Director of Social Work

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Social Services

Cherry Brook Health Care Center, a division of New Horizons, Inc., is a 100 bed skilled nursing facility in Canton, CT. Our dedicated staff provides individualized care with compassion, dignity and respect. Our facility has spacious private and semiprivate rooms, a well-appointed dining area, comfortable lounges and a beautiful landscaped outdoor terrace.

Cherry Brook’s mission is to provide the highest quality of care and customer service to our residents and their families by using best practices, highly trained staff and innovative programs and services designed to meet their needs.

PURPOSE OF YOUR POSITION:

The primary purpose or your position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the Social Service Department in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, that govern our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Take ownership of the social services department and direct all aspects within the scope of the social work role.
• Coordinate and monitor resident care conferences.
• Work with individual residents, responsible parties and families towards adjustment to placement and discharge planning.
• Complete comprehensive documentation in a timely manner.
• Serve as a resident advocate, and in that role, coordinate personal needs.
• Utilize community resources appropriately.
• Support staff in relation to resident related issues.
• Coordinate admissions and discharges in the absence of the Admissions Coordinator.
• Demonstrate correct safety techniques.
• Contribute to and promote positive resident and family relations.
• Demonstrate leadership skills.
• Maximize the potential of each employee supervised.
• Fully complies with all federal and state laws and standards of ethical and professional conduct applicable to their position.
• Knowledge about laws and regulations relating to job responsibilities, e.g., EEO, OSHA, patient rights, fraud/abuse laws.
• Exhibits ethical/moral responsibility in problem resolution and decision-making.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility.
• Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during work hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, families, visitors, staff, etc.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing service, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends, and holidays, in other positions temporarily when necessary. Scheduled hours may change to meet facility needs.
• Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for social service activities.

EDUCATION:

Must possess, as a minimum a BSW from an approved school of Social Work.

EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of two (2) years Social Work experience in a supervisory capacity in a hospital, skilled facility, or other health care related field preferred.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, governmental agencies, personnel and general public.
• Must be knowledgeable in the Privacy Rule and ensure all staff comply with facility privacy practices policies and procedures.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise professional and non-professional personnel.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm, as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level in which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing Social Service practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition/incident to the Interdisciplinary Team as appropriate.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to assist in the evacuation of residents in emergencies.

EEO STATEMENT:

New Horizons, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. New Horizons, Inc. considers applicants for employment without regard to and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does New Horizons, Inc. discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.