Social Worker / Abuse Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Social Services Director

Position Summary:

The Social Worker / Abuse Coordinator is responsible for providing medically related social services to residents and families, ensuring the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. This role serves as the facility’s  Abuse Coordinator , ensuring timely and appropriate response to allegations of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Social Worker provides one-on-one interventions, group sessions, emotional support, care coordination, and advocacy, while actively participating as a member of the facility’s management team and reporting directly to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Resident Support & Interventions

• Conduct psychosocial assessments for new admissions and provide ongoing updates as required.

• Provide  individual counseling/interventions and group sessions to residents addressing adjustment, emotional support, grief, and coping needs.

• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT).

• Advocate for resident needs, preferences, and rights during care conferences.

Abuse Coordinator Responsibilities

• Serve as the facility’s  Abuse Coordinator , ensuring immediate reporting, investigation, and documentation of any allegation of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.

• Coordinate with state agencies, administration, and nursing leadership to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Provide education and training to staff on abuse prevention, identification, and reporting protocols.

• Maintain confidential abuse records and ensure timely follow-up on all investigations.

Care Coordination & Discharge Planning

• Coordinate discharge planning and community service referrals (home care, hospice, alternative living arrangements, Medicaid/Medicare applications, etc.).

• Collaborate with hospitals, physicians, and community agencies to ensure smooth care transitions.

Grievance Handling & Resident Rights

• Receive, investigate, and document resident/family grievances; work toward resolution.

• Educate residents and families about their rights, available services, and facility policies.

• Act as liaison between residents, families, staff, and external agencies.

Compliance & Documentation

• Complete and maintain psychosocial documentation per facility, state, and federal standards.

• Assist with completion of MDS sections related to social services.

• Ensure strict adherence to HIPAA and CMS guidelines.

Leadership & Team Participation

• Attend facility manager meetings and contribute to interdisciplinary decision-making.

• Report directly to the  Executive Director with updates on resident needs, abuse reporting, and social service programs.

• Provide staff support and education on psychosocial issues, behavior management, and abuse prevention.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master’s degree (MSW) preferred.

• Licensure: State licensure/certification as required.

• Experience: Prior experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or geriatric social work preferred. Abuse reporting/coordination experience highly valued.

• Skills: Strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills; excellent documentation and communication skills; ability to conduct both individual and group sessions; knowledge of CMS, state regulations, and community resources.