Licensed Director of Social Services MSW

Elderwood•Boston, MA

5d•$62,205 - $82,485•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Social Services leads the Social Services department at Mattapan Health & Rehabilitation Center, an 85-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Mattapan, Massachusetts, providing short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. The role advocates for residents and supports their emotional, psychological, social, and overall well-being throughout admission, their stay, and transitions back into the community. The Director supervises Social Services staff, builds relationships with residents and families, completes assessments, and collaborates with nursing, rehabilitation, medical, dietary, and other interdisciplinary professionals. The position supports resident rights, individualized care planning, grievance resolution, access to community resources, admissions, and discharge planning while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and laws.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related human services field from an accredited institution; examples include sociology, gerontology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, and psychology.
Active social work licensure in Massachusetts.
At least one year of supervised social work experience in a healthcare setting working directly with individuals.
Casework experience.
Knowledge of social work methods, assessment techniques, and community resources.
Understanding of applicable state and federal regulations related to resident care and long-term care services.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive resident and family information appropriately.
Commitment to resident-centered care and respect for resident rights.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level.
Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, assessment, problem-solving, case management, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to advocate effectively while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality, manage sensitive situations with empathy and sound judgment, and work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Proficiency with computers and electronic documentation systems.
Genuine compassion and concern for older adults and individuals receiving long-term care.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory experience preferred.
Experience working with older adults in a community, healthcare, or long-term care setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise Social Services staff, ensuring resident needs are addressed, documentation is completed accurately, and facility policies and procedures are followed.
Advocate for residents, help them understand and exercise their rights, and support their psychological and emotional well-being.
Build relationships with residents and families from admission throughout the resident's stay.
Complete social histories and psychosocial assessments for newly admitted residents and identify social, emotional, and psychological needs.
Participate in developing and implementing individualized interdisciplinary care plans and in baseline, initial, routine, and discharge care plan meetings.
Facilitate family and interdisciplinary meetings to address resident needs, concerns, and goals.
Provide or coordinate therapeutic support for adjustment to long-term care and coping with transitions, loss, grief, and stressful events.
Serve as the Resident and Family Grievance Officer, investigate concerns, and work with the interdisciplinary team toward timely resolutions.
Coordinate facility cooperation with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.
Assist residents and families with advance directives, care planning, and other care-related decisions.
Coordinate referrals and services from outside providers and community resources, including hospice, behavioral health professionals, specialists, translation services, and other support services.
Help residents access Social Security, Medicaid, SSI, pensions, legal assistance, and other community benefits.
Participate in discharge planning and care transitions, coordinating appropriate referrals and home care services.
Complete required PASARR screenings and review Level II assessments as applicable.
Conduct resident interviews and assessments and ensure complaints, concerns, and identified needs are addressed.
Facilitate discussions and interventions related to behavioral and psychosocial needs, including individualized non-pharmacological approaches to care.
Participate in assessments of cognitive status, mood, and behavior and complete applicable portions of the MDS assessment.
Assist with room change requests and ensure appropriate documentation and notifications are completed.
Protect resident information and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state and federal regulations.
Conduct quality assurance audits and participate in ethics committee activities as assigned.
Assist with admissions when needed, including tours, admission paperwork, pre-admission coordination, room readiness, and new resident orientation.
Collaborate with the Business Office and other departments to support a smooth admission experience.
Promote excellent customer service and resident and family satisfaction.
Participate in census, admission, and interdisciplinary meetings as required.
Develop and maintain Social Services policies and procedures in collaboration with organizational leadership.
Support new employee orientation regarding resident rights, abuse prevention, neglect, exploitation, and quality service delivery.
Maintain compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, HIPAA, and applicable state and federal laws.
Perform other duties assigned by the Administrator or management team.