Social Services Director

The Merriman; Akron, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k with company match

Early Pay via Tapcheck

Employee Perks & Discount program

PTO + Holidays

Referral Bonus Program

Mentorship programs

Growth opportunities

Educational loan repayment

Job summary

The Merriman Care Community in Akron, OH is seeking a Social Services Leader to oversee the social services department, ensure resident advocacy, and coordinate discharge planning. The role emphasizes collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to deliver person-centered care.

Responsibilities include developing policies, staffing supervision, and ensuring regulatory compliance while guiding family education and resource connections for residents and their loved ones.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred. A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a related field is highly preferred.
• Licensure: Active and valid licensure as a Social Worker may be required.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in social services, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role in a healthcare or long-term care setting.
• Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead social services department, providing leadership, guidance, and support to staff.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures promoting residents’ emotional and social well-being.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and ensure ongoing training for staff.
• Collaborate with facility leadership to align social services with organizational goals.
• Assess psychosocial, emotional, and practical needs and develop individualized care plans.
• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and families.
• Advocate for residents’ rights and ensure dignity and autonomy.
• Lead discharge planning for transitions to other care settings or home, coordinating with care teams and external resources.
• Identify and connect residents with community resources and referrals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (HIPAA, residents’ rights).
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other professionals for holistic care.
• Educate residents and families on advance directives, living wills, and healthcare decisions.
• Monitor and evaluate social services programs to improve outcomes and satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

EHR documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work / related field

MSW or related field preferred

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Merriman Care Community - Akron, OH 44303Position Type: Full-TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary/yearTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: Any

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Supervision:

• Manage and oversee the social services department, providing leadership, guidance, and support to social services staff.


• Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote the emotional and social well-being of residents.


• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and ensure ongoing training and development for social services staff.


• Collaborate with the facility’s leadership team to ensure that social services align with the facility’s overall goals and mission.

Resident Care and Advocacy:

• Assess the psychosocial, emotional, and practical needs of residents and develop individualized care plans to address these needs.


• Provide counseling and emotional support to residents and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of aging, illness, and long-term care.


• Advocate for residents' rights, ensuring their dignity, autonomy, and preferences are respected.


• Serve as a resource for residents and families, addressing concerns related to care, communication, and living conditions.

Discharge Planning:

• Lead the discharge planning process for residents transitioning to other care settings or returning home, ensuring a smooth and safe transition.


• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team, families, and external agencies to coordinate discharge plans, including home care services, medical equipment, and community resources.


• Ensure all discharge plans are compliant with facility policies and regulatory requirements.

Community Resources and Referrals:

• Identify and connect residents and families with community resources, such as financial assistance, housing, legal services, and counseling.


• Maintain a strong network of community partners and organizations to support the ongoing needs of residents.


• Ensure that residents and their families are aware of available services and how to access them.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to social services, including HIPAA and residents’ rights regulations.


• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all social services activities, assessments, and care plans in the electronic health record (EHR) system.


• Participate in audits, inspections, and surveys, ensuring that the social services department meets all regulatory standards.

Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Teamwork:

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that residents receive holistic care.


• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings, care conferences, and quality improvement initiatives.


• Act as a liaison between residents, families, and the care team to facilitate communication and resolve any issues related to care.

Family and Resident Education:

• Provide education and guidance to residents and their families on topics such as advance directives, living wills, and healthcare decision-making.


• Offer support and resources to families coping with end-of-life issues, bereavement, or other emotional challenges.

Quality Assurance and Improvement:

• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of social services programs, making adjustments as needed to improve resident outcomes and satisfaction.


• Participate in facility-wide quality assurance initiatives aimed at improving resident care and services.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred. A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a related field is highly preferred.


• Licensure: Active and valid licensure as a Social Worker may be required.


• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in social services, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role in a healthcare or long-term care setting.


• Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities.


• Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a compassionate and patient-centered approach.


• Skills: In-depth knowledge of social services regulations, healthcare laws, and residents’ rights.


• Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary care team.


• Skills: Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems and documentation.


• Skills: Knowledge of community resources and social services available to seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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People-Centered Rewards:

• Health benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision


• 401k with company match


• Early Pay via Tapcheck!


• Employee Perks & Discount program


• PTO + Company Holidays + Floating Holidays


• Referral Bonus Program


• Mentorship Programs


• Internal/Upskilling Growth Opportunities


• Continued Education Loan Repayment Program powered by Clasp