Social Services Designee

Position Title

Social Services Designee (SSD)

Reports To

Administrator

Position Summary

The Social Services Designee is responsible for assisting residents and their families in addressing psychosocial, emotional, financial, and discharge planning needs. The SSD promotes resident rights, quality of life, and compliance with Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and facility policies. The position works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure residents receive person-centered care throughout their stay.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesResident Assessments

• Complete psychosocial assessments upon admission and as required.
• Participate in Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments as assigned.
• Identify residents at risk for depression, anxiety, abuse, neglect, or social isolation.
• Monitor changes in residents' psychosocial status and communicate findings to the interdisciplinary team.

Care Planning

• Develop and update individualized care plans addressing psychosocial needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
• Assist with identifying appropriate community resources and support services.

Resident and Family Support

• Provide emotional support and counseling within the scope of practice.
• Assist residents and families in adjusting to long-term care placement.
• Educate families regarding facility services, resident rights, and available resources.
• Serve as a liaison between residents, families, and facility staff.

Admissions and Discharge Planning

• Participate in the admission process by completing required social service documentation.
• Coordinate discharge planning beginning at admission.
• Arrange community services, durable medical equipment, transportation, and referrals as needed.
• Collaborate with hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, and community organizations to ensure safe transitions.

Resident Rights

• Promote and protect resident rights and dignity.
• Assist residents in understanding and exercising their rights.
• Investigate and address resident and family concerns or grievances.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Behavioral Health

• Identify residents requiring behavioral health services.
• Coordinate referrals for psychiatric, psychological, and counseling services.
• Assist staff with behavioral interventions and resident-centered approaches.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain documentation in accordance with CMS, Ohio Department of Health, and facility policies.
• Ensure timely completion of required assessments and progress notes.
• Participate in state survey preparation and regulatory audits.
• Maintain knowledge of federal and Ohio long-term care regulations.

Interdisciplinary Team Participation

• Attend daily clinical meetings, care conferences, and quality assurance meetings.
• Collaborate with Nursing, Therapy, Activities, Dietary, Business Office, and Medical Providers.
• Assist with resident transitions and discharge planning meetings.

Community Relations

• Maintain relationships with community agencies and healthcare providers.
• Coordinate referrals for financial assistance, legal services, hospice, mental health providers, and veteran services.
• Assist families in accessing Medicare, Medicaid, and community resources.

Documentation

• Complete:
• Admission psychosocial assessments
• Progress notes
• Discharge summaries
• Grievance documentation
• Care plan documentation
• Resident interview documentation
• Behavioral monitoring documentation
• MDS-related documentation as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field preferred.
• Meets Ohio requirements to serve as a Social Services Designee in a long-term care facility.
• Long-term care experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, resident rights, and discharge planning.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (e.g., PointClickCare or MatrixCare) and Microsoft Office.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of CMS and Ohio long-term care regulations.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Strong documentation and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking throughout the facility.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to respond promptly to resident and family needs.

Work Environment

The Social Services Designee works primarily in a skilled nursing or long-term care setting with frequent interaction with residents, families, visitors, healthcare providers, and facility staff.

Key Performance Expectations

• Complete all required assessments and documentation within regulatory timeframes.
• Maintain compliance with CMS and Ohio Department of Health regulations.
• Promote resident-centered care and resident rights.
• Facilitate safe and timely admissions and discharges.
• Foster positive relationships with residents, families, staff, and community partners.
• Contribute to positive survey outcomes and quality improvement initiatives.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Social Services: 1 year (Required)
• Nursing Home: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $65,000