and maintain a good working rapport with intra-department personnel, other departments within the facility, and outside community health, welfare and social agencies, to ensure that social service programs are properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents

Assist in developing, administering, and coordinating department policies and procedures

Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations and make recommendations for changes in facility policies and procedures to the department director or Administrator

In the absence of the department director, serve on various facility committees as he/she may be appointed by the Administrator

Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for identifying the medically related social and emotional needs of the patient/resident

Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the patient/resident and family

Participate in resident assessments, development and implementation of social care plans, and discharge planning

Interview patients/residents/families as necessary in a private setting.

Involve the patient/resident/family in planning social service programs, to the extent possible

Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary

Refer resident/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide for the services or needs of the patient/resident

Provides information to patient/resident/families regarding Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs available to resident

Informs the resident/family of the patients/residents personal and property rights

Assist in determining appropriate departmental staffing, evaluates employee performance and makes recommendations to the department director or Administrator concerning wage and salary adjustments, hiring, terminations, transfers, etc.

Provide consultation to members of facility staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the patient/resident through the development of social service programs

Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of directing the Social Services department

Maintain an excellent working relationship with medical professionals and other health related facilities and organizations

Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.

Review and evaluate the departments workforce and makes recommendations to the department director or Administrator.

Maintain confidentiality of all resident health information to ensure resident rights are protected

Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary

Assists in setting appropriate standards for department personnel

Review complaints and grievances and makes necessary oral/written reports to the department manager or Administrator

Recommend department equipment and supply needs to the department director or Administrator

Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the department director or Administrator concerning the operation of the social service department.

Perform charting duties as necessary

Work with emotional needs including assisting resident/family with anxiety and stress caused by illness and admission to the facility, difficulties in coping with residual physical disabilities, fears related to helplessness and death and the need for institutional and specialized care

Supervisory Responsibility

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position. However, the position requires communication with and oversight of nursing home staff to ensure that specific policies, procedures, and programs are implemented correctly.

Required Education and Experience

Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Social Worker in the State, or otherwise be permitted to serve in this role pursuant to federal and state rules, laws, and regulations

An associate degree in a human services field or related social services experience

Minimum 1 year experience in a human services field in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility

Required Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrate leadership, organizational skills, and ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude

Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously

Display attention to detail

Interact with residents, families, and the community in a professional manner

Ability to engage in active listening (giving full attention to those speaking), critical thinking (using logic and reasoning to identify strengths/weaknesses of alternative solutions), and active learning (understanding implications of new information during problem-solving situations)

Exceptional judgment and active foresight

Self-motivated and self-directed

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This position is within a healthcare facility that operates every day. Although this is generally a Monday through Friday position, there will be scheduled times of work on the weekends and holidays. Significant events can occur at any given time that require working. Ongoing direction and support may be necessary if systems are not properly implemented, continuously improved, and monitored.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position generally will require physical activity. It may at times require walking to various locations within a facility. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and may require some use of machinery consistent with the job duties.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position at times requires the ability to walk, sit, use hands, reach, climb, stoop, bend, kneel, twist, and lift as necessary.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.