Social Services Director

Job Description:
The primary purpose of this position is to plan,

organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of

the Social Services Department in accordance with

current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines

and regulations, our established policies and

procedures, and as may be directed by the Executive

Director, to assure that the medically related emotional

and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on

an individual basis.

Essential Job Functions Duties and Responsibilities

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Social Services Functions

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1. Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and

direct the social service programs of this facility.

2. Assist in the development, administering, review and

coordinating of department policies and procedures for

the identification of medically related social and

emotional needs of the resident.

3. Develop and review written care plans (preliminary

and comprehensive) for each resident that identifies the

problems/needs of the resident and the goals to be

accomplished for each problem/need identified.

4. Participate in community planning related to the

interests of the facility and the services and needs of

the resident and family.

5. Participate in discharge planning, development and

implementation of social care plans and resident

assessments.

6. Involve the resident/family in planning social

service programs when possible.

7. Assist in arranging transportation to other

facilities when necessary.

8. Refer resident/families to appropriate social service

agencies when the facility does not provide the services

or needs of the resident.

9. Provide information to resident/families as to

Medicare/Medicaid, and other financial assistance

programs available to the resident.

10. Provide consultation to members of our staff,

community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs

and problems of the resident through the development of

social service programs.

11. Coordinate social service activities with other

departments as necessary.

12. Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made

by authorized government agencies. Review and develop a

plan of correction for social service deficiencies noted

during survey inspections and provide a written copy of

such to the Executive Director.

13. Review departmental complaints and grievances from

personnel and make written reports to the Executive

Director of action(s) taken.

14. Ensure that social service progress notes are

informative and descriptive of the services provided and

of the resident’s response to the service.

15. Maintain a reference library of written material,

laws, etc., necessary for complying with current

standards and regulations, and that will provide

assistance in maintaining quality social service.

16. Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff,

as well as other related departments in planning social

service programs and activities.

17. Participate in regularly scheduled reviews of

resident discharge plans.

18. Meet with social services personnel, on a regularly

scheduled basis, and solicit advice from

inter‑department managers concerning the operation of

the social services department, assist in identifying

and correcting problem areas, and/or the improvement of

services.

19. Encourage the resident/family to participate in the

development and review of his/her plan of care.

20. Ensure that all social services personnel are aware

of the care plan and that care plans are used in

providing daily social services to the resident.

21. Review nurses’ notes to determine if the care plan

is being followed. Report problem areas to the DONS.

Personnel Functions

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1. Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and

selection of social services personnel.

2. Determine departmental staffing requirements

necessary to meet the social service department’s needs,

and assign a sufficient number of social services

personnel for each tour of duty.

3. Schedule department work hours (including vacation

and holiday schedules), personnel, work assignments,

etc., to expedite work.

4. Assist in staff development. Formally and informally

monitor performance personnel and ensure

adjustments/corrections are made by using coaching,

counseling, and discipline methods. Work with the

Executive Director to resolve staff performance issues

including those that may lead to termination.

5. Develop and participate in the planning, conducting,

scheduling of timely in‑service and orientation training

classes that provide instructions on “how to do the

job,” and ensure well‑educated social services

department.

Equipment and Supply Functions

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1. Recommend to the Administrator/Executive Director the

equipment and supply needs of the department. Place

orders for equipment and supplies as necessary or as may

be required.

2. Assist in preparing and planning the social services

department’s budget for food, equipment, supplies, and

labor and submit to the Executive Director for review,

recommendations, and approval.

3. Maintain current written records of department

expenditures and assure that adequate financial records

and cost reports are submitted to the

Administrator/Executive Director upon request or as

necessary.

4. Make departmental adjustments in order to conform to

approved budget, and/or as dictated by an analysis of

the monthly operating statement.

Job Requirements:
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions,

follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism.

Must be able to deal tactfully with personnel,

residents, family members, visitors, government

agencies/personnel, and the general public. Must be able

to work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset,

and potentially hostile people within the facility. Must

be able to speak, write and understand English in a

manner that is sufficient for effective communication

with supervisors, employees, residents, and families.

Education and Experience

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Bachelors degree from an approved school of Social Work,

a licensed nurse with social services experience, or

applicable education and experience which meets state

requirements.

Prefer experience in a supervisory capacity in a

hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other

related medical facility.

Licensing/Certifications

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Must poses a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical

Social Worker, or Licensed Nurse certification.