Director of Social Services

Director of Social ServicesLead with Compassion. Advocate with Purpose.At Elderwood at Burlington, we believe exceptional care goes far beyond medical treatment. It includes emotional support, advocacy, dignity, and meaningful human connection. As the Director of Social Services, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring residents and their families are supported throughout every stage of their journey—from admission through discharge and beyond. Your work will directly impact quality of life, helping residents maintain dignity, autonomy, and emotional well-being in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting.If you're a compassionate social work professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, we invite you to bring your leadership and heart to our team.Why Work at Elderwood at Burlington?NEW! Weekly Pay Schedule – get paid faster!Gas Allowance Stipend & Ferry Reimbursement for qualifying commutersComprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision & more401(k) with employer matchPaid time off & holiday packageEmployee Referral Bonus ProgramOpportunities for professional growth and continuing educationSupportive, interdisciplinary team environmentPosition OverviewThe Director of Social Services provides leadership and oversight for the facility's Social Services Department, ensuring residents receive compassionate, person-centered support throughout their stay. This role serves as a resident advocate and key member of the interdisciplinary care team, coordinating services that promote emotional well-being, dignity, safety, and successful care transitions. You will supervise social services staff, guide discharge planning, ensure regulatory compliance, and serve as a trusted resource for residents, families, and community partners.What You'll DoOversee all Social Services functions including admissions, care coordination, transfers, and discharge planningServe as discharge planner and ensure completion of required documentation and screening processesProvide direct social work services to assigned residents and familiesLead care plan meetings and collaborate with nursing, therapy, and interdisciplinary teamsSupervise, mentor, and evaluate Social Services staffSupport residents and families through complex emotional and care-related transitionsEnsure residents' rights, dignity, and advocacy needs are upheld at all timesCoordinate PASARR Level II reviews and other regulatory requirementsMaintain required documentation and ensure departmental compliance with all regulationsCollaborate with community partners, ombudsman programs, and external agenciesSupport staff education on resident rights, abuse reporting, and social services processesContribute to a culture of respect, compassion, and resident-centered careWe're Looking For Someone Who Is...Compassionate, patient, and deeply committed to resident advocacyA strong communicator who builds trust with families and team membersConfident leading teams and guiding difficult conversationsOrganized and able to manage both clinical and regulatory responsibilitiesEmotionally grounded and steady in complex or sensitive situationsPassionate about improving quality of life for older adultsAt Elderwood, our mission is People Caring for People. In this leadership role, you will be the voice, advocate, and support system for residents and families—helping ensure every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion throughout their stay.ResponsibilitiesAssumes responsibility for admission process for new residents as described in Section B of the Social Services Department Manual.Serves as the Unit Social Worker for designated residents as described in Section B of the Social Services Department Manual, or delegates this responsibility according to current staffing pattern.Serves as the Discharge Planner of the facility as described in Section B of the Social Services Manual; completes SCREEN upon discharge of resident.Coordinates PASARR Level II Annual Review of residents.Implements and oversees the policies and procedures of the Social Services Department in the areas of admission, social work, transfer and discharge services.Participates in development of a comprehensive, inter-disciplinary health care and discharge plan for residents; attends Resident Care Planning and Resident/ Family Care Plan Review meetings and informs other disciplines of residents or family members who plan to attend.Provides support and assistance to the Unit Social Worker in work with residents and families.Supervises and evaluates the performances of the social services staff.Works with the Social Work Consultant in matters of social services intervention or consultation.Ensures all necessary documentation required for the Social Services Department.Interprets to the professional staff of the facility the purpose and objectives of the Social Services Department.Explains the Bill of Rights for Residents and Resident Abuse Reporting at General Orientation meetings, as scheduled.Coordinates facility cooperation with the Ombudsman.From $67,860 – Up to $88,218/yearQualificationsBaccalaureate Degree in social work or a related field from an accredited institution.Casework experience required.Casework with the elderly or work in a supervisory capacity requiring initiative and responsiveness to the needs of others preferred.Valid Driver's License and clean driving record required.Ability to meet the public easily, handle problems diplomatically, and cooperate with other staff members necessary.Evidence of professional growth, continuing education and community involvement considered.This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.EOE StatementWE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.