Director of Social Services

Elderwood•Town of Johnsburg, NY

About The Position

The Director of Social Services at Elderwood at North Creek is a key member of the interdisciplinary leadership team, responsible for ensuring the psychosocial, emotional, and mental well-being of residents. This role oversees the Social Services department and ensures services are delivered in compliance with state and federal regulations, Elderwood policies, and best practices in long-term care. The Director provides leadership, supervision, and direct social work services as needed, while serving as a resident advocate and a liaison for families, community resources, and regulatory partners.

Requirements

Baccalaureate Degree in social work or a related field from an accredited institution.
Casework experience required.
Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record required.
Ability to meet the public easily, handle problems diplomatically, and cooperate with other staff members necessary.
This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.

Nice To Haves

Casework with the elderly or work in a supervisory capacity requiring initiative and responsiveness to the needs of others preferred.
Evidence of professional growth, continuing education and community involvement considered.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and support all Social Services staff, ensuring resident needs are met and documentation is complete and compliant.
Ensure departmental policies, procedures, and workflows align with Elderwood standards and regulatory requirements.
Participate in quality assurance audits and performance improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with the EAS Policy and Procedure Committee in developing and updating social work policies.
Act as an advocate for residents’ rights, dignity, and emotional well-being.
Complete social histories and psychosocial assessments for newly admitted residents.
Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, including baseline, routine, and discharge care plan meetings.
Provide or coordinate therapeutic interventions to support resident adjustment, grief, and coping with life transitions.
Perform cognitive, mood, and behavioral assessments and complete required MDS sections.
Identify and promote individualized, non-pharmacological interventions to support residents’ psychosocial needs.
Ensure compliance with Resident Rights, PASARR requirements, transitions of care, and person-centered care planning.
Complete PASARR screens and review Level II assessments as required.
Serve as the Resident and Family Grievance Officer, ensuring timely investigation and resolution of concerns.
Coordinate facility cooperation with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Participate in ethics committee meetings as needed.
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, Elderwood’s Code of Conduct, and all company policies.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with residents and families from admission through discharge.
Facilitate family meetings and interdisciplinary conferences as requested.
Assist residents and families with advance directives and care planning.
Make referrals and coordinate services with external providers, including hospice, counseling services, psychologists, psychiatrists, and community agencies.
Assist residents with accessing personal items, communication supports, financial resources, and legal referrals as appropriate.
In the absence of a Director of Admissions, collaborate with the Business Office to support the admissions process.
Complete or oversee pre-admission and admission checklists.
Ensure room readiness and coordination of necessary equipment prior to admission.
Participate in census and admissions meetings.
Support resident and family satisfaction surveys.
Serve as a champion of the Ambassador Program to promote exceptional customer service.
Attend work regularly, arrive on time, and adhere to scheduled hours.
Follow facility dress code and wear identification at all times.
Use electronic systems and devices in accordance with policy.
Support and uphold Elderwood’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator or management team.