Position Summary
The Social Services Director is responsible for planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the Social Services Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local regulations governing skilled nursing facilities. The Social Services Director assists residents and their families in addressing psychosocial, emotional, financial, and discharge planning needs while promoting the highest practicable level of well-being and quality of life.
QualificationsRequired:
- Social Services Designee (SSD) Certificate or equivalent certification as required by state and federal regulations.
- Minimum one (1) year experience working in a healthcare setting, preferably a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF).
- Knowledge of CMS regulations, resident rights, discharge planning, and psychosocial assessments.
- Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively with residents, families, interdisciplinary team members, and community agencies.
- Proficient in electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
- Two (2) years of experience in long-term care or post-acute care.
- Experience with Medi-Cal, Medicare, and community resource coordination.
- Discharge Planning Experience
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesResident Services
- Complete psychosocial assessments for residents upon admission, quarterly, annually, and as needed.
- Identify residents' emotional, social, financial, and environmental needs.
- Develop, implement, and update individualized care plans related to psychosocial needs.
- Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings and resident care conferences.
- Provide support, counseling, and intervention to residents experiencing adjustment difficulties, grief, depression, anxiety, or other psychosocial concerns.
- Advocate for resident rights and ensure compliance with resident rights regulations.
Family and Resident Relations
- Serve as a liaison between residents, families, responsible parties, and facility staff.
- Assist families in understanding facility services, resident care needs, and discharge planning processes.
- Address concerns, grievances, and complaints promptly and professionally.
- Facilitate family meetings as needed.
Discharge Planning
- Coordinate discharge planning beginning upon admission.
- Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, therapy staff, residents, and families to ensure safe and appropriate discharges.
- Arrange community resources, durable medical equipment, transportation, and follow-up services.
- Document discharge planning activities in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Admissions and Transitions
- Participate in admission assessments and resident adjustment processes.
- Assist residents in transitioning to and from the facility.
- Coordinate transfers and room changes while supporting resident adjustment.
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS and California Department of Public Health requirements.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the medical record.
- Maintain confidentiality of resident information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Participate in surveys, audits, and quality assurance activities.
Community Resources
- Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies and support organizations.
- Assist residents and families in obtaining financial assistance, benefits, and community services.
- Coordinate referrals to outside agencies when appropriate.
Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
- Monitor social service outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Assist with resident satisfaction initiatives and grievance tracking.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, visitors, and staff.
Working Conditions
- Skilled Nursing Facility environment.
- Frequent interaction with residents, families, healthcare professionals, and community agencies.
- Exposure to infectious diseases and healthcare-related environments.
Acknowledgment
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
