Social Services Director - Nursing Home jobs in Bellingham, WA

Job Overview
Coordinate services offered by Social Services Department and promote the psychosocial growth and well-being of residents, family and staff. Assist residents and their families in finding and utilizing financial, legal, mental health, transportation and other community resources.

Essential Duties

• Provide information for residents and families concerning POLST forms and living wills.
• Provide in-service training and consultation for all staff concerning psychosocial needs of families and residents. Promote psychosocial growth and well-being in residents, family and staff.
• Responsible for all AIMS testing per OBRA regulations as well as consultation with other care providers.
• Monitor psychotropic medications and behavioral flow sheets. Facilitate Gradual Dose Reductions, where appropriate with consultation from Nursing Services.
• Coordinate mental health and psychiatric services for residents as needed.
• Obtain resident’s social history and update as necessary in resident’s medical record
• Participate with interdisciplinary team in developing individual resident care plans.
• In coordination with other disciplines, develop a comprehensive discharge plan and assist family and resident with arrangements.
• Arrange and conduct care conferences.
• Meet with new residents and family members to orient them to facility procedures and complete initial MDS assessment. Coordinate facility services offered.
• Provide counseling to residents and resident’s family members in times of need.
• Advocate for the protection of residents’ rights and responsibilities.
• Complete and update resident Personal Belongings sheets as needed.
• Facilitate the resolution of resident and family concerns.
• Train, supervise and complete annual reviews of Social Services Staff.
• Other duties as assigned by administrator.

Basic Qualification
Education/Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. BA in Social Work or Social Services Consultant is required for 120 or more bed facility per WAC 388-97-0960.

Skills:

• Ability to deal tactfully with co-workers, residents, family members, visitors and the general public. Must have the ability to work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility while remaining calm and professional. Must have strong communication skills and an ability to listen to and empathize with others.

Experience:

• Long term care experience or health care social work preferred. Supervisory experience preferred.