SUMMARY: The primary purpose of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services Director is to assist in planning, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing the overall operation of our facility’s Social Services Department in accordance with federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, our established policies and procedures, and as may be directed by the Administrator, to assure that the medically related emotional and social needs of the resident are met/maintained on an individual basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review facility policies and procedures as part of the facility’s interdisciplinary team to assure compliance with state and federal regulations
• Participate in reviewing and setting policies concerning resident care and quality of life
• Participate in developing facility social work policies
• Participate in quality assurance interdisciplinary team meetings
• Understand and meet all government requirements for social service documentation
• Document progress in meeting the psychosocial needs of residents
• Work with the interdisciplinary team and administration to promote and protect resident rights and the psychological wellbeing of each resident. Prevent and address resident abuse as mandated by law and professional licensure
• Work with residents, families, significant others and staff to provide support, information and organization for taking a more proactive role in self advocacy to improve quality of life/care for individual residents and those who live and work within the nursing home and the community at large
• Complete a social history and psychosocial assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs
• Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies the psychosocial needs/issues of the resident, the goals to be accomplished for those needs/issues, and the appropriate social worker interventions
• Ensure or provide therapeutic interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility, including their social, emotional, and psychological needs
• Ensure or provide support and education to residents’/family members/significant others to assist in their understanding or placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not provide the needed services
• Provide groups for residents’/family members/significant others as appropriate to their needs
• Provide clinical interventions to address catastrophic events that occur during the resident’s stay in the facility
• Coordinate the resident discharge planning process and make referrals for appropriate home care services prior to the resident’s return to the community
• Educate staff regarding the role of the social worker in the facility and the psychosocial needs of the residents and their families/significant others including the problems of aging and disability
• Educate staff regarding cultural diversity and each staff member’s importance when caring for resident. Educate staff regarding residents’ rights and how to recognize and prevent abuse, neglect and mistreatment
• Educate residents and families/significant others regarding their rights and responsibilities, effective problem solving and the extend of community, health and social services that are available to them, including those necessary for effective discharge planning.
• Supervise students assigned to social services in accordance with the respective school guidelines and monitor and document the progress of their work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science/LSW is required.
• Must have, as a minimum, 3 years of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing care facility, or other related health care facility.
• Master’s degree in Social Science is preferred.
• Long-Term Care Experience is preferred.
• A minimum of three years of supervised experience in mental health or human services is preferred.
• Current CPR Certification is required.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English language.
• Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to nursing care facilities.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of the facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 lbs. 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.