Associate Director of Social Services-New Jersey Ave. DC

Unity Health Care.•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Associate Director of Social Services plays a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the delivery and quality of social services programs that support patient well-being and community health. This position is responsible for assisting with developing strategic initiatives that enhance social service operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among clinical and social services teams. The Associate Director will assist with efforts to assess community needs, allocate resources effectively, and implement innovative solutions to address social determinants of health. By managing staff development and performance, this role ensures that social services team is equipped to provide compassionate, culturally competent, and trauma informed care. Ultimately, the Associate Director contributes to improving patient outcomes and advancing the organization’s mission to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care across diverse populations.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college/university by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Current licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the District of Columbia (LPC will be considered)
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in social services, healthcare, and/or behavioral health
A minimum of at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role
A minimum of at least 2 years of training, mentoring, and/or teaching experience
Experience in program management, development and/or evaluation
Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, social service best practices, and community resources.
Experience working with diverse populations with diverse lived experiences
Leadership and communication skills to guide and inspire a multidisciplinary team, ensuring cohesive and effective service delivery.
Analytical skills essential for evaluating program outcomes, interpreting data, and making informed decisions that improve patient care and operational efficiency.
Expertise in regulatory compliance and healthcare policies ensures that all social services meet legal and ethical standards.
Interpersonal and cultural competency skills to engage effectively with patients, families, staff, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
Project management and organizational skills for overseeing multiple initiatives and coordinating resources to achieve strategic objectives.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and complex case management.
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and data management tools.
Knowledge of trauma and trauma informed care
Knowledge of chronic health conditions
Knowledge of criminal justice/re-entry programs
Experience with curriculum development

Responsibilities

Support with leading and managing the social services department, including supervision of staff.
Liaison with the Department of Corrections (DOC) Discharge Planning Manager to identify patients with chronic health conditions who will require support in transitioning back into the community.
Coordinate warm handoff and discharge planning with the DOC Discharge Manager for individuals returning to the community after incarceration.
Lead and manage the re-entry team to ensure staff coordinate with medical, mental health, and social service providers to ensure continuity of care post-release.
Oversee and monitor the development of comprehensive case plans that address the unique needs of each patient
Audit case notes to ensure accuracy and adherence to submission guidelines, and provide feedback as necessary
Oversees application completion for health insurance, housing, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, etc.
Monitor linkage to care which address identified needs based on Social Determinants (SDOH) screening
Assist with developing and implementing policies, procedures, and programs that align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and external agencies to coordinate patient care and social support services.
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness through data analysis, quality improvement initiatives, and outcome measurement.
Provide training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to staff to enhance service delivery.
Address complex patient and family issues by providing expert consultation and crisis intervention as needed.
Other duties as assigned