Social Services Director

• To manage the medically related social service program of the facility in accordance with established facility protocol, standards of practice and current federal and state regulations, in order to ensure the residents’ highest possible levels of physical, mental and psychosocial wellbeing.

 Accountability: Administrator

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work with the Administrator, consultants, facility staff, other health care professionals and family members in meting identified medically related social needs.
2. Arrange for personal and adaptive needs.
3. Provide or arrange for needed counseling.
4. Track and address psychosocial needs of residents.
5. Maintain a reference library of outside sources available to the residents.
6. Assist with transportation needs.
7. Participate in assessments and care planning process.
8. Provide information to and obtain necessary information from prospective resident’s family members and other inquires.
9. Maintain a facility waiting list.
10. State P.A.S. forms for admission approval.
11. Schedule admissions.
12. Participate in admission process.
13. Discharge planning.
14. Assist with meeting post-discharge needs to return to outside living arrangements.
15. Administer the Advance Directive program.
16. Ensure understanding of and compliance with all policies, procedures, rules and regulations regarding resident rights to include assisting the residents in exercising their rights.
17. Develop positive relationships on behalf of the facility with government regulators, facilities, health care and the community at large.
18. Understand and follow fire, safety, sanitation, blood-borne pathogen rules and hazard communication program.
19. Attend and provide in-service training programs, as indicated.
20. Prevents abuse, neglect and exploitation in the elderly.
21. Promote a safe, clean environment in which the residents may live.
22. Schedule appointments, as needed.
23. Become a participating facility team member with the residents as first priority.
24. Attend facility meetings.
25. Maintain a complaint and grievance log, indicating actions taken.
26. Assist with Resident Council meetings.
27. Any other duties and responsibilities, as requested by the Administrator.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Hold/handle
• Lift
• Carry
• Climb
• Reach – at and below shoulder height
• Push/pull
• Grasp and handle – pens, paperwork and small equipment
• Sit, stand and walk
• Twist, bend, stoop, kneel and squat
• Fine hand motor coordination
• Ability to read and write legibly
• Ability to give and follow instructions

COGNITIVE AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Talking: Communicating with residents, families, physicians, visitors and staff

Hearing: To communicate on the phone effectively, Taking instructions from the Administrator, To respond to resident complaints and requests, To respond appropriately to disaster instructions and pages

Sight: For performing job effectively and correctly

Hearing: For accurate detection and maintenance of facility odors

LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

Must have four (4) year degree in Social work or related field and eligible for licensure 

in the state in which the facility is located and in good standing with the state, or work under the supervision of a qualified Consultant.

SUMMARY OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE:

Tasks and procedures performed by the employee involve risks classified by C.D.C. as Category III.  (No contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply, if regular duties are performed.)

Other Considerations and Requirements:

Must be able to tolerate a high pace as typical for a nursing facility.  Must be able to take and give instructions well and enjoy working with the elderly.  Although employee is required to sit for prolonged periods of time, he/she must also be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking.