
Social Services Director
Coffman Nursing Home, Hagerstown, MD, United States
Director of Social Services
Full Time – Salaried
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The primary purpose of this position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the facility social services department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations and as directed by the Administrator.
Working Conditions
Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility and its premises.
Moves intermittently during working hours.
Is subject to frequent interruptions.
Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, visitors, etc.
Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends, holidays and other shifts as necessary.
Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post‑disaster).
Attend and participate in continuing education programs.
Communicates with nursing and other department personnel.
Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.
Is subject to pressure from multiple/emergency calls.
Is subject to exposure to infectious waste and pathogens.
May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Education
Must possess, as a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in social work or a human services field including sociology, gerontology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, etc.
Master of Social Work (MSW) or related field preferred.
Experience
Must have, as a minimum, two (2) year(s) social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.
One to two (1–2) years of supervisory experience preferred.
Specific Requirements
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age‑related needs of the residents served.
Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public.
Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever cognitive level in which they are currently functioning.
Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing social services.
Must be a member in good standing with state or national licensing and accrediting bodies.
Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Physical and Sensory Requirements
Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
Must be able to speak and write English language in an understandable manner.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of this position can be fully met.
Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with other personnel.
Must have a pleasant speaking voice.
Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
Responsibilities Administrative Functions
Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the social service programs of the facility.
Interview residents or family members as necessary to obtain social history.
Provide information to resident/families regarding Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.
Refer residents/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services.
Assist in standardizing work methods, collaborating with staff and other departments to develop workflow efficiencies and eliminate waste.
Assist in developing and implementing department policies and procedures.
Review and update departmental job descriptions annually.
Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
Ensure social service progress notes are informative and descriptive of services provided and resident response.
Coordinate social services activities with other departments.
Attend QAPI meetings and help develop and implement plans of action to address identified deficiencies.
Develop and maintain a community and social services referral file of agencies and organizations that assist residents.
Interpret the department’s policies and procedures for employees, residents, visitors, government agencies, etc.
Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations and make recommendations on changes to facility policies and procedures.
Prepare reports and provide recommendations to the Administrator concerning the operation of the social services department.
Participate in community planning related to facility interests and resident needs.
Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
Review and develop a plan of correction for social service deficiencies noted during survey inspections.
Review departmental complaints and grievances from personnel and make written reports to the Administrator of action taken.
Committee Functions
Serve on various committees as directed by the Administrator.
Care Plan and Assessment Functions
Complete resident assessments and attend care planning meetings in accordance with OBRA guidelines.
Participate in care planning meetings and help develop goals and objectives addressing each resident’s identified problems and needs.
Ensure social services components of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) are completed and signed on a timely basis.
Participate in regularly scheduled reviews of resident discharge plans.
Review nurses’ notes to determine if the care plan is being followed; report problems to the Director of Nursing.
Personnel Functions
Determine departmental staffing requirements.
Assist in recruiting, selecting and training department personnel.
Conduct departmental performance evaluations in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
Counsel/discipline department personnel as requested.
Make daily rounds ensuring personnel are performing required duties.
Review and check competence of personnel and make necessary adjustments.
Schedule department work hours, personnel, and work assignments to expedite work.
Terminate employment of personnel when necessary; coordinate with the Director of Human Resources and/or the Administrator.
Staff Development Functions
Develop (or acquire) and conduct in‑service programs relevant to departmental staff.
Safety and Sanitation Functions
Develop and implement safety standards for the department.
Equipment and Supply Functions
Check supply rooms to ensure needed supplies are on hand.
Make periodic rounds to ensure necessary equipment is available and working properly.
Place orders for equipment and supplies as needed.
Recommend to the Administrator the equipment and supply needs of the department.
Budget and Planning Functions
Forecast and prepare the department’s budget for equipment, supplies and labor and submit for approval.
Maintain current written records of department expenditures and submit cost reports to the Administrator as needed.
Make departmental adjustments to conform to approved budget and/or based on analysis of the monthly operating statement.
Job Position Analysis Information (1) Risk Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids Column: A check mark in this column indicates the risk potential of your exposure to blood or body fluids. Established procedures identify the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) you should use when performing this task.
(2) Essential Functions Column: A check mark in this column indicates you may be required to perform this task.
(3) Safety Factors Column:
RM = Repetitive Motion:
A “RM” in this column indicates it will be necessary for you to perform some functions of this task repeatedly. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used.
WL = Minimum Weight Lifting Requirement:
A “WL” in this column indicates it will be necessary for you to perform functions of this task that require some lifting, moving, pushing or pulling. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used when performing this task. Minimum weight lifting requirements you must perform are located in the “Physical and Sensory Requirements” section of this job description.
SB = Prolonged Sitting, Standing and Bending:
A “SB” in this column indicates some functions of this task require you to sit, stand or bend for an extended period of time. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used when performing this task.
Acknowledgment I have read this job description and fully understand that many of the requirements set forth therein have been determined to be essential to this position (noted in Column 2). I hereby accept the position of Director of Social Services and agree to perform the tasks outlined in this job description in a safe manner and in accordance with the facility’s established procedures. I understand that as a result of my employment I may be exposed to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants (including tobacco smoke) and hazardous chemicals and that the facility will provide to me instructions on how to prevent and control such exposures. I further understand that I may also be exposed to the Hepatitis B Virus and that the facility will make available to me, free of charge, the hepatitis B vaccination. I also understand I may not release/disclose protected health or facility information without proper authorization.
I understand that my employment is at‑will and therefore understand that my employment may be terminated at‑will either by the facility or by me, and that such termination can be made with or without notice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The primary purpose of this position is to plan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the facility social services department in accordance with current federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations and as directed by the Administrator.
Working Conditions
Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility and its premises.
Moves intermittently during working hours.
Is subject to frequent interruptions.
Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, visitors, etc.
Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends, holidays and other shifts as necessary.
Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post‑disaster).
Attend and participate in continuing education programs.
Communicates with nursing and other department personnel.
Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants.
Is subject to pressure from multiple/emergency calls.
Is subject to exposure to infectious waste and pathogens.
May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Education
Must possess, as a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in social work or a human services field including sociology, gerontology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, etc.
Master of Social Work (MSW) or related field preferred.
Experience
Must have, as a minimum, two (2) year(s) social work experience in a health care setting working directly with individuals.
One to two (1–2) years of supervisory experience preferred.
Specific Requirements
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age‑related needs of the residents served.
Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of teamwork and team concept.
Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the public.
Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
Must have patience, tact, cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever cognitive level in which they are currently functioning.
Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing social services.
Must be a member in good standing with state or national licensing and accrediting bodies.
Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Physical and Sensory Requirements
Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
Must be able to speak and write English language in an understandable manner.
Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so the requirements of this position can be fully met.
Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with other personnel.
Must have a pleasant speaking voice.
Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
Responsibilities Administrative Functions
Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the social service programs of the facility.
Interview residents or family members as necessary to obtain social history.
Provide information to resident/families regarding Medicare/Medicaid and other financial assistance programs.
Refer residents/families to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services.
Assist in standardizing work methods, collaborating with staff and other departments to develop workflow efficiencies and eliminate waste.
Assist in developing and implementing department policies and procedures.
Review and update departmental job descriptions annually.
Assist in arranging transportation to other facilities when necessary.
Ensure social service progress notes are informative and descriptive of services provided and resident response.
Coordinate social services activities with other departments.
Attend QAPI meetings and help develop and implement plans of action to address identified deficiencies.
Develop and maintain a community and social services referral file of agencies and organizations that assist residents.
Interpret the department’s policies and procedures for employees, residents, visitors, government agencies, etc.
Keep abreast of current federal and state regulations and make recommendations on changes to facility policies and procedures.
Prepare reports and provide recommendations to the Administrator concerning the operation of the social services department.
Participate in community planning related to facility interests and resident needs.
Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
Review and develop a plan of correction for social service deficiencies noted during survey inspections.
Review departmental complaints and grievances from personnel and make written reports to the Administrator of action taken.
Committee Functions
Serve on various committees as directed by the Administrator.
Care Plan and Assessment Functions
Complete resident assessments and attend care planning meetings in accordance with OBRA guidelines.
Participate in care planning meetings and help develop goals and objectives addressing each resident’s identified problems and needs.
Ensure social services components of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) are completed and signed on a timely basis.
Participate in regularly scheduled reviews of resident discharge plans.
Review nurses’ notes to determine if the care plan is being followed; report problems to the Director of Nursing.
Personnel Functions
Determine departmental staffing requirements.
Assist in recruiting, selecting and training department personnel.
Conduct departmental performance evaluations in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
Counsel/discipline department personnel as requested.
Make daily rounds ensuring personnel are performing required duties.
Review and check competence of personnel and make necessary adjustments.
Schedule department work hours, personnel, and work assignments to expedite work.
Terminate employment of personnel when necessary; coordinate with the Director of Human Resources and/or the Administrator.
Staff Development Functions
Develop (or acquire) and conduct in‑service programs relevant to departmental staff.
Safety and Sanitation Functions
Develop and implement safety standards for the department.
Equipment and Supply Functions
Check supply rooms to ensure needed supplies are on hand.
Make periodic rounds to ensure necessary equipment is available and working properly.
Place orders for equipment and supplies as needed.
Recommend to the Administrator the equipment and supply needs of the department.
Budget and Planning Functions
Forecast and prepare the department’s budget for equipment, supplies and labor and submit for approval.
Maintain current written records of department expenditures and submit cost reports to the Administrator as needed.
Make departmental adjustments to conform to approved budget and/or based on analysis of the monthly operating statement.
Job Position Analysis Information (1) Risk Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids Column: A check mark in this column indicates the risk potential of your exposure to blood or body fluids. Established procedures identify the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) you should use when performing this task.
(2) Essential Functions Column: A check mark in this column indicates you may be required to perform this task.
(3) Safety Factors Column:
RM = Repetitive Motion:
A “RM” in this column indicates it will be necessary for you to perform some functions of this task repeatedly. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used.
WL = Minimum Weight Lifting Requirement:
A “WL” in this column indicates it will be necessary for you to perform functions of this task that require some lifting, moving, pushing or pulling. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used when performing this task. Minimum weight lifting requirements you must perform are located in the “Physical and Sensory Requirements” section of this job description.
SB = Prolonged Sitting, Standing and Bending:
A “SB” in this column indicates some functions of this task require you to sit, stand or bend for an extended period of time. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used when performing this task.
Acknowledgment I have read this job description and fully understand that many of the requirements set forth therein have been determined to be essential to this position (noted in Column 2). I hereby accept the position of Director of Social Services and agree to perform the tasks outlined in this job description in a safe manner and in accordance with the facility’s established procedures. I understand that as a result of my employment I may be exposed to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, air contaminants (including tobacco smoke) and hazardous chemicals and that the facility will provide to me instructions on how to prevent and control such exposures. I further understand that I may also be exposed to the Hepatitis B Virus and that the facility will make available to me, free of charge, the hepatitis B vaccination. I also understand I may not release/disclose protected health or facility information without proper authorization.
I understand that my employment is at‑will and therefore understand that my employment may be terminated at‑will either by the facility or by me, and that such termination can be made with or without notice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr