Director of Social Work

Plaza Health; Union (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Plaza Health in Union, NJ is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to provide psychosocial support for residents and families, helping with adjustment to long-term care and ensuring quality of life. You will perform admissions assessments, counseling, care planning, discharge planning, and collaborate with nursing, therapy, and administration to advocate for resident rights and smooth transitions.

Ideal candidates hold a BSW, current state social work license, and experience in geriatric settings;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required.
• Current state Social Work license or eligibility as required by state law.
• Experience in long-term care or healthcare setting preferred.
• Knowledge of geriatric populations and psychosocial needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial assessments upon admission and as needed thereafter.
• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families.
• Develop and implement psychosocial care plans.
• Coordinate discharge planning and arrange community resources.
• Maintain compliant documentation and participate in audits.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Resident rights & CMS regulations

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Organizational & documentation

Education

BSW (Bachelor’s in Social Work)

Job description

Job Title: Social Worker

Department: Social Services
Reports To: Administrator

Position Summary

The Social Worker is responsible for providing psychosocial support to residents and their families, promoting residents’ emotional well-being, and assisting with adjustment to long-term care placement. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and supports resident rights, care planning, discharge planning, and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Resident & Family Support

• Conduct psychosocial assessments upon admission and as needed thereafter

• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families

• Assist residents with adjustment to illness, disability, and placement

• Advocate for resident rights and dignity at all times

Care Planning & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings

• Develop and implement psychosocial care plans

• Communicate resident needs to nursing, therapy, dietary, and administration

• Monitor and update care plans based on resident condition and needs

Discharge Planning

• Coordinate safe and appropriate discharge planning

• Arrange community resources, home services, and equipment

• Educate residents and families on discharge options and post-discharge care

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the medical record

• Ensure compliance with CMS, state, and facility policies

• Assist with grievance resolution and complaint investigations

• Support survey readiness and participate in audits as needed

Behavioral & Crisis Management

• Identify behavioral or psychosocial concerns and intervene appropriately

• Collaborate with mental health providers as needed

• Assist with crisis intervention and conflict resolution

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required

Licensure / Certification

• Current state Social Work license or eligibility (as required by state law)

Experience

• Experience in long-term care or healthcare setting preferred

• Knowledge of geriatric populations and psychosocial needs

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of resident rights and CMS regulations

• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team

• Strong organizational and documentation skills

• Compassionate, patient-centered approach