Job Description

Job Location: SBNH Richland Twp - Gibsonia, PA 15044
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary/year
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: Health CareAt St. Barnabas Health System, you have the opportunity to embark on a meaningful and fulfilling career where your contributions are valued, and you play an essential role in advancing our rich and historic mission. Join a dynamic team where you’ll not only enjoy competitive pay and benefits but also take pride in the positive impact you make every day. Discover a workplace where your skills, dedication, and individuality are celebrated as part of a supportive and mission-driven community!

Position Summary
The Director of Social Services is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating all social service programs within the skilled nursing facility. This role ensures that residents’ psychosocial, emotional, and social needs are assessed, addressed, and supported in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Director of Social Services acts as a resident advocate, supports resident rights, coordinates discharge planning, and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to promote resident-centered care and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Resident Assessment and Care Planning
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for all residents upon admission, quarterly, annually, and with any significant change in condition, in compliance with CMS and MDS requirements.
- Participate actively in the interdisciplinary care plan process, ensuring psychosocial needs, preferences, and goals are accurately reflected and addressed.
- Monitor residents’ adjustment to the facility and provide ongoing counseling, intervention, and support as needed.
- Identify and address issues related to mental health, substance use, cognitive impairment, family dynamics, grief, loss, and end-of-life concerns.
Discharge Planning and Transitions of Care
Coordinate and lead discharge planning efforts in collaboration with nursing, therapy, medical staff, and families to ensure safe, timely, and appropriate discharges.
- Educate residents and families regarding discharge options, rights, and available community resources.
- Arrange post-discharge services, including home health, durable medical equipment, outpatient services, housing resources, and community-based supports.
- Ensure compliance with CMS discharge planning regulations and Pennsylvania requirements, including documentation and resident notification.
Resident Rights, Advocacy, and Grievances
- Act as a resident advocate, ensuring residents’ rights are upheld at all times in accordance with federal and Pennsylvania regulations.
- Educate residents and families about resident rights, advance directives, and facility policies.
- Receive, investigate, document, and resolve resident and family grievances in a timely and professional manner.
- Maintain grievance logs and ensure follow-up actions are completed and communicated appropriately.
Abuse Prevention and Mandatory Reporting
- Assist in the prevention, identification, investigation, and reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, or exploitation.
- Ensure compliance with mandatory reporting requirements to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other appropriate agencies.
- Participate in abuse investigations and contribute to corrective action plans when needed.
Psychosocial Support and Counseling
- Provide individual and group counseling to residents and families related to adjustment, illness, loss, and end-of-life issues.
- Support residents experiencing emotional distress, behavioral concerns, or significant life changes.
- Collaborate with psychiatric providers, psychologists, and outside agencies as appropriate.
Family and Community Relations
- Serve as a primary liaison between the facility, residents, families, and responsible parties.
- Facilitate family meetings, care conferences, and resident council support as needed.
- Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies, hospitals, hospice providers, mental health organizations, and social service resources.
Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
- Ensure all social services documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with CMS, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and facility policies.
- Prepare for, participate in, and respond to state and federal surveys related to social services, resident rights, discharge planning, and quality of life.
- Assist with plans of correction related to psychosocial care and resident rights, as assigned.
Staff Supervision and Education
- Provide education to facility staff regarding resident rights, psychosocial care, trauma-informed care, dementia-related behaviors, and communication strategies.
- Participate in orientation and ongoing in-service education programs.
Quality Improvement and Facility Leadership
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities related to psychosocial outcomes, grievances, discharges, and resident satisfaction.
- Analyze trends and recommend improvements to enhance resident quality of life and regulatory compliance.
- Serve as an active member of the facility’s leadership and interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) required; Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) preferred.
- Degree must be from an accredited college or university.
Licensure / Certification
- Pennsylvania social work licensure (LSW or LCSW) preferred, or eligibility for licensure.
- Must meet CMS and Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements for Social Services Directors in skilled nursing facilities.
Experience
- Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in a skilled nursing facility, long-term care, or healthcare setting preferred.
- Experience with MDS processes, discharge planning, and regulatory compliance strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies
- Thorough knowledge of CMS regulations, Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements, and resident rights.
- Strong assessment, counseling, and care coordination skills.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and organizational abilities.
- Ability to manage conflict, handle sensitive situations, and maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team environment.
Physical and Mental Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the facility.
- Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, and external agencies.
- Ability to manage emotional stress and handle sensitive and complex situations professionally.

Work Environment
- Skilled Nursing Facility / Long-Term Care setting
- Exposure to residents with complex medical, cognitive, and emotional needs
Why Choose Us?
We offer a competitive salary plus a comprehensive wellness package
- Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision
- 401(k): Matching and profit sharing contributions
- Generous Paid Time Off and 7 Recognized Holidays
- Clinical Shift Differentials
- Bonuses: Longevity, Holiday and Referral
- Company Insurance: Disability, Life and AD&D
- Medical Center Discounts: Enjoy savings up to 40% at our Medical Center and Dental Offices
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Other Benefits: EAP, Meal Discounts, Financial Wellness package, Free parking (all locations) and Employee Recognition Programs
Who We Are:
Join the team at St. Barnabas Health System, one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most trusted healthcare organizations with a legacy of excellence since 1900. Built on a mission to provide exceptional care to aging adults regardless of financial status, St. Barnabas combines compassion with quality in everything we do. As a valued member of our team, you’ll be part of a growing organization with locations across Allegheny, Butler, and Beaver counties. Be proud of where you work—at St. Barnabas, our commitment to excellence is reflected in the outstanding care we deliver and the state-of-the-art facilities we maintain. Make a difference with a company that truly stands out!
Equal Opportunity Employer:
St. Barnabas Health System is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or affectional preference, or gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.