Social service director Jobs in South Bend, IN

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

The Director of Social Services (DSS) leads the Social Services function at The Sanctuary of Holy Cross, ensuring residents and families receive compassionate, person-centered support throughout the care journey—from pre-admission through discharge or end-of-life care. This role oversees psychosocial assessments, individualized care planning, discharge coordination, resident advocacy, and regulatory compliance while serving as a key member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). The DSS builds a high-performing team, drives service quality, and maintains survey readiness consistent with federal and state requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the Social Services strategy aligned to Holy Cross’s mission, resident experience standards, and quality goals.
• Lead, mentor, and schedule Social Services team members (e.g., Social Workers, Case Managers, Discharge Planners), including performance management and professional development.
• Champion a resident-first culture, fostering empathy, dignity, and respect in all interactions.

Resident & Family Services

• Complete timely, comprehensive psychosocial assessments; identify strengths, risks, and barriers to care/transition.
• Facilitate person-centered care planning, resident rights education, informed consent, and grievance resolution.
• Coordinate admission support, room changes, care conferences, and discharge/transition planning (including community integration and transportation).
• Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and support for adjustment to illness, loss, behavioral health needs, and end-of-life care.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families/guardians; maintain proactive, transparent communication.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Partner with Nursing, Therapy, Dietary, Activities, Spiritual Care, and Medical Staff to address behavioral, cognitive, social, and environmental needs.
• Support trauma-informed, dementia-capable, and culturally competent care practices.
• Participate in QAPI, falls, weight, antipsychotic stewardship, and other quality/safety initiatives.

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with CMS regulations, state of Indiana requirements, and facility policies, including resident rights, care planning, discharge planning, and documentation standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete charting within the EMR; ensure data integrity and confidentiality (HIPAA).
• Prepare for and participate in surveys; lead corrective action plans related to Social Services.

Community & Resources

• Maintain relationships with hospitals, ACOs, payers, community agencies, and mental health resources to support seamless transitions and access to services (e.g., guardianship, benefits, housing, substance use resources).
• Educate residents/families on available benefits and resources (Medicaid/Medicare, VA, community supports).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or closely related human services field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive Social Services experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), sub-acute rehab, long-term care, or similar healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CMS regulations, survey processes, and discharge planning standards.
• Strong interpersonal, de-escalation, and family systems skills; experience with complex psychosocial cases.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and documentation standards; strong organizational and time management skills.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Michigan licensure (LMSW/LBSW) or eligibility/registration as required by state regulations.
• Prior leadership/supervisory experience leading a Social Services team.
• Experience with dementia care, behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and end-of-life care.
• Familiarity with QAPI, value-based care initiatives, and payer requirements (Medicare Advantage, Medicaid).

What Perks and Benefits Can You Look Forward to?

• Paid holidays and generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Up to $4,000 in tuition reimbursement annually!
• Discounts with major vendors; AT&T, Verizon, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Quicken Loans, AND MORE!
• Day 1 Benefits - Low cost medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Enjoy lower cost medical services when you visit facilities within the Trinity Health network.
• Daily-pay options
• Fast response interview times and job offers!

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.