Social Service Designee

Job Title: Social Services Designee

Position Summary

The Social Services Designee supports the psychosocial needs of residents in a long-term care facility by assisting with care planning, resident advocacy, discharge planning, and regulatory compliance. This role works closely with interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families to promote residents’ rights, emotional well-being, and quality of life in accordance with federal, state, and facility regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Advocacy & Support

• Act as an advocate for residents’ rights, dignity, and preferences

• Provide emotional support, counseling, and guidance to residents and families

• Assist residents with adjustment to admission, room changes, and transitions

• Address psychosocial concerns including grief, anxiety, behavioral issues, and family conflict

Care Planning & Documentation

• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings

• Complete psychosocial assessments per regulatory timelines

• Develop and update care plans related to social, emotional, and discharge needs

• Maintain accurate, timely, and survey-ready documentation

Discharge Planning & Transitions

• Assist with discharge planning upon admission and throughout the resident stay

• Coordinate with families, community agencies, and care team members

• Arrange referrals for home health, hospice, DME, housing, or community services

• Ensure smooth transitions and proper follow-up documentation

Compliance & Regulatory Support

• Ensure compliance with CMS, state regulations, and facility policies

• Support grievance resolution and document concerns appropriately

• Assist with abuse prevention reporting and resident protection processes

• Participate in surveys, audits, and plan-of-correction activities

Family & Community Relations

• Serve as a liaison between residents, families, and facility leadership

• Communicate changes in resident status or care needs as appropriate

• Educate residents and families on available services and resources

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with nursing, therapy, admissions, activities, and administration

• Attend meetings, trainings, and in-services as required

• Support facility initiatives related to quality of life and resident satisfaction

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED

• Minimum of 1–2 years experience in long-term care, healthcare, or human services

• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills

• Knowledge of resident rights and psychosocial care in a healthcare setting

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or related field

• Previous experience as a Social Services Designee in a SNF or LTC facility

• Familiarity with MDS, care planning, and CMS regulations

Skills & Competencies

• Compassionate and resident-centered approach

• Ability to handle sensitive situations professionally and confidentially

• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills

• Effective written and verbal communication

• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the facility

• Occasional lifting or assistance with residents (as appropriate)

• Ability to respond to emotionally challenging situations

  Benefits

  • Medical insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Paid time off (PTO)

  • Paid holidays

  • Daily Pay