Social Services Director

Description

Job Summary:

The Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation is seeking a Social Services Director. This role is responsible for overseeing the social, emotional, and psychological well-being of residents within the nursing home. This role involves conducting assessments, providing counseling, ensuring regulatory compliance, facilitating family communication, and coordinating discharge planning to support residents in achieving the highest possible quality of life. The director serves as a liaison between residents, families, staff, and community resources to address psychosocial needs and ensure person-centered care.

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Key Responsibilities:

Resident Support & Advocacy:

· Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments of residents upon admission, quarterly, annually, and as needed based on changes in condition.

· Develop, implement, and update individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.

· Provide crisis intervention, grief counseling, and emotional support for residents and families experiencing adjustment difficulties, loss, or end-of-life concerns.

· Advocate for residents’ rights, ensuring their dignity, independence, and preferences are upheld.

· Address and resolve resident and family concerns, mediating conflicts when necessary.

Discharge Planning & Community Integration:

· Develop and oversee discharge plans, ensuring smooth transitions to home, assisted living, rehabilitation facilities, or other care settings.

· Coordinate services with home health agencies, hospice providers, rehabilitation facilities, and community resources to facilitate continuity of care.

· Educate residents and families on post-discharge resources, including financial assistance programs, Medicaid, Medicare, and veteran benefits.

· Ensure all discharge planning documentation and assessments are completed per state and federal regulations.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation:

· Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) guidelines and nursing home survey requirements.

· Prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections, ensuring all social services policies, resident files, and care plans meet required standards.

· Complete MDS (Minimum Data Set) documentation related to social services, including Section C (Cognitive Patterns), Section D (Mood), and Section Q (Discharge Planning).

· Ensure timely and accurate documentation of resident progress notes, interventions, and changes in condition.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration & Staff Training:

· Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings, morning huddles, and quality improvement initiatives.

· Provide training to nursing and support staff on psychosocial needs, effective communication, dementia care strategies, and resident rights.

· Serve as a consultant to the facility’s leadership team on social work best practices and strategies for improving resident satisfaction.

· Assist in developing policies and procedures that enhance the social and emotional well-being of residents.

Family Engagement & Community Outreach:

· Facilitate regular family meetings, educational workshops, and support groups on topics such as dementia care, grief, and long-term care planning.

· Maintain open lines of communication with families, providing updates on resident progress and addressing concerns.

· Establish partnerships with local agencies, hospitals, religious organizations, and volunteer groups to enhance resident socialization and support.

· Develop and implement community integration programs to maintain resident involvement in meaningful activities and external relationships.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure:

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work (BSW/MSW), Psychology, Gerontology, or a related human services field.

· Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or equivalent, as required by state regulations.

Experience:

· Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in social work, preferably in a skilled nursing facility, long-term care, hospice, or geriatric care setting.

· Experience working with individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, mental health disorders, and end-of-life care is preferred.

· Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare reimbursement systems.

Skills & Abilities:

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with residents, families, staff, and external agencies.

· Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, discretion, and professionalism.

· Knowledge of psychosocial interventions, crisis management, and mental health support strategies.

· Organizational skills to manage multiple resident cases, documentation, and compliance requirements efficiently.

· Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems and documentation software.