What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Services Director position at The Palace Care Center?
About Us
The Palace Rehabilitation & Care Center is a leading subacute rehab and long-term care facility committed to delivering exceptional, resident-centered care. We are seeking an experienced Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to serve as the Director of Social Services, overseeing all aspects of the Social Services Department while providing hands-on support to residents, families, and staff.
Position Summary
The Director of Social Services/LSW is responsible for managing the social work department, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating discharge planning, and supporting the emotional and psychosocial well-being of residents in both subacute and long-term care areas. This leadership role is highly interactive, requiring strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Key Responsibilities
Department Leadership & Oversight
Oversee daily operations of the Social Services Department.
Supervise, train, and evaluate Social Workers, Social Work Assistants, and departmental staff.
Ensure all documentation, assessments, and care plans meet state, federal, and facility standards.
Lead departmental meetings and participate in facility leadership discussions.
Maintain the department’s compliance with DOH, CMS, HIPAA, and facility policies.
Resident Admissions & Assessments
Conduct psychosocial assessments for new admissions and assign caseloads to team members.
Review admission paperwork, advance directives, and psychosocial needs.
Support residents and families during the admission and adjustment period.
Care Planning & Documentation
Develop, approve, and monitor individualized care plans for all residents.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
Participate in IDT care plan, Medicare, and risk management meetings.
Provide guidance to residents, families, and staff on psychosocial needs.
Discharge Planning & Coordination
Oversee and coordinate all discharge planning for subacute residents.
Ensure all follow-up services, DME, home care, and community resources are arranged.
Collaborate with hospitals, insurance case managers, physicians, and therapy teams.
Educate residents and families on discharge instructions and safe transitions.
Counseling, Advocacy & Resident Support
Provide supportive counseling related to adjustment, grief, anxiety, or behavioral issues.
Assist families with decision-making, guardianship questions, hospice transitions, and care plan changes.
Address resident and family grievances promptly and professionally.
Serve as resident advocate and promote resident rights and dignity.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure department remains survey-ready at all times.
Participate in QAPI, audits, and performance improvement initiatives.
Maintain accurate records for DOH surveys and facility inspections.
Update and manage departmental policies and procedures.
Qualifications
Active New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – Required
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master’s (MSW) preferred
Minimum 1–2 years social work experience in subacute/long-term care
Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
Knowledge of discharge planning, community resources, Medicare/Medicaid
Strong interpersonal, communication, and critical-thinking skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a department
EMR documentation experience preferred