Director of Social Services

Posted yesterday

carerite centersIrvington (NJ)

SENIORITY

Manager

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About the role

Director of Social Services – Skilled Nursing Facility
Job Type: Full-time About Us We are aSkilled Nursing Facilitycommitted to providing compassionate, resident-centered care. We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Social Servicesto lead our Social Services Department and support the psychosocial well-being, dignity, and quality of life of our residents.
Position Summary: The Director of Social Services plans, develops, organizes, and directs the facility’s social services program. This position works closely with residents, families, interdisciplinary team members, community providers, and regulatory agencies to support successful admissions, care planning, discharge planning, and transitions of care. The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, knowledgeable about long‑term care regulations, and comfortable managing sensitive resident and family concerns.
Key Responsibilities: Direct and oversee the facility’s Social Services Department. Assess residents’ psychosocial, emotional, behavioral, and discharge‑planning needs. Participate in resident assessments, care plans, care conferences, and interdisciplinary team meetings. Coordinate safe discharge plans, community services, transportation, equipment, home‑care referrals, and follow‑up resources. Provide residents and families with counseling, education, advocacy, and support. Assist residents with advance directives, resident rights, financial resources, guardianship matters, and other social‑service needs. Support the admissions process and help residents and families adjust to the long‑term care environment. Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally. Investigate and document grievances, allegations, and psychosocial concerns in accordance with facility policy. Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in residents’ medical records. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS requirements and resident‑rights standards. Collaborate with nursing, rehabilitation, dietary, activities, behavioral health, admissions, and administration. Develop relationships with hospitals, community agencies, healthcare providers, and other referral partners. Supervise, train, and support Social Services Department staff, as applicable. Participate in quality‑assurance and performance‑improvement initiatives. Perform other duties related to resident care and social services as assigned.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, or a related field. Social work license or certification when required by state law. Previous social services experience in a skilled nursing facility, long‑term care facility, rehabilitation center, hospital, or similar healthcare setting. Knowledge of resident rights, care planning, discharge planning, and applicable healthcare regulations. Strong communication, documentation, conflict‑resolution, and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively with residents, families, staff, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with professionalism and compassion.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in social work. Current LSW, LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent state credential. Two or more years of social services experience in a skilled nursing or long‑term care setting. Previous leadership or supervisory experience. Experience with MDS‑related documentation and electronic medical records.
Benefits: Eligible employees may receive: Competitive compensation Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and paid holidays 401(k) retirement plan Life and disability insurance Employee‑assistance program Professional‑development opportunities Supportive and collaborative work environment Benefits may vary based on employment status and facility policy. Schedule Full‑time Monday through Friday Day shift Occasional evenings, weekends, or on‑call availability may be required based on resident and facility needs. We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable law.

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