Director of Social Services

TITLE: Director of Social Services (OSHA Classification 2)

FLSA: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for ensuring that the social and emotional needs of facility residents and their families are addressed whenever possible.

TITLE OF SUPERVISOR: Administrator

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUBORDINATES: Social Workers

POSITION REQUIREMENTS - Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited college/university.
• Must have at least one year of social work experience in a health care facility.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend English; ability to follow oral and written instructions. Strong written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent knowledge of word processing (including Microsoft Office) and other office equipment.
• Ability to work hours as scheduled based on the requirements of the position assignment.

Working Conditions: Works in an appropriately lighted and ventilated environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day, proper body mechanics required.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics/equipment that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

1. Accountability

The demonstrated ability to take responsibility and ownership for the outcomes of actions and decisions with particular emphasis on the quality of services, prudent fiscal management, and high ethical practice. Leadership accountability is characterized by the ability to measure, assess, and improve departmental functions and processes. Includes attending all required and mandatory annual in-services.

2. Change and Flexibility

The demonstrated ability to initiate, support, and implement effective changes to enhance organizational performance with due regard for the organization’s Mission. This competency is characterized by the ability to continuously seek opportunities to create value-driven processes and systems.

3. Communication

The demonstrated ability to present ideas and information in a concise, effective, and interpersonally appropriate manner, through written and oral forms. Recognizes emergencies and responds and/or communicates appropriately. Willingly discusses any problems, needs, or concerns that arise with management.

4. Leadership

The demonstrated ability to proactively envision and implement organizational goals and to align resources to achieve those goals. Leadership is characterized by the ability to effectively communicate, and use critical thinking skills to enhance positive performance by others while assuming the responsibility in supporting the Organization in promoting and supporting positive employee relations and effective communications among facility staff and the awareness for continuous self-development.

5. Partnership / Collaboration

The demonstrated ability to develop and cultivate trusting, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with staff, residents, and families. This competency is characterized by integrity, open communication, and a commitment to win-win strategies.

6. Customer Service

The demonstrated ability to develop and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external customers, including but not limited to coworkers, residents, families, and physicians. Effective customer service behavior is characterized by continually striving to exceed all customer expectations. Service is characterized by responsible and caring stewardship, which assures the dignity of all individuals and the organization’s effectiveness.

7. Teamwork

The demonstrated ability to establish effective relationships with both internal and external customers including but not limited to coworkers, residents, families, and physicians. Willingly assists other personnel if requested. Teamwork is characterized by working toward a shared purpose or goal by collaboration, partnering or cooperating with others.

8. Trust and Respect

The demonstrated ability to be both trustworthy and trusting of others while respecting the needs of all residents, family, and coworkers. Modeling the goals and philosophies expressed in the organization's Mission and Code of Ethics. This competency is characterized by those actions and behaviors that contribute to creating an environment where all individual rights are respected and upheld and are treated equitably and with dignity.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

1. Observe proper safety and sanitary techniques.

2. Exhibits excellent assessment, communication, and counseling skills.

3. Utilizes knowledge of state and federal regulations governing admissions to a nursing facility.

4. Displays strong discharge planning skills.

5. Understands and upholds responsibilities concerning infection control, safety, accident, and fire prevention.

6. Understands and upholds the Resident’s Bill of Rights and holds all resident information confidential.

7. Follow and comply with all State and Federal regulations as well as established Personnel Policies and Procedures.

8. Maintain all pertinent records in a timely, efficient, and confidential manner.

9. Project a professional image always.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Responsible for initiating and maintaining a comprehensive social service program within the facility.

2. Provides services to meet the medically related social and emotional needs of the residents.

3. Handles resident concerns and assists residents in a respectful and non-judgmental manner, fostering independence and self-determination whenever possible.

4. Coordinates family council.

5. Responsible for providing long-term applications resulting from resident changes.

6. Develop a close working relationship with private and public social, health, and welfare resources in the community.

7. Participates in resident care conferences to assist in the implementation of care plans.

8. Performs assessments on new residents to obtain history, establish specific goals, and to complete the appropriate section of the Minimum Data Set (MDS). Writes progress notes according to established schedules.

9. Assists residents and families with adjustments that follow initial placement. Encourages resident participation in facility activities.

10. Identifies and documents changes in affect, behavior, or personality and advises the appropriate personnel.

11. Coordinates discharge planning for the facility.

12. Intervenes in resident conflict situations as necessary and as it pertains to social services.

13. Represents the facility in marketing activities, both internally and externally to include, but not limited to in-service education, public speaking programs, visits to new or potential referral sources, etc.

14. Supervises and assigns duties to social work staff.

15. Performs other related duties and attends meetings as may be deemed necessary by the Supervisor / Administrator and or Director.