Social Service Director

Ballardhrc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballard Center in Seattle, WA is seeking a Social Services Director to lead the psychosocial and discharge planning program for our 142-bed skilled nursing facility. You will report to the Administrator and join the facility leadership team to guide resident-centered decisions daily.

You will oversee resident and family support, advocate for residents, and coordinate care planning, compliance, and transfers with an interdisciplinary team.

Job description

Salary: $80160.40 - $83,200, based on experience and licensure

Help people through some of life's most important moments.

The best Social Services Directors don't just complete assessments or coordinate discharges.

They calm worried families.

They advocate for residents who can't always advocate for themselves.

They bring order to complicated situations, help people navigate difficult transitions, and make sure every resident is treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

If that sounds like why you chose this profession, we'd love to meet you.

At Ballard Center, you'll be more than a department head—you'll be a trusted leader, an essential member of our interdisciplinary team, and someone whose ideas genuinely help shape the future of our facility.

Why you'll love working here

We believe great resident care starts with great people.

That's why we're committed to creating a workplace where every department works together, every voice is respected, and everyone is focused on one goal - helping our residents live their best lives.

When you join Ballard Center, you'll find:

• A collaborative leadership team that values your expertise
• Direct access to the Administrator and executive leadership
• An interdisciplinary team that works together - not in silos
• The opportunity to improve processes instead of simply maintaining them
• A department where your ideas are welcomed and your leadership matters
• A culture built around teamwork, compassion, accountability, and continuous improvement

We know the work isn't always easy.

But we also know it's incredibly rewarding when you have the right people beside you.

The work you already know

You've probably been the one who:

• Helped a nervous family finally feel at peace with a care decision.
• Coordinated a complicated discharge that everyone thought would fall apart.
• Advocated for a resident whose voice wasn't being heard.
• Worked through difficult conversations with empathy, professionalism, and patience.
• Noticed subtle changes in a resident before anyone else did.

That's the kind of work we value.

Because behind every successful care plan is someone who truly understands people.

What you'll do

As our Social Services Director, you'll lead the psychosocial and discharge planning program for our 142-bed skilled nursing facility.

You'll report directly to the Administrator and serve as a valued member of the facility leadership team, helping guide resident‑centered decisions every day.

Resident & Family Support

• Complete psychosocial assessments
• Assist residents as they adjust to placement
• Facilitate family meetings and care conferences
• Support residents and loved ones through difficult life transitions
• Partner with hospitals, home health agencies, HCS, DDA, assisted living communities, adult family homes, hospice providers, and community organizations
• Ensure residents have the resources they need for successful transitions

Resident Advocacy

• Protect resident rights and dignity
• Manage grievances and follow‑up
• Coordinate advance directives, POLST documentation, guardianship, and representative payee needs

Care Planning & Compliance

• Complete MDS Section Q referrals
• Coordinate PASRR Level I and II requirements
• Maintain compliance with federal regulations and Washington State requirements
• Manage transfer, discharge, and bed‑hold notices
• Coordinate Ombudsman and DSHS notifications
• Participate in survey readiness and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI)
• Work closely with nursing, rehabilitation, providers, psychiatric services, and families to support residents experiencing behavioral health challenges using trauma-informed, resident‑centered approaches.

Leadership & Team Development

As the leader of the Social Services department, you'll oversee and mentor our Social Services Assistant, fostering a collaborative, resident‑centered team that delivers exceptional support to residents and families.

You'll provide day‑to‑day guidance, help prioritize departmental responsibilities, ensure regulatory compliance, and create an environment where your team can grow professionally while delivering outstanding service.

Working closely with facility leadership, you'll have the opportunity to strengthen