Director of Social Services

POSITION SUMMARY: 
This position directs, establishes, and plans the overall processes for social services division of the nursing home; coordinates intake admissions and discharge procedures; assessment and care planning; and assists residents and their families. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Assists with the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of social services policies, procedures, and programs; monitors effectiveness and recommends improvements as needed. 
• Provides and/or directs social services, counseling, support, education, and resources to residents, families, and significant others to address social, emotional, psychological, and adjustment needs related to admission, placement, transition, and long-term care. 
• Coordinates resident intake, admission, and discharge processes; evaluates prospective residents within established guidelines; ensures required documentation is completed and submitted appropriately.  
• Supports residents, families, significant others, and staff in promoting resident self-advocacy, quality of life, and quality of care.  
• Completes resident histories, assessments, care plans, treatment plans, and required social service documentation; maintains accurate records documenting resident needs, interventions, and progress.  
• Participates in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary plans of care that identify resident needs, goals, and appropriate social service interventions.  
• Develops and maintains relationships with community agencies and resources; provides referrals and serves as a liaison between the facility, residents, families, and external service providers. 
• Assesses resident competency concerns and coordinates appropriate referrals to legal or community resources when needed. 
• Provides education and training to facility staff regarding resident rights, psychosocial needs, aging and disabilities, abuse prevention, and related resident care issues. 
• Participate in quality assurance activities and interdisciplinary team meetings to promote effective resident care and services. 
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and administration to promote and protect resident rights, safety, and overall resident well-being. 
• Communicates with medical providers, psychiatrists, and other professionals to coordinate services and address resident needs.  
• Assists with the development and implementation of the facility marketing program and community outreach efforts. 
• Prepares, reviews, and maintains accurate, timely, and complete reports, records, and required documentation. 
• Provides leadership, supervision, direction, and performance management for assigned employees. 
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES   
This section details the essential competencies required to perform the job effectively, including a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes. 

• Familiarity with Wisconsin Statutes, administrative rules, and applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies governing human services and social service programs.
• Knowledge of human behavior, social systems, and community resources to support individuals, families, and vulnerable populations.  
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities. 
• Ability to evaluate complex social, legal, and personal circumstances and determine appropriate courses of action. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, County leadership, elected officials, community organizations, partner agencies, clients, and the public. Knowledge of documentation requirements, regulatory standards, and recordkeeping practices applicable to social service programs. 
• Ability to perform work accurately with a high degree of attention to detail while meeting deadlines and exercising independent judgment. 
• Knowledge of County policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of local government organization and its departmental operating requirements.
• Technical proficiency in the use of relevant software applications, databases, standard office equipment, and other technological tools relevant to the position (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.). 

LANGUAGE SKILLS   
This section outlines the communication abilities necessary for effective performance.  These skills reflect the need to interact with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders in a clear, professional, and effective manner. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports.
• Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population.
• Ability to explain complex or technical information in a clear, understandable manner.
• Ability to listen actively and accurately understand verbal instructions or concerns.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and interpret numerical information related to documentation, reports, assessments, and program operations. 
• Ability to review and analyze data, records, and reports to support decision-making and ensure compliance with applicable requirements. 

REASONING ABILITY 
This section outlines the cognitive skills required to perform the job effectively.  This includes the ability to apply logic, make decisions, solve problems, and understand complex information.  

• Ability to analyze complex social, organizational, and operational issues and develop effective solutions and recommendations. 
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to social services programs and County operations. 
• Ability to evaluate information, research data, and reports to identify trends, make decisions, and support organizational planning.  
• Ability to assess community needs, evaluate programs and services, and make informed recommendations to support effective service delivery. 
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and make decisions in sensitive, confidential, and complex situations. 
• Ability to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority. 
• Ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to resolve challenges and improve departmental operations. 

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.   

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently involves standing and performing fine motor skills and repetitive motions and occasionally involves walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching above shoulder level or below the waist.
• Visual ability to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, using computer screens, or working with detailed data. 
• Ability to communicate and exchange information effectively with others, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
• Vaccinations and testing as required by local, state, or federal regulations and/or other regulating entities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is primarily in a health care setting.
• Work has no exposure to environmental conditions. 
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or closely related program.
• Four (4) years’ previous social work experience with elderly or disability populations, or long-term care management.
• Previous supervisory experience, preferred. 
• State of Wisconsin Social Worker Certification.
• Must successfully pass criminal and caregiver background check.

Starting pay is determined within the expected hiring range based on qualifications, directly related experience, and internal equity. Employees may advance through the full salary range in accordance with County policy. 
 

Expected Hiring Range: $77,792 - $88,005/year

Full Salary Range: $77,792 - $108,368/year

Department: Health Care Campus

FTE: 1.0

St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual’s race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.