Social Worker Director - New England Homes For The Deaf

About NEHD:

New England Homes for the Deaf, founded in 1901, is a life plan community that offers a continuum of care to Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing seniors, including independent living, rest home, skilled nursing community, Deaf senior centers, short-term rehabilitation services, respite care services and hospice care. The New England Homes for the Deaf mission is to provide long term healthcare, housing, recreational activities and social support for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing individuals in an accessible, barrier-free, and culturally sensitive environment with optimal communication and architectural resources.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the healthy emotional/social adjustment of residents.
• Identifies and understands the social and emotional factors underlying resident's mental illness and communicates these factors to the treatment team.
• Assists Residents, their families, and employees in understanding psychiatric illness and accepting treatment necessary to maximize medical benefits. This may include where appropriate specialized behavior plans.
• Works with MIDS coordinator to complete designated sections leading to completion of the MDS in a timely fashion.
• Participates in care plan meetings adding the social work perspectives care of the resident. Documents quarterly reviews and interim notes which reflect the resident's status.
• Ensures that Transfer and Discharge rights are respected by completing all notices. Sends copies to families and Ombudsman in compliance with regulations.
• Facilitates room changes. Identifies resident centered justification for the move.
  • Provides a minimum of 48 hours' notice of proposed change to the resident and roommates. Presents notice to resident for signature, if resident agrees to the move.
• Conducts Resident Council meetings. Follows up on any issues by department. Discusses a "Resident Right of the Month" at each meeting.
• Functions as Grievance Officer for all Grievances/Complaints. Complies with mandated reporter obligations.
  • Interview residents and staff during investigations. Informs resident/family of resolution. Provides in-service education to the staff on specific Residents' Rights issues identified. Provides comprehensive in-service education on Resident's Rights to staff upon hire and at least quarterly thereafter.
• Coordinates the admission process by accepting referrals, collecting medical/social and financial information, and provides tours; at admission, assists resident to complete paperwork. Assures that PASRR is completed before admission. Convenes 72-hour care plan meeting after admission.
• Ensures that all guardianship paperwork is up to date. Provides medical certificates as requested by attorneys.
• Provides Level of Care screenings when a new resident is admitted or moves from Rest Home to Nursing Home.
• Participates in discharge planning as needed.
• Attends all management meetings.
• Supervises PT Community Service Coordinator.
• Completes other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

Company Compliance:

• Must adhere to the Company's Code of Conduct and business Ethics policy. Including documentation and reporting responsibilities.

Staff Development:

• Attend and participate in educational activities, in-service training, and staff meetings; assist in orientation and training other staff.

Quality Improvement:

• Participate in Quality Improvement activities as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must have a current, active license to practice as Social Worker in Massachusetts.
• MSW degree is preferred.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work with an interdisciplinary care team.
• Basic understanding of computer technology, including email use. Proven written and oral communication skills.
• Proven decision-making and analytical skills.
• Able to relate positively, favorably and cooperatively with others, including employees, residents, family members, and personnel of outside agencies and organizations.
• Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.
• Must meet all local health regulations and pass the post-employment physical exam is required. This also includes criminal background investigation and reference inquiry.
• Must be capable of performing the Essential Job Function of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Meet requirements to provide social services in long term care facilities in accordance with the Department of Public Health.
• If not proficient in ASL, then must participate in ASL classes conducted at NEHD. Social Worker will collaborate with the communication department to ensure proper communication with residents, family members, caregivers and community agencies.