Purpose

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

Social Services Functions

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

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

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.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

Preferred 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

Prefer being a Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Nurse certification.

Physical Requirements

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others in the work place will not be considered qualified for employment if physical requirements cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation.

Essential functions are carried out in a variety of positions including standing and sitting. To meet residents’ needs, all positions require the ability to move freely through the building. Other physical demands are required as described below.

Equipment and Tools

List equipment and tools operated and the frequency of use:

(Those that cannot be delegated to a co-worker.)

Facility Vehicles: Equipment: Computer and personal communication devices
Office equipment

Tools: Other:

Working Conditions

Check which working conditions the employee is subject to:

Physical Conditions:

Extreme temperatures Noise Wet and/or humid Vibration

Workplace Hazards:

X Blood, body fluids and/or infectious disease Hot Water Mechanical Electrical

Chemical Gasses Other___________