Social Services Director- Optalis of Whitehall

Optalis•Whitehall, MI

12d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a compassionate, knowledgeable, and resident-focused Social Worker to join our Skilled Nursing Facility team in Whitehall, Michigan. The Social Worker is responsible for addressing the psychosocial, emotional, and discharge planning needs of residents while promoting their highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. The Social Worker serves as an advocate for residents and families, coordinates community resources, facilitates care transitions, and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing long-term care facilities.

Requirements

Minimum of one (1) year of experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, healthcare, hospital, rehabilitation, or related setting preferred.
Knowledge of long-term care regulations and resident rights.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Michigan.
Experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility or Long-Term Care setting.
Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and discharge planning processes.
Experience working with geriatric and dementia population.

Responsibilities

Complete comprehensive psychosocial assessments for residents upon admission and as required.
Identify residents' emotional, social, mental health, and adjustment needs.
Participate in the development, implementation, and review of individualized care plans.
Document assessments, interventions, and progress notes in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
Monitor residents for changes in psychosocial status and communicate findings to the interdisciplinary team.
Serve as an advocate for resident rights, dignity, and quality of life.
Assist residents and families in understanding resident rights and facility policies.
Provide counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention as needed.
Address concerns, grievances, and complaints from residents and family members.
Promote resident independence and self-determination whenever possible.
Coordinate discharge planning activities from admission through discharge.
Assess post-discharge needs and arrange appropriate community services and resources.
Collaborate with residents, families, physicians, nursing staff, and outside agencies to ensure safe and effective transitions of care.
Facilitate transfers to hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, assisted living communities, hospice services, or home-based care settings as appropriate.
Ensure discharge documentation is completed accurately and timely.
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with residents, families, and responsible parties.
Educate families regarding care options, community resources, insurance benefits, and long-term care planning.
Facilitate family meetings and care conferences.
Provide support during difficult care decisions, end-of-life planning, and significant resident changes in condition.
Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation.
Participate in state survey preparation and regulatory compliance activities.
Assist with corrective action plans and quality improvement initiatives as necessary.
Provide support and interventions for residents experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment difficulties, dementia-related behaviors, and other psychosocial concerns.
Coordinate mental health referrals and services as appropriate.
Monitor residents at risk for social isolation, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Assist with behavioral management strategies in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.