Director of Social Work

Skilled Healthcare Center -

Job Title: Social Worker

Department: Social Services
Reports To: Administrator

Position Summary

The Social Worker is responsible for providing psychosocial support to residents and their families, promoting residents’ emotional well-being, and assisting with adjustment to long-term care placement. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and supports resident rights, care planning, discharge planning, and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident & Family Support

• Conduct psychosocial assessments upon admission and as needed thereafter

• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families

• Assist residents with adjustment to illness, disability, and placement

• Advocate for resident rights and dignity at all times

Care Planning & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings

• Develop and implement psychosocial care plans

• Communicate resident needs to nursing, therapy, dietary, and administration

• Monitor and update care plans based on resident condition and needs

Discharge Planning

• Coordinate safe and appropriate discharge planning

• Arrange community resources, home services, and equipment

• Educate residents and families on discharge options and post-discharge care

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the medical record

• Ensure compliance with CMS, state, and facility policies

• Assist with grievance resolution and complaint investigations

• Support survey readiness and participate in audits as needed

Behavioral & Crisis Management

• Identify behavioral or psychosocial concerns and intervene appropriately

• Collaborate with mental health providers as needed

• Assist with crisis intervention and conflict resolution

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required

Licensure / Certification

• Current state Social Work license or eligibility (as required by state law)

Experience

• Experience in long-term care or healthcare setting preferred

• Knowledge of geriatric populations and psychosocial needs

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of resident rights and CMS regulations

• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team

• Strong organizational and documentation skills

• Compassionate, patient-centered approach