Director of Social Services

May 27, 2020

The Director of Social Services works closely with the Campus Administrator, Director of Nursing Services, the clinical leadership team, caregivers and family to provide for the social service needs of residents in the Skilled Nursing Facility. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, developing and directing the overall operation of the Skilled Nursing Facility’s Social Services Department in accordance with current Federal, State and Local standards, guidelines, regulations and our established procedures. The Director of Social Services may be directed by the Director of Nursing Services and/or the Campus Administrator to assure that the medically related emotional and social need of the residents are met and maintained on an individual basis. They are also responsible for the management of all social services staff in the Skilled Nursing Facility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Supervise and manage the Social Workers; commend, coach, evaluate and discipline staff as appropriate, while documenting and coordinating such action with the Campus Administrator and the Human Resources (HR) Department.
2. Responsible for the overall staffing needs of the Social Services Team including scheduling and approving days off. Assure proper staffing during periods of absences. Assist with recruitment in coordination with HR and recommend staffing needs and/or changes to the Campus Administrator. Orient and train new and current staff as appropriate.
3. Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the social service programs of the Skilled Nursing facility. Develop new programs, policies and procedures to enhance the quality of care and social services for residents and their family members and assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of residents are identified, met and maintained.
4. Direct initial and periodic assessments of the social service and psychosocial needs of each resident. Ensure all required documentation and charting is complete and accomplished within mandated time frames. Ensure confidentiality of resident privacy and HIPAA protected information.
5. Participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments. Plan and facilitate Resident Care Conferences and continuously encourage input from residents and their families regarding the resident care plan. Initiate and/or participate in resident and/or family conferences as necessary to address specific issues or problems.
6. Other duties as assigned (Positively and professionally represent Wesley to residents, family members, physicians, caregivers and the community, develop and maintain a referral file of community and social services agencies and organizations that provide assistance to residents, keep abreast of current professional standards, federal and state regulations, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
• Education Background
1. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work required.
2. Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) preferred.

• Licensure, Registration, Certification
1. Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) registration.

• Special Training/Skills
1. Demonstrated ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language to communicate with all residents and their family members/DPOAs.
2. Demonstrated ability to collaborate, lead, supervise and provide excellent customer service.
3. Demonstrated program planning, implementation and management skills.
4. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents serviced.
5. Intermediate computer skills and the ability to train others in system usage are preferred.
6. Must have the ability to work under stress and to make independent decisions.
7. Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
8. Must have working knowledge of applicable laws, Federal, State and Local regulations governing Skilled Nursing Facilities and stay current with changes

• Work Experience
1. Minimum two (2) years’ experience in a supervisory capacity in a hospital, nursing care facility or other related medical facility.
2. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working closely with elderly adults in a senior living environment or the equivalent work with elderly adults.

• Physical Demands
1. Ability to walk three to four hours per day.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
3. Ability to assist with transfers, reaching, lifting and pushing.
4. Ability to sit for a period of time working at a computer terminal.
5. Ability to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

INFECTIOUS RISK CATEGORY
SOME RISK: Likely to have some occupational exposure with patient’s blood or other body fluids. May require protective equipment to be worn during some aspects of direct patient care.