Social Services Director for LTC Facility

Position Summary

The Social Service Director is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, and directing the overall operation of the Social Services Department in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as facility policies. This role ensures residents’ psychosocial needs are met and supports residents and families through the admission, care planning, and discharge processes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Resident Services

• Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments upon admission and ongoing as needed.

• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning; develop individualized care plan goals and interventions for psychosocial well-being.

• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families.

• Advocate for residents’ rights, preferences, and autonomy.

• Assist residents in resolving conflicts, adjusting to long-term care, and navigating life transitions.

• Facilitate family meetings, care conferences, and support groups.

Admissions & Discharge Planning

• Oversee the admission process, including pre-admission screenings and psychosocial evaluations.

• Coordinate discharge planning, ensuring safe transitions to community settings, home, or other facilities.

• Arrange community resources such as home health services, transportation, housing, or mental health supports.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure departmental compliance with CMS requirements, state regulations, and facility policies.

• Prepare required documentation, progress notes, assessments, and reports in a timely and accurate manner.

• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard protected health information (PHI).

• Participate in survey preparation and interact with regulatory agencies as needed.

Leadership & Department Management

• Supervise Social Services staff, interns, and volunteers (if applicable).

• Provide training, coaching, and performance evaluations.

• Develop and maintain departmental policies and procedures.

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team including nursing, activities, therapy, dietary, and administration.

• Manage departmental budget (if assigned).

Resident Rights, Advocacy & Behavioral Support

• Ensure residents are informed of their rights and have support to exercise them.

• Assist in addressing grievances and participate in the facility’s grievance resolution process.

• Support behavioral health needs by working with the care team to develop interventions for challenging behaviors.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) preferred.

• Minimum 1–2 years of social work experience in long-term care, healthcare, geriatrics, or related field.

• Previous management or supervisory experience preferred.

Licensure / Certification

• State licensure or certification as required (e.g., LSW, LCSW) depending on state regulations.

• Must meet applicable federal and state requirements for Social Service Directors in long-term care facilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of aging, dementia, and psychosocial issues.

• Excellent communication, documentation, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Ability to work respectfully with residents, families, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.