DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WORK & DISCHARGE PLANNING

Reports To: Administrator

FLSA Status: Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Department: Administration

Type: Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Social Work & Discharge Planning is responsible to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the center’s Social Work & Discharge Planning department; ensuring that the social, psychological, and physical needs of all residents in the center are being met. This position is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the patient’s safe discharge from the center back to home or a lower level of care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Document care plans and services provided in the resident’s medical record in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements and company policies. Ensure all entries are accurate, timely, and descriptive of the services provided.

Complete assigned sections on the Minimal Data Set (MDS) in timely manner.

Arranges and obtains needed durable medical equipment, clothing, and personal items for residents.

Partners with the clinical team in training staff on resident’s behaviors and appropriate behavioral interventions.

Coordinates home health, hospice, and supportive services, including making referrals to and obtaining services from outside agencies as needed.

Participates in leadership team by actively contributing to decision making, grievance follow-up, building and company-wide initiatives and attending leadership meetings such as Stand-Up, Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI), and other meetings as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Act as resident advocate by ensuring that services are provided in the resident’s best interest and educating on residents’ rights.

Meet with all new admissions to discuss and document the resident's psychosocial history and identify the current psychosocial needs.

Communicate regularly with the resident and resident’s family regarding resident needs.

Ensure comprehensive psychosocial care plans are in place for each resident and are completed within the required timeframe and updated quarterly and as needed.

Arrange ancillary services including, but not limited to, dental, ophthalmology, and audiology services.

DISCHARGE PLANNING

Initiates discharge planning upon admission.

Coordinates with the resident and/or resident’s representative(s), the interdisciplinary team, and physician to determine appropriate discharge plans for transitioning the patient home or to an optimal care environment.

Schedules and directs timely and efficient discharge planning meetings for all new admissions.

Utilizes scheduled administrative meetings, the Recovery Map, care plan meetings, internal and community resources to facilitate education and planning that provides the patient and family the support needed in order to resume life in the community or at a lower level of care.

Assesses the patient’s support systems and home situation to assist in decision-making regarding the patient’s discharge plan and discharge needs.

Facilitates effective bed management by strategic evaluation and internal arrangement of center beds in order to maximize the availability of transition and extended care services.

Adheres to company procedures for initiating internal transfers, and documents room/roommate change processes including notifications, transfers, interventions, and outcomes in the patient’s medical record.

Coordinate with center’s Business Office to ensure timely issuance of Notice of Medicare NonCoverage (NOMNC) and Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNFABN).

Provide center case management for managed care residents by collecting and submitting required resident assessments and progress updates to insurance companies.

PREREQUISITES

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or related field required.

Two (2) years of experience in Social Work or related role

Experience in skilled nursing or healthcare environment preferred. PREFERRED SKILLS

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Strong organizational and analytical skills.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision.