Director of Social Services

Director Of Social Services

Golden Age Manor, owned and operated by Polk County, is dedicated to exceptional care for our residents. We are seeking a compassionate Director of Social Services to join our team. This full-time, Monday–Friday position (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) is ideal for a licensed social worker with a genuine passion for supporting older adults and individuals in need. As part of Polk County employment, this role includes full county benefits, including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). If you're committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we'd love to hear from you. This position directs, establishes, and plans the overall processes for the social services division of the facility; coordinates intake admissions and discharge procedures; assessment and care planning; and assists residents and their families.

These duties represent the typical duties and responsibilities assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists in the development and implementation of social services policies and procedures as well as development, implementation, promotion, and refinement of new and existing programs; monitors effectiveness.
• Provides and/or directs the counseling and social services to residents and their families; assist residents and their families in adjusting from a home or hospital setting to a nursing home environment; counsels newly admitted residents and their families discussing problems, needs, and anxieties.
• Complete or assist in completion of various benefit forms such as Medical Assistance, Social Security, VA services and representative payee reports. Provides information, responds to any questions, assists families with financial matters, and obtaining required authorizations for resident care.
• Inform families/guardians on change in resident care level, condition, finances (Medical Assistance expiration, etc.) and personal needs.
• Coordinates intake, admission and discharge procedures. Ensures all required paperwork is properly completed and forwarded to the appropriate personnel.
• Complete a history and assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs for admission/placement and ongoing care. Complete and maintain all documentation required.
• Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies their needs/issues of the resident, the goals to be accomplished for the needs/issues, and the appropriate social worker interventions.
• Respond to residents, families and the public regarding complaints, questions, requests for information, problem resolution and customer service.
• Serve as the lead investigator and grievance officer for facility. Investigate alleged violations of resident rights. Receives and follow up on resident and family concerns adhering to State and Federal reporting requirements during and outside of business hours.
• Ensure or provide counseling interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility, including their social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Complete PASARR (Preadmission Screen and Resident Review) form OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) prior to or at the time of admission to determine appropriateness of placement and/or whether a Level II screen is necessary; refer to Maximus for Level II screen when appropriate. Update annual Pre-Admission Screen and Resident Review (PASARR).
• Complete designated Social Service portion of MDS (Minimum Data Set) according to RAI Manual.
• Ensure Financial & Health Care Power of Attorney's are current and in place and if not, then assist resident with completion of such documents.
• Issue guardianship/court papers to residents regarding upcoming guardianships/protective placement hearings.
• Ensure or provide support, counseling, and education to residents/family members/significant others to assist in their understanding of placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to the appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services.
• Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for different placement or a return to the community.
• Assesses competency needs and referrals to the legal system to determine appropriate action.
• Educate staff within the facility and the psychosocial needs of the residents and their families/significant others including the problems of aging and disability.
• Develop, maintain and utilize a listing of current community resources that are useful to residents and their families/significant others.
• Participate in quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Write and document treatment plans and concerns.
• Understand and meet all requirements for social service documentation.
• Document progress in meeting the needs of residents.
• Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and the wellbeing of each resident.
• Participate in the development of policies and procedures necessary for continuation of care.
• Regularly communicate with medical providers and psychiatrists to meet the individual needs to residents.
• Assists in developing and implementing the facility's marketing program.
• Serves as a liaison between the nursing home and other agencies in providing services and referrals for residents.
• Prepares and conducts personnel in-service meetings on resident rights, issues, abuse and/or other related resident issues.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a closely related Human Services program.
• One year of experience as a Social Worker.
• Valid Wisconsin Social Work License.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.
• Nursing Home experience preferred.

Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered. Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsible for direct supervision of social work assistant.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices) / Working Environment:

• Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
• Ability to work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents. In emergency situations.
• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility.
• Subject to frequent interruptions
• Involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel etc. under all conditions and circumstances.
• May occasionally work beyond normal working hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.

• Integrity/Honesty - Contributes to maintaining the integrity of the organization; displays high standards of ethical conduct and understands the impact of violating these standards on an organization, self, and others; is trustworthy.
• Quality Customer Service and Community Relations - Anticipates and strives to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders (employees, contracted staff, residents, families, and other internal and external clientele). Delivers high-quality services; is committed to continuous improvement. Communicates/Interacts with members of the public and other key stakeholders in a way that elicits positive response and participation, which on occasion, may include interaction either one-on-one or with several stakeholders at one time to present information and/or represent the facility's interests.
• Accountability – Assumes responsibility for successfully accomplishing work objectives and delivering results; setting high standards of performance for self and others.
• Communications – delivers clear, effective communication and takes responsibility for understanding others
• Interpersonal Relations - Develops and maintains effective relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and in different situations; shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness.
• Advisory Assistance – Seeks information to understand problems, expectations and needs of organizational stakeholders, provides accurate and timely guidance. Recommends solutions and serves as advisor and resource to improve process, designs, and management. Supports leadership and staff by planning, preparing, organizing and managing information and materials.
• Budget Administration - Understands the general purpose and benefit of budgeting, the various types of budgeting, and basic budgeting terminology.
• Team Building - Inspires and fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust. Facilitates cooperation and motivates team members to accomplish group goals.
• Self-Management - Organizes and plans for task accomplishment in a way that maximizes efficient performance; establishes and adjusts priorities