Director of Social Services

Trinity Health • South Bend, IN

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Social Services (DSS) leads the Social Services function at The Sanctuary of Holy Cross, ensuring residents and families receive compassionate, person-centered support throughout the care journey—from pre-admission through discharge or end-of-life care. This role oversees psychosocial assessments, individualized care planning, discharge coordination, resident advocacy, and regulatory compliance while serving as a key member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). The DSS builds a high-performing team, drives service quality, and maintains survey readiness consistent with federal and state requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or closely related human services field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive Social Services experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), sub-acute rehab, long-term care, or similar healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CMS regulations, survey processes, and discharge planning standards.
• Strong interpersonal, de-escalation, and family systems skills; experience with complex psychosocial cases.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and documentation standards; strong organizational and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Michigan licensure (LMSW/LBSW) or eligibility/registration as required by state regulations.
• Prior leadership/supervisory experience leading a Social Services team.
• Experience with dementia care, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and end-of-life care.
• Familiarity with QAPI, value-based care initiatives, and payer requirements (Medicare Advantage, Medicaid).

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Social Services strategy aligned to Holy Cross’s mission, resident experience standards, and quality goals.
• Lead, mentor, and schedule Social Services team members (e.g., Social Workers, Case Managers, Discharge Planners), including performance management and professional development.
• Champion a resident-first culture, fostering empathy, dignity, and respect in all interactions.
• Complete timely, comprehensive psychosocial assessments; identify strengths, risks, and barriers to care/transition.
• Facilitate person-centered care planning, resident rights education, informed consent, and grievance resolution.
• Coordinate admission support, room changes, care conferences, and discharge/transition planning (including community integration and transportation).
• Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and support for adjustment to illness, loss, behavioral health needs, and end-of-life care.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families/guardians; maintain proactive, transparent communication.
• Partner with Nursing, Therapy, Dietary, Activities, Spiritual Care, and Medical Staff to address behavioral, cognitive, social, and environmental needs.
• Support trauma-informed, dementia-capable, and culturally competent care practices.
• Participate in QAPI, falls, weight, antipsychotic stewardship, and other quality/safety initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with CMS regulations, state of Indiana requirements, and facility policies, including resident rights, care planning, discharge planning, and documentation standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete charting within the EMR; ensure data integrity and confidentiality (HIPAA).
• Prepare for and participate in surveys; lead corrective action plans related to Social Services.
• Maintain relationships with hospitals, ACOs, payers, community agencies, and mental health resources to support seamless transitions and access to services (e.g., guardianship, benefits, housing, substance use resources).
• Educate residents/families on available benefits and resources (Medicaid/Medicare, VA, community supports).

Benefits

• Paid holidays and generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Up to $4,000 in tuition reimbursement annually!
• Discounts with major vendors; AT&T, Verizon, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Quicken Loans, AND MORE!
• Day 1 Benefits - Low cost medical, dental and vision insurance plans.
• Enjoy lower cost medical services when you visit facilities within the Trinity Health network.
• Daily-pay options
• Fast response interview times and job offers!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees