Social Services Director

Purpose of Your Job Position

The primary purpose of your position is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Facility’s Social Services Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the ED/Administrator, to assure that the medically related emotional and psychosocial needs of the residents are met and maintained on an individual’s basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the social services programs of the Facility.

• Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations, as well as professional standards, and make recommendations on changes in policies and procedures to the Administrator.

• As the facility designated Abuse Coordinator, Review, coordinate with Executive Director/Administrator and director of nursing and track all concerns, complaints and grievance reports. Make proper and timely notification to DCF, law enforcement, and AHCA reports when warranted. nd make written reports to the Administrator of action(s) taken. Follow Facility’s established Abuse, neglect and exploitation procedures. In-service all staff as directed by ED/Administrator.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the identification of medically related social and emotional needs of the resident.

• Participate in community planning related to the interests of the Facility and the services and needs of the resident and family.

• Participate in discharge planning upon patient admission, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments.(Utilize Journey Home Program form)

• Interview resident and families in a private setting, as necessary.

• Perform administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting such to the Administrator, as required.

• Involve the resident and family in planning social service programs when possible in a private setting.

• Assist in arranging transportation to home and other facilities when necessary.

• Refer resident and families to appropriate social service agencies when the Facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident in a private setting.

• Provide information to resident and families as to Medicare and Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.

• Provide clinical updates to HMO/Insurance company to update on patient rehab status for continued authorization for treatment as needed or required by company.

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

• Assume the authority, responsibility, and accountability of directing the Social Service Department.

• Maintain a quality working relationship with the medical profession and other health related facilities and organizations..

• Coordinate social service activities with other departments, as necessary.

• Make written and oral reports and recommendations to the Administrator concerning the operation of the Social Service Department.

• Develop, implement, and maintain an ongoing quality assurance program for the Social Services Department.

• Participate in Facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies, as necessary or as may be directed.

• Interview residents, or family members, as necessary, in a private setting to obtain social history.

• Assure that social service progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and of the resident’s response to the service.

• Develop and maintain a community and social services referral file of agencies and organizations that provide assistance to residents.

• Involve the resident and family in planning objectives and goals for the resident.

Education and Experience

• A Master’s Degree in social work preferred. Must possess, as a minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in social work, sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or any other specialized intellectual instruction directly related to social work.

• Must have, as a minimum, one (1) year’s experience as a Social Services Director in a SNF or in a similar capacity.

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

• Must be knowledgeable of the rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern nursing care facilities.

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing social services.