Director of Social Work

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans•New Orleans, LA

3d•$38 - $40

About The Position

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) provides comprehensive clinical social work services to participants enrolled in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), including psychosocial assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive services. Working collaboratively with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), the LCSW develops, implements, and evaluates individualized care plans addressing participants’ emotional, psychological, social, environmental, and behavioral health needs. The position promotes participant independence and quality of life, supports family caregivers, and helps participants receive appropriate services to remain safely in their communities whenever possible. Services must comply with applicable CMS regulations, Louisiana licensing requirements, organizational policies, and professional social work standards.

Requirements

Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Current, active, unrestricted Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners, maintained in good standing throughout employment.
At least five years of experience providing social work services in a healthcare setting.
At least three years of experience working with frail older adults or elderly populations.
Experience providing clinical assessments, counseling, crisis intervention, and case management.
Experience working with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Strong clinical assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention skills.
Knowledge of geriatric mental health and psychosocial needs.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and complex medical conditions.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and timely documentation.
Strong critical-thinking, clinical-judgment, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.
Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, professional ethics, and mandatory reporting responsibilities.
Proficiency in electronic medical records and standard computer applications.
Ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively to urgent participant needs.
Ability to perform duties in office, clinical, participant-home, and community-based environments; sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the PACE center; and travel to home visits and meetings at various locations as required.
Ability to communicate effectively with participants who may have hearing, cognitive, or communication impairments.
Must meet applicable employee health, safety, and infection-prevention requirements.
Successful completion of required pre-employment screening and background checks, including applicable OIG and other exclusion screenings.
Compliance with organizational health and safety requirements and completion of required organizational orientation, compliance, safeguarding, and annual training.
Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record when driving is an essential function of the position.
Ability to maintain a professional, respectful, and participant-centered working environment.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of clinical social work experience.
Experience working in a PACE program, geriatric healthcare, long-term care, behavioral health, or community-based healthcare setting.
Knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Familiarity with CMS regulations and participant-centered care planning.
Experience working with participants diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments of PACE participants, evaluating mental health, emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, social supports, and environmental needs.
Identify psychosocial barriers affecting participants’ health, safety, independence, and quality of life.
Develop, implement, and update individualized care plans with the IDT, and participate in reassessments and care plan reviews.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in participant medical records.
Provide individual and family counseling within the scope of professional licensure.
Assess and support participants experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorders, behavioral concerns, or other emotional challenges.
Provide crisis intervention and referrals for psychiatric or psychosocial emergencies.
Help participants and families cope with chronic illness, disability, cognitive decline, and end-of-life concerns.
Collaborate with medical providers and behavioral health professionals to coordinate mental health treatment.
Identify risks involving self-harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or unsafe living conditions and respond according to established protocols.
Serve as an active member of the PACE Interdisciplinary Team and participate in IDT meetings, case conferences, and care discussions.
Communicate significant psychosocial changes to appropriate team members and collaborate with other disciplines to address participant needs.
Provide clinical recommendations on psychosocial interventions, behavioral health services, and community support, and help develop strategies to reduce avoidable hospitalizations and support continuity of care.
Educate, counsel, and guide participants, caregivers, and family members; help them navigate healthcare decisions and access resources.
Facilitate family conferences when needed and support participant rights, dignity, cultural preferences, autonomy, and informed decision-making.
Assist families with advance care planning, guardianship concerns, and related psychosocial issues within the scope of the position.
Coordinate community resources and social support programs, including assistance with housing concerns, financial resources, benefits navigation, and other social needs.
Facilitate referrals to behavioral health providers and community support agencies.
Conduct participant home visits as necessary to assess environmental safety and psychosocial needs.
Support transitions between home, hospital, skilled nursing facilities, and other care settings, including discharge and transition planning as applicable.
Maintain compliance with CMS PACE regulations, Louisiana state regulations, organizational policies, HIPAA, and professional standards.
Complete required assessments, reassessments, progress notes, and care plan documentation within established timeframes.
Recognize and report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other reportable incidents in accordance with laws and policies.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, internal audits, regulatory reviews, mandatory training, competency assessments, and annual performance evaluations.
Maintain current professional licensure and complete required continuing education.
Perform other related duties as assigned that are consistent with the position, professional licensure, and organizational needs.