Skilled Nursing Facility Social Services Director

The Social Services Director is responsible for overseeing the social services department in a healthcare, long-term care, or assisted living facility. This role ensures that residents receive comprehensive psychosocial support, helping them and their families navigate the emotional, social, and practical aspects of healthcare. The Social Services Director develops and implements care plans, leads discharge planning, and coordinates community resources, all while advocating for residents' rights and well-being. The director also manages the social services team and collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team to ensure holistic care for residents.

• Key Responsibilities:

• Assess the psychosocial, emotional, and practical needs of residents and develop individualized care plans to address these needs.
• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of aging, illness, and long-term care.
• Advocate for residents' rights, ensuring their dignity, autonomy, and preferences are respected.
• Lead the discharge planning process for residents transitioning to other care settings or returning home, ensuring a smooth and safe transition.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team, families, and external agencies to coordinate discharge plans, including home care services, medical equipment, and community resources.
• Ensure all discharge plans are compliant with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and connect residents and families with community resources, such as financial assistance, housing, legal services, and counseling.
• Ensure that residents and their families are aware of available services and how to access them.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all social services assessments, and care plans in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and surveys, ensuring that the social services department meets all regulatory standards.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings, care conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Education: Bachelors degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred. A bachelor's degree in social work (MSW) or a related field is highly preferred.
• Licensure: Active and valid licensure as a Social Worker may be required.
• Experience: A minimum of 1 year experience in a skilled nursing setting as a social worker
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and team management abilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and patient-centered approach.
  • In-depth knowledge of social services regulations, healthcare laws, and residents rights.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary care team.
  • Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems and documentation.
  • Knowledge of community resources and social services available to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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