Social Services Director

Campbell Street•Lenox, IA

About The Position

The Social Services Director plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs the Social Service Department in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local standards and facility policies. The position ensures that residents’ medically related emotional and social needs are met and maintained on an individual basis. The director oversees a comprehensive social services program for residents and families, coordinates admissions and discharges, and participates in interdisciplinary care. The role provides therapeutic support to help residents cope with illness, impairment, disability, separation from family or community, and physical or emotional loss. It also includes assessing residents’ biopsychosocial needs, maintaining required medical-record documentation, contributing to care plans, supporting resident and family participation, advocating for residents’ rights, facilitating discharge planning, and completing administrative and budget-related duties under the Administrator’s direction.

Requirements

Possess any certification or licensure required by state and federal regulations.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of experience in a supervisory capacity in long-term care, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Plan and direct a comprehensive social services program that provides support services for residents and families.
Coordinate admissions and discharges to help maintain facility census at maximum capacity.
Participate in an interdisciplinary team approach to serve the needs of the facility population.
Provide therapeutic intervention to help residents cope with illness, impairment, disability, separation from family or community, and physical or emotional loss.
Maintain written documentation in resident medical records in accordance with facility policy and state and federal guidelines.
Complete initial biopsychosocial evaluations and assessments for residents and document them in the medical record; maintain ongoing documentation for active cases.
Develop the social service component of each resident’s plan of care, identifying specific problems, goals, and approaches.
Ensure and document resident and family input into the care-planning process.
Act as a liaison and advocate among residents, families, outside agencies, and the Administrator to maintain residents’ rights.
Conduct family group meetings as needed, including new-admission groups, support groups, and family and friends’ councils.
Complete administrative forms and reports under the Administrator’s direction and submit them to the Administrator and/or consultants as required.
Facilitate discharge planning, including development of an organized discharge plan.
Participate in departmental budget planning and provide a monthly report to the Administrator.
Perform additional duties as assigned.