Social Services Director

Overview The Director of Social Services is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Social Services Department in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. The position ensures that residents achieve and maintain the highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well‑being while supporting families and the interdisciplinary care team. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Resident Care Complete psychosocial assessments for all admissions. Develop and update individualized care plans. Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings. Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families. Assist residents with adjustment to the facility and changes in health status. Advocate for resident rights and quality of life. Admission and Discharge Planning Coordinate admissions and transitions of care. Develop and implement safe discharge plans. Arrange community resources and post‑discharge services. Communicate with hospitals, hospice agencies, home health providers, and community organizations. Family and Resident Relations Serve as the primary contact for social service concerns. Conduct family meetings as needed. Assist with conflict resolution and grievance management. Educate families regarding resident care, advance directives, and available resources. Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with CMS, state regulations, and facility policies. Maintain accurate and timely documentation. Participate in surveys and assist with plans of correction. Monitor compliance with resident rights and abuse prevention policies. Interdisciplinary Team Participation Attend daily clinical meetings and morning stand‑up. Collaborate with nursing, therapy, activities, dietary, and administration. Assist with behavior management and psychosocial interventions. Support Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives. Case Management Coordinate referrals for: Hospice Dialysis Mental health services PASRR‑related needs Guardianship and legal services Community assistance programs Leadership and Management Supervise Social Services staff, if applicable. Develop departmental policies and procedures. Maintain department records and performance indicators. Participate in budgeting and resource planning. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field required. Master’s degree in Social Work preferred. Experience Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in a skilled nursing facility or long‑term care setting. Previous supervisory experience preferred. Licensure/Certification Current Social Work license if required by state law. Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and long‑term care regulations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong understanding of CMS and state survey requirements. Excellent communication and conflict‑resolution skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Knowledge of discharge planning and community resources. Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR). Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional ethics. Physical Requirements Frequent walking throughout the facility. Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to respond to resident and family emergencies. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Timeliness of psychosocial assessments. Successful discharge planning outcomes. Family and resident satisfaction scores. Survey compliance and deficiency prevention. Grievance resolution timeliness. Care plan participation and documentation accuracy. For a SNF/LTC environment, the Director of Social Services is often one of the most visible department heads, working closely with the Administrator, DON, Admissions, MDS, and Therapy teams to ensure residents’ psychosocial needs are met while maintaining regulatory compliance. #J-18808-Ljbffr