Director of Social Services

Paradigm at Woodwind Lakes•Houston, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Paradigm at Woodwind Lakes is seeking a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate Director of Social Services to join our amazing team! The primary purpose of the Social Services Director is to assist the Administrator to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of our Social Services Department. Success in this position is measured by compliance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern our facility. Additionally, success is measured through patient quality outcomes.

Requirements

Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Social Worker in the State, or otherwise be permitted to serve in this role pursuant to federal and state rules, laws, and regulations
An associate degree in a human services field or related social services experience
Minimum 1 year experience in a human services field in a hospital, skilled nursing care facility, or other related medical facility
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrate leadership, organizational skills, and ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude
Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Display attention to detail
Interact with residents, families, and the community in a professional manner
Ability to engage in active listening (giving full attention to those speaking), critical thinking (using logic and reasoning to identify strengths/weaknesses of alternative solutions), and active learning (understanding implications of new information during problem-solving situations)
Exceptional judgment and active foresight
Self-motivated and self-directed

Nice To Haves

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position. However, the position requires communication with and oversight of nursing home staff to ensure that specific policies, procedures, and programs are implemented correctly.

Responsibilities

Participate in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating and directing of the social service programs of the facility
Meet with administration, medical and nursing staff and other related departments in planning social services
Develop and maintain a good working rapport with intra-department personnel, other departments within the facility, and outside community health, welfare and social agencies, to ensure that social service programs are properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents
Assist in developing, administering, and coordinating department policies and procedures
Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations and make recommendations for changes in facility policies and procedures to the department director or Administrator
In the absence of the department director, serve on various facility committees as he/she may be appointed by the Administrator
Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures for identifying the medically related social and emotional needs of the patient/resident
Participate in community planning related to the interests of the facility and the services and needs of the patient/resident and family
Participate in resident assessments, development and implementation of social care plans, and discharge planning
Interview patients/residents/families as necessary in a private setting. Involve the patient/resident/family in planning social service programs, to the extent possible
Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary
Refer resident/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide for the services or needs of the patient/resident
Provides information to patient/resident/families regarding Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs available to resident
Informs the resident/family of the patient’s/resident’s personal and property rights
Assist in determining appropriate departmental staffing, evaluates employee performance and makes recommendations to the department director or Administrator concerning wage and salary adjustments, hiring, terminations, transfers, etc.
Provide consultation to members of facility staff, community agencies, etc., in efforts to solve the needs and problems of the patient/resident through the development of social service programs
Assume the authority, responsibility and accountability of directing the Social Services department
Maintain an excellent working relationship with medical professionals and other health related facilities and organizations
Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.
Review and evaluate the department’s workforce and makes recommendations to the department director or Administrator.
Maintain confidentiality of all resident health information to ensure resident rights are protected
Coordinate social service activities with other departments as necessary
Assists in setting appropriate standards for department personnel
Review complaints and grievances and makes necessary oral/written reports to the department manager or Administrator
Recommend department equipment and supply needs to the department director or Administrator
Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the department director or Administrator concerning the operation of the social service department.
Perform charting duties as necessary
Work with emotional needs including assisting resident/family with anxiety and stress caused by illness and admission to the facility, difficulties in coping with residual physical disabilities, fears related to helplessness and death and the need for institutional and specialized care