The primary purpose of this position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the facility social services department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations and as directed by the Administrator.

Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the social service programs of the facility.

Interview residents or family members as necessary to obtain social history.

Provide information to resident/families as to Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs available to the resident.

Refer resident/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the services or needs of the resident.

Assist in standardizing the methods in which work will be accomplished; collaborate with staff and

other departments to develop workflow efficiencies and streamline business practices to reduce costs and eliminate waste.

Assist in developing and implementing department policies and procedures.

Review and update departmental job descriptions at least annually.

Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.

Assure that social service progress notes are informative and descriptive of the services provided and of the resident’s response to the service.

Coordinate social services activities with other departments as necessary.

Attend quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) meetings and help develop and implement plans of action to address identified deficiencies.

Develop and maintain a community and social services referral file of agencies and organizations that provide assistance to residents.

Interpret the department’s policies and procedures to employees, residents, visitors, government agencies, etc.

Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations as well as professional standards and make recommendations on changes in facility policies and procedures to the Administrator.

Prepare reports and provide recommendations to the Administrator concerning the operation of the social services department.

Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the resident and family.

Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies as necessary or as directed.

Review and develop a plan of correction for social service deficiencies noted during survey inspections and provide a written copy of such to the Administrator.

Review departmental complaints and grievances from personnel and make written reports to the Administrator of action(s) taken; follow facility’s established procedures.

Working Conditions

Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility and its premises.

Moves intermittently during working hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, visitors, etc.

Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays and other shifts as necessary.

Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

Attend and participate in continuing education programs.

Communicates with nursing, and other department personnel.

Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.

Is subject to pressure from multiple/emergency calls.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste and pathogens.

May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or A human services field including sociology, gerontology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, etc.

Master of Social Work (MSW) or related field preferred.

Must have, as a minimum, two (2) year(s) social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.

One to two (1-2) years of supervisory experience preferred