Director of Social Services

St. Croix County • New Richmond, WI

12d • $77,792 - $108,368 • Onsite

About The Position

This position directs, establishes, and plans the overall processes for the social services division of the nursing home. It coordinates intake admissions and discharge procedures, assessment and care planning, and assists residents and their families. The role involves developing, implementing, and evaluating social services policies, procedures, and programs, while monitoring effectiveness and recommending improvements. The Director provides and/or directs social services, counseling, support, education, and resources to residents, families, and significant others to address social, emotional, psychological, and adjustment needs related to admission, placement, transition, and long-term care. This includes coordinating resident intake, admission, and discharge processes, evaluating prospective residents, and ensuring documentation is completed. The position supports residents, families, significant others, and staff in promoting resident self-advocacy, quality of life, and quality of care. It also involves completing resident histories, assessments, care plans, treatment plans, and maintaining accurate records. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams is crucial for developing and implementing plans of care, promoting resident rights, safety, and well-being. The Director develops and maintains relationships with community agencies, serves as a liaison, assesses competency concerns, and provides education to staff on various resident care issues. Participation in quality assurance activities and communication with medical providers are also key responsibilities. Additionally, the role assists with marketing programs and community outreach, prepares reports, and provides leadership, supervision, direction, and performance management for assigned employees.

Requirements

• Familiarity with Wisconsin Statutes, administrative rules, and applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies governing human services and social service programs.
• Knowledge of human behavior, social systems, and community resources to support individuals, families, and vulnerable populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to evaluate complex social, legal, and personal circumstances and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, County leadership, elected officials, community organizations, partner agencies, clients, and the public.
• Knowledge of documentation requirements, regulatory standards, and recordkeeping practices applicable to social service programs.
• Ability to perform work accurately with a high degree of attention to detail while meeting deadlines and exercising independent judgment.
• Knowledge of County policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of local government organization and its departmental operating requirements.
• Technical proficiency in the use of relevant software applications, databases, standard office equipment, and other technological tools relevant to the position (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.).
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.
• Ability to explain complex or technical information in a clear, understandable manner.
• Ability to listen actively and accurately understand verbal instructions or concerns.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and interpret numerical information related to documentation, reports, assessments, and program operations.
• Ability to review and analyze data, records, and reports to support decision-making and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ability to analyze complex social, organizational, and operational issues and develop effective solutions and recommendations.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to social services programs and County operations.
• Ability to evaluate information, research data, and reports to identify trends, make decisions, and support organizational planning.
• Ability to assess community needs, evaluate programs and services, and make informed recommendations to support effective service delivery.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions in sensitive, confidential, and complex situations.
• Ability to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to resolve challenges and improve departmental operations.
• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently involves standing and performing fine motor skills and repetitive motions and occasionally involves walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching above shoulder level or below the waist.
• Visual ability to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, using computer screens, or working with detailed data.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with others, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Vaccinations and testing as required by local, state, or federal regulations and/or other regulating entities.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or closely related program.
• Four (4) years’ previous social work experience with elderly or disability populations, or long-term care management.
• State of Wisconsin Social Worker Certification.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.

Nice To Haves

• Previous supervisory experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of social services policies, procedures, and programs; monitors effectiveness and recommends improvements as needed.
• Provides and/or directs social services, counseling, support, education, and resources to residents, families, and significant others to address social, emotional, psychological, and adjustment needs related to admission, placement, transition, and long-term care.
• Coordinates resident intake, admission, and discharge processes; evaluates prospective residents within established guidelines; ensures required documentation is completed and submitted appropriately.
• Supports residents, families, significant others, and staff in promoting resident self-advocacy, quality of life, and quality of care.
• Completes resident histories, assessments, care plans, treatment plans, and required social service documentation; maintains accurate records documenting resident needs, interventions, and progress.
• Participates in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary plans of care that identify resident needs, goals, and appropriate social service interventions.
• Develops and maintains relationships with community agencies and resources; provides referrals and serves as a liaison between the facility, residents, families, and external service providers.
• Assesses resident competency concerns and coordinates appropriate referrals to legal or community resources when needed.
• Provides education and training to facility staff regarding resident rights, psychosocial needs, aging and disabilities, abuse prevention, and related resident care issues.
• Participate in quality assurance activities and interdisciplinary team meetings to promote effective resident care and services.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and administration to promote and protect resident rights, safety, and overall resident well-being.
• Communicates with medical providers, psychiatrists, and other professionals to coordinate services and address resident needs.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the facility marketing program and community outreach efforts.
• Prepares, reviews, and maintains accurate, timely, and complete reports, records, and required documentation.
• Provides leadership, supervision, direction, and performance management for assigned employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director