Social Worker / Abuse Coordinator

Job Title: Social Services Director

Position Summary:

The Social Worker / Abuse Coordinator is responsible for providing medically related social services to residents and families, ensuring the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. This role serves as the facility’s Abuse Coordinator, ensuring timely and appropriate response to allegations of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation, in compliance with federal and state regulations. The Social Worker provides one-on-one interventions, group sessions, emotional support, care coordination, and advocacy, while actively participating as a member of the facility’s management team and reporting directly to the Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Resident Support & Interventions

• Conduct psychosocial assessments for new admissions and provide ongoing updates as required.
• Provide individual counseling/interventions and group sessions to residents addressing adjustment, emotional support, grief, and coping needs.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Advocate for resident needs, preferences, and rights during care conferences.
  
  
  

Abuse Coordinator Responsibilities

• Serve as the facility’s Abuse Coordinator, ensuring immediate reporting, investigation, and documentation of any allegation of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
• Coordinate with state agencies, administration, and nursing leadership to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Provide education and training to staff on abuse prevention, identification, and reporting protocols.
• Maintain confidential abuse records and ensure timely follow-up on all investigations.
  
  
  

Care Coordination & Discharge Planning

• Coordinate discharge planning and community service referrals (home care, hospice, alternative living arrangements, Medicaid/Medicare applications, etc.).
• Collaborate with hospitals, physicians, and community agencies to ensure smooth care transitions.
  
  
  

Grievance Handling & Resident Rights

• Receive, investigate, and document resident/family grievances; work toward resolution.
• Educate residents and families about their rights, available services, and facility policies.
• Act as liaison between residents, families, staff, and external agencies.
  
  
  

Compliance & Documentation

• Complete and maintain psychosocial documentation per facility, state, and federal standards.
• Assist with completion of MDS sections related to social services.
• Ensure strict adherence to HIPAA and CMS guidelines.
  
  
  

Leadership & Team Participation

• Attend facility manager meetings and contribute to interdisciplinary decision-making.
• Report directly to the Executive Director with updates on resident needs, abuse reporting, and social service programs.
• Provide staff support and education on psychosocial issues, behavior management, and abuse prevention.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master’s degree (MSW) preferred.
• Licensure: State licensure/certification as required.
• Experience: Prior experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or geriatric social work preferred. Abuse reporting/coordination experience highly valued.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills; excellent documentation and communication skills; ability to conduct both individual and group sessions; knowledge of CMS, state regulations, and community resources.