Director of Social Services

POSITION TITLE:  Social Services Director

DEPARTMENT:  Social Services

REPORTS TO:  Administrator

The Social Services Director is responsible for planning and administering social service programs. He/she supervises nursing home social workers and assists in developing Windsor Gardens Care Center policies regarding participation in community planning for health and welfare services.  The Social Services Director plans and assists in research projects and is responsible for discharge planning/community resources.

1          Plans and directs a comprehensive social services program which provides for counseling and other support services for residents and families;

2          Consults with the Administrator and other department heads regarding interdisciplinary issues;

3          Works directly with residents and families experiencing personal and environmental difficulties or concerns related to the resident’s physical or emotional condition;

4          Assures that medically related social services are provided to maintain or improve each resident’s ability to control everyday physical needs (e.g., appropriate adaptive equipment for eating, ambulating, etc.) and mental and psycho social needs (e.g., sense of identity, coping abilities, and sense of meaning or purpose);

5          Maintains a written record of the frequency and nature of the social service consultation and services provided or obtained;

6          Performs an evaluation of each resident’s social needs.  The plan for providing care shall be formulated and recorded in the residents; medical record and periodically re-evaluated in conjunction with the resident’s total plan of care;

7          Collects pertinent social data upon admission of each resident to be placed in the medical record, including information about the personal and family problems related to the resident’s illness and care, and actions taken to meet the resident’s needs.  Pertinent social data shall be made available to the attending physician and other appropriate staff members;

8          Assists each resident with adjustment to the social and emotional aspects of placement, by including clearly defined Social Service goals/interventions in the care plan.

9          Coordinates the interdisciplinary care plan team, schedules conferences in a timely manner and invites residents/family members as appropriate;

10       Acts as a liaison between residents, families and outside agencies, and the facility Administrator, to ensure that the resident’s rights are maintained;

11       Assumes the roles and responsibilities of the Admissions department, in the absence of the Admissions/Marketing Director;

12       Functions in a management capacity and adheres to all policies/procedures of the facility as a representative of the Windsor Gardens Care Center’s administration;

13       Performs administrative requirements, such as completing necessary forms and reports, under the direction of the Administrator, and submitting such reports to the Administrator;

14       Coordinates discharge planning, including the development of an organized discharge plan for all residents;

15       Concerns his/herself with the safety of all residents in order to minimize the potential for fire and accidents.  Also, ensures that the facility adheres to legal, safety, health, fire and sanitation codes by being familiar with his/her role in carrying out the facilities fire, safety and disaster plans and by being familiar with current MSDS;

16       Ensures that residents and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individual’s needs and rights;

17       Performs other duties as requested.

1          Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a bachelor’s degree in a human services field including, but not limited to, Sociology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Psychology.  Master’s degree preferred.

2          Any certifications required by New Jersey State Regulations are also necessary for this position.

1          Excellent interpersonal skills.

2          Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

3          Knowledge of all governmental regulations relating to the Social Service Department Problem solving.

4          Provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

1          Interacts with residents, families, visitors and employees.

2          Carries out other tasks as requested in situations where hands-on intervention/participation may be required.