Director of Social Services

Director Of Social Services

Golden Age Manor, owned and operated by Polk County, is dedicated to exceptional care for our residents. We are seeking a compassionate Director of Social Services to join our team. This full-time, Monday–Friday position (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) is ideal for a licensed social worker with a genuine passion for supporting older adults and individuals in need. As part of Polk County employment, this role includes full county benefits, including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

If you're committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, we'd love to hear from you. This position directs, establishes, and plans the overall processes for the social services division of the facility; coordinates intake admissions and discharge procedures; assessment and care planning; and assists residents and their families.

These duties represent the typical duties and responsibilities assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists in the development and implementation of social services policies and procedures as well as development, implementation, promotion, and refinement of new and existing programs; monitors effectiveness.
• Provides and/or directs the counseling and social services to residents and their families; assist residents and their families in adjusting from a home or hospital setting to a nursing home environment; counsels newly admitted residents and their families discussing problems, needs, and anxieties.
• Complete or assist in completion of various benefit forms such as Medical Assistance, Social Security, VA services and representative payee reports. Provides information, responds to any questions, assists families with financial matters, and obtaining required authorizations for resident care.
• Inform families/guardians on change in resident care level, condition, finances (Medical Assistance expiration, etc.) and personal needs.
• Coordinates intake, admission and discharge procedures. Ensures all required paperwork is properly completed and forwarded to the appropriate personnel.
• Complete a history and assessment for each resident that identifies social, emotional, and psychological needs for admission/placement and ongoing care. Complete and maintain all documentation required.
• Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that identifies their needs/issues of the resident, the goals to be accomplished for the needs/issues, and the appropriate social worker interventions.
• Respond to residents, families and the public regarding complaints, questions, requests for information, problem resolution and customer service.
• Serve as the lead investigator and grievance officer for facility. Investigate alleged violations of resident rights. Receives and follow up on resident and family concerns adhering to State and Federal reporting requirements during and outside of business hours.
• Ensure or provide counseling interventions to assist residents in coping with their transition and adjustment to a long-term care facility, including their social, emotional, and psychological needs.
• Complete PASARR (Preadmission Screen and Resident Review) form OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) prior to or at the time of admission to determine appropriateness of placement and/or whether a Level II screen is necessary; refer to Maximus for Level II screen when appropriate. Update annual Pre-Admission Screen and Resident Review (PASARR).
• Complete designated Social Service portion of MDS (Minimum Data Set) according to RAI Manual.
• Ensure Financial & Health Care Power of Attorney's are current and in place and if not, then assist resident with completion of such documents.
• Issue guardianship/court papers to residents regarding upcoming guardian ships/protective placement hearings.
• Ensure or provide support, counseling, and education to residents/family members/significant others to assist in their understanding of placement and facility issues in addition to referring them to the appropriate social service agencies when the facility does not…