Social Services Director

The Social Services Director at our Skilled Nursing Facility in Woodland Park, Colorado, is responsible for planning, organizing, implementing, and directing the overall operations of the Social Services Department. This role ensures residents' social, emotional, and psychological needs are met in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and facility policies. The Director acts as a resident advocate and coordinates services to ensure a smooth transition into, throughout, and out of the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Care and Advocacy

• Assess and Address Needs: Conduct initial and ongoing psychosocial assessments of residents, developing, implementing, and evaluating social care plans that meet their identified needs and choices.
• Counseling and Support: Provide individual and group counseling, support, and education to residents and their families regarding adjustment to facility life, illness, disability, end-of-life issues, and discharge planning.
• Rights Protection: Champion the rights and dignity of all residents, advocating on their behalf to resolve concerns and ensure appropriate care and treatment.
• Interdisciplinary Team: Actively participate in the interdisciplinary care planning team, providing social information and collaborating with nurses, physicians, therapists, and other staff to optimize resident care.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain Records: Ensure accurate, timely, and complete documentation of social services activities, assessments, care plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries in the resident's medical record.
• Compliance: Maintain current knowledge of and ensure departmental adherence to all relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., CMS, OBRA standards) and facility policies.
• MDS Coordination: Complete the social service portion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment accurately and in a timely manner.

Discharge Planning and Resource Coordination

• Coordinate Discharge: Initiate and manage the comprehensive discharge planning process for residents transitioning to a less restrictive environment, ensuring appropriate resources, referrals, and follow-up care are arranged.
• Community Resources: Serve as a liaison between residents, families, and community agencies, referring residents to appropriate financial, psychological, or social resources, especially those available in the Woodland Park and Teller County area.

Department Management

• Supervision: Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate social services staff (if applicable).
• Program Development: Develop and lead programs aimed at enhancing the residents' quality of life, promoting independence, and addressing common psychosocial concerns.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related field (e.g., psychology, sociology) required. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of supervised social work experience in a health care setting, working directly with individuals. Experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or long-term care environment highly preferred.
• Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of psychosocial assessment, care planning, case management, and applicable SNF regulations.
• Skills: Excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational, and interpersonal skills. Must be empathetic, compassionate, and able to handle sensitive situations with professionalism. Familiarity with the local Woodland Park community and resources is a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person