Director of Social Services

CareOne • Hackensack, NJ

1d

About The Position

The Director of Social Services plans and directs a comprehensive social service program that supports residents and families in a care setting. The role follows CareOne Social Service Policies and Procedures, applicable state and federal guidelines, and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Social service functions include staff supervision, direct services, advocacy, counseling, service coordination, education, in-servicing, policy and program development, and community relations.

The Director provides therapeutic support to residents experiencing illness, impairment, disability, institutionalization, separation, and physical or emotional loss. The role assesses residents’ psychosocial needs, maintains required documentation, contributes to care plans, coordinates interdisciplinary planning, supports resident and family participation, and facilitates discharge planning. The Director also has management and administrative responsibilities and promotes a safe, caring environment that respects residents’ needs and rights.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work.
• Current and active LSW (Licensed Social Worker) licensure as required by the state where the employee works.

Responsibilities

• Act as a resource to other social workers.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring personnel, and orienting new staff.
• Establish uniform standards of practice for the social worker role.
• Assist with updating and revising the Policy and Provision manual.
• Implement a peer review process to validate competencies.
• Establish communication channels with other social workers through regular meetings.
• Participate in center-based quality improvement activities.
• Submit monthly reports to the RDO summarizing issues.
• Establish partnerships with the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Plan and direct a comprehensive social service program providing support for residents and families.
• Participate in an interdisciplinary team approach to address the needs of the Center.
• Provide therapeutic intervention to help residents cope with social and psychological aspects of illness, impairment, disability, institutionalization, separation, and loss.
• Maintain written documentation in residents’ medical records according to CareOne policy.
• Complete an initial psychosocial evaluation or assessment for each resident and ensure required ongoing documentation, including at least quarterly documentation and ongoing documentation for short-term residents.
• Develop the social service component of each resident’s plan of care, identifying specific problems, goals, and approaches.
• Participate in and coordinate interdisciplinary care planning conferences at admission and prescribed intervals, and help develop and revise residents’ overall plans of care.
• Ensure and document resident and family input into the care planning process.
• Act as a liaison among residents, families, outside agencies, and the Center Administrator to help maintain residents’ rights.
• Conduct family meetings as needed.
• Function in a management capacity and comply with Center policies and procedures as a representative of CareOne Administration.
• Complete administrative forms and reports under the Administrator’s direction and submit them to the Administrator or consultants as required.
• Facilitate discharge planning, including an organized discharge plan for all customers.
• Promote resident safety and help ensure compliance with legal, safety, health, fire, and sanitation codes; know and carry out the Center’s fire, safety, and disaster plans and remain familiar with current MSDS.
• Prioritize customer service and adhere to the CareOne Culture of Excellence Pledge.
• Help ensure residents and families receive high-quality service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere that recognizes individual needs and rights.

What This Job Offers

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