Ballard Center | Seattle, Washington
Salary: $80160.40 - $83,200, based on experience and licensure
The best Social Services Directors don't just complete assessments or coordinate discharges.
They calm worried families.
They advocate for residents who can't always advocate for themselves.
They bring order to complicated situations, help people navigate difficult transitions, and make sure every resident is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.
If that sounds like why you chose this profession, we'd love to meet you.
At Ballard Center, you'll be more than a department head—you'll be a trusted leader, an essential member of our interdisciplinary team, and someone whose ideas genuinely help shape the future of our facility.
We believe great resident care starts with great people.
That's why we're committed to creating a workplace where every department works together, every voice is respected, and everyone is focused on one goal—helping our residents live their best lives.
When you join Ballard Center, you'll find:
A collaborative leadership team that values your expertise
Direct access to the Administrator and executive leadership
An interdisciplinary team that works together—not in silos
The opportunity to improve processes instead of simply maintaining them
A department where your ideas are welcomed and your leadership matters
A culture built around teamwork, compassion, accountability, and continuous improvement
We know the work isn't always easy.
But we also know it's incredibly rewarding when you have the right people beside you.
You've probably been the one who:
Helped a nervous family finally feel at peace with a care decision.
Coordinated a complicated discharge that everyone thought would fall apart.
Advocated for a resident whose voice wasn't being heard.
Worked through difficult conversations with empathy, professionalism, and patience.
Noticed subtle changes in a resident before anyone else did.
That's the kind of work we value.
Because behind every successful care plan is someone who truly understands people.
As our Social Services Director, you'll lead the psychosocial and discharge planning program for our 142-bed skilled nursing facility.
You'll report directly to the Administrator and serve as a valued member of the facility leadership team, helping guide resident-centered decisions every day.
Complete psychosocial assessments
Develop individualized psychosocial care plans
Assist residents as they adjust to placement
Facilitate family meetings and care conferences
Support residents and loved ones through difficult life transitions
Coordinate safe, successful discharges
Partner with hospitals, home health agencies, HCS, DDA, assisted living communities, adult family homes, hospice providers, and community organizations
Ensure residents have the resources they need for successful transitions
Protect resident rights and dignity
Manage grievances and follow-up
Support Resident Council initiatives
Coordinate advance directives, POLST documentation, guardianship, and representative payee needs
Complete MDS Section Q referrals
Coordinate PASRR Level I and II requirements
Maintain compliance with federal regulations and Washington State requirements
Manage transfer, discharge, and bed-hold notices
Coordinate Ombudsman and DSHS notifications
Participate in survey readiness and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI)
Work closely with nursing, rehabilitation, providers, psychiatric services, and families to support residents experiencing behavioral health challenges using trauma-informed, resident-centered approaches.
As the leader of the Social Services department, you'll oversee and mentor our Social Services Assistant, fostering a collaborative, resident-centered team that delivers exceptional support to residents and families.
You'll provide day-to-day guidance, help prioritize departmental responsibilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and create an environment where your team can grow professionally while delivering outstanding service.
Working closely with facility leadership, you'll have the opportunity to strengthen department processes, improve resident outcomes, and help shape the future of Social Services at Ballard Center.
Success isn't measured by paperwork alone.
It's measured by residents and families who feel supported, respected, and heard.
In this role, success means:
Residents receive compassionate, individualized support.
Families know who to call and trust the answers they receive.
Discharges are coordinated safely and efficiently.
Regulatory requirements are completed accurately and on time.
Survey readiness is maintained year-round—not just before survey.
The Social Services department is viewed as an essential partner across the entire facility.
Bachelor's degree in: Social Work, Human Services, or a related field
Two or more years of experience in skilled nursing or post-acute care social services
Experience leading or supporting a Social Services department
Knowledge of:
Experience using PointClickCare or another electronic medical record
MSW
Washington credential (LSWAIC, LASW, or LICSW)
Supervisory experience
Survey and Plan of Correction experience
Most importantly...
We're looking for someone who leads with compassion, communicates with confidence, stays organized under pressure, and believes every resident deserves exceptional care.
We're committed to helping our team grow.
We offer:
Continuing education opportunities
CEU and license renewal reimbursement
Leadership development
Career advancement opportunities throughout our organization
Need access to your earnings before payday?
With UKG Wallet, you can access earned wages when you need them.
We're proud to serve the Ballard community with compassionate, high-quality skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.
Every day, our team works together to improve lives—not just through exceptional clinical care, but by creating an environment where residents feel respected, supported, and at home.
We're building something special, and we'd love for you to be part of it.
Not every great Social Services Director is actively searching for a new position.
If you're simply curious about the opportunity, we'd be happy to have a confidential conversation—no résumé or application required.
We'd love to tell you more about our team, our residents, and where we're headed.
Apply today—or reach out to start the conversation.
Ballard Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Required
-
1 to 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting as a social worker
Required
-
Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field
Preferred
-
Masters or better in Social Work or related field
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
