Job Description
Position Summary:
As the Program Director of Social Services, you will play a pivotal role in the administrative and clinical functioning of our Social Services Department. You will lead a dedicated team of professionals and non-professional staff, ensuring the delivery of effective, person-centered care that aligns with our mission, values, and continuous quality improvement principles. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the department's direction, fostering a positive and empowering work environment, and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
Essential Functions:
- Embody our mission, purpose, values, and beliefs in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide visionary leadership by planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the Social Services Department.
- Oversee all administrative and clinical operations within the Social Services Department.
- Implement management practices that empower staff, provide clear expectations, offer frequent and constructive feedback, and align with Continuous Quality Improvement principles.
- Cultivate and maintain harmonious and effective relationships and communication within the department and across other organizational departments.
- Serve as the in-house expert on the legal/conservatorship system, providing essential training to facility staff as needed.
- Coordinate the Utilization Review Committee and contribute to the development of associated procedures.
- Supervise and coordinate student intern placements within the Social Services Department, providing strong leadership and clinical training to both staff and interns.
- Collaborate effectively with other administrative staff in strategic planning initiatives to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the facility.
- Maintain flexibility and be available to assist at other affiliated facilities, which may involve occasional travel.
- Proactively build and nurture ongoing relationships with local agencies and community resources to facilitate a seamless continuum of care for individuals transitioning back into the community. Support Social Services staff in assessing member readiness for discharge.
- Determine staffing needs and provide recommendations to administration regarding personnel numbers and classifications. Lead the recruitment, selection, and, when necessary, disciplinary actions within the Social Services Department.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive job specifications and descriptions for all department personnel.
- Effectively coordinate and consult with county Mental Health Services and staff at acute and long-term inpatient psychiatric hospitals to ensure smooth admission and discharge processes for individuals served.
- Conduct thorough evaluations (via telephone and/or in person) of prospective individuals for admission, consulting with relevant department managers regarding the appropriateness of each admission.
- Manage the Social Services Department within allocated budgetary parameters and actively participate in the development of the fiscal budget.
- Ensure the facility's full compliance with all applicable state, federal, and local licensing regulations and requirements.
- Establish and clearly define standards that guarantee the provision of safe and therapeutically effective care.
- Continuously assess the quality of care delivered by the Social Services Department and ensure adherence to sound clinical practices.
- Develop and maintain a robust Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement program within the Social Services Department, emphasizing cross-departmental collaboration, ongoing employee education, and a proactive approach to monitoring standards and removing barriers to high-quality care.
- For Inpatient Programs: Must be able to assist with the safe restraint of individuals served in the event of assaultive behavior and successfully complete required assault crisis/crisis prevention training.
- For Outpatient Programs: Must be able to safely evade individuals served in the event of assaultive behavior and successfully complete required assault crisis/crisis prevention training.
Selling Points:
- Lead and Shape a Vital Department: Take ownership of the administrative and clinical direction of the Social Services team.
- Foster a Culture of Excellence: Implement your leadership vision to empower staff and enhance the quality of care.
- Make a Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to the well-being and successful community reintegration of individuals with mental illness.
- Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Work alongside a dedicated team of professionals and administrative colleagues.
- Growth and Development Opportunities: [Optional: Include any specific professional development or advancement opportunities within the organization].
3-5 Must-Have Skills/Qualifications:
- Extensive Direct Service Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of direct service experience working with individuals with mental illness.
- Proven Supervisory Expertise: A minimum of two (2) years of successful supervisory experience managing both professional and non-professional staff in an inpatient or outpatient mental health setting.
- Advanced Education and Licensure: A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related field.
- Full California BBS Licensure: Current and unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California.
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