Social Services Director

The Palace Rehabilitation & Care Center is a leading subacute rehab and long-term care facility committed to delivering exceptional, resident-centered care. We are seeking an experienced Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to serve as the Director of Social Services, overseeing all aspects of the Social Services Department while providing hands-on support to residents, families, and staff.

The Director of Social Services/LSW is responsible for managing the social work department, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating discharge planning, and supporting the emotional and psychosocial well-being of residents in both subacute and long-term care areas. This leadership role is highly interactive, requiring strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Oversee daily operations of the Social Services Department.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate Social Workers, Social Work Assistants, and departmental staff.
• Ensure all documentation, assessments, and care plans meet state, federal, and facility standards.
• Lead departmental meetings and participate in facility leadership discussions.
• Maintain the department's compliance with DOH, CMS, HIPAA, and facility policies.

• Conduct psychosocial assessments for new admissions and assign caseloads to team members.
• Review admission paperwork, advance directives, and psychosocial needs.
• Support residents and families during the admission and adjustment period.

• Develop, approve, and monitor individualized care plans for all residents.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in IDT care plan, Medicare, and risk management meetings.
• Provide guidance to residents, families, and staff on psychosocial needs.

• Oversee and coordinate all discharge planning for subacute residents.
• Ensure all follow-up services, DME, home care, and community resources are arranged.
• Collaborate with hospitals, insurance case managers, physicians, and therapy teams.
• Educate residents and families on discharge instructions and safe transitions.

• Provide supportive counseling related to adjustment, grief, anxiety, or behavioral issues.
• Assist families with decision-making, guardianship questions, hospice transitions, and care plan changes.
• Address resident and family grievances promptly and professionally.
• Serve as resident advocate and promote resident rights and dignity.

• Ensure department remains survey-ready at all times.
• Participate in QAPI, audits, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records for DOH surveys and facility inspections.
• Update and manage departmental policies and procedures.

• Active New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW) – Required
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master's (MSW) preferred
• Minimum 1–2 years social work experience in subacute/long-term care
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of discharge planning, community resources, Medicare/Medicaid
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and critical-thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead a department
• EMR documentation experience preferred