Director of Social Services

Director of Social Services

Location: Elderwood at Burlington, Vermont

Salary Range: $67,860 – $88,218/year

Make a Difference Every Day

At Elderwood at Burlington, we believe exceptional care extends beyond medical treatment—it includes emotional support, advocacy, dignity, and meaningful connections. As Director of Social Services, you will play a vital leadership role in ensuring residents and their families receive compassionate guidance and support throughout their journey with us.

This position combines clinical coordination, resident advocacy, team leadership, and discharge planning to help residents achieve the highest quality of life possible. If you are a dedicated social work professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about serving older adults, we encourage you to apply.

Why Work at Elderwood at Burlington?

• NEW! Gas Allowance Stipend and Ferry Reimbursement for qualifying commuters
• 401(k) with employer match
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and more
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Weekly pay schedule
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education

Director of Social Services Position Overview

The Director of Social Services is responsible for overseeing the facility's Social Services Department and ensuring residents and their families receive compassionate support throughout admission, care planning, and discharge. This leadership role serves as an advocate for residents while helping coordinate services that promote emotional well-being, dignity, and quality of life.

Working closely with the interdisciplinary care team, the Director of Social Services develops and supports individualized care and discharge plans, supervises social services staff, ensures regulatory compliance, and serves as a key resource for residents, families, and community partners. Through strong leadership and collaboration, this position helps create a positive resident experience and supports the facility's commitment to exceptional care.

• Assumes responsibility for admission process for new residents as described in Section B of the Social Services Department Manual.
• Serves as the Unit Social Worker for designated residents as described in Section B of the Social Services Department Manual, or delegates this responsibility according to current staffing pattern.
• Serves as the Discharge Planner of the facility as described in Section B of the Social Services Manual; completes SCREEN upon discharge of resident.
• Coordinates PASARR Level II Annual Review of residents.
• Implements and oversees the policies and procedures of the Social Services Department in the areas of admission, social work, transfer and discharge services.
• Participates in development of a comprehensive, inter-disciplinary health care and discharge plan for residents; attends Resident Care Planning and Resident/ Family Care Plan Review meetings and informs other disciplines of residents or family members who plan to attend.
• Provides support and assistance to the Unit Social Worker in work with residents and families.
• Supervises and evaluates the performances of the social services staff.
• Works with the Social Work Consultant in matters of social services intervention or consultation.
• Ensures all necessary documentation required for the Social Services Department.
• Interprets to the professional staff of the facility the purpose and objectives of the Social Services Department.
• Explains the Bill of Rights for Residents and Resident Abuse Reporting at General Orientation meetings, as scheduled.
• Coordinates facility cooperation with the Ombudsman.

• Baccalaureate Degree in social work or a related field from an accredited institution.

• Casework experience required.

• Casework with the elderly or work in a supervisory capacity requiring initiative and responsiveness to the needs of others preferred.

• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record required.

• Ability to meet the public easily, handle problems diplomatically, and cooperate with other staff members necessary.

• Evidence of professional growth, continuing education and community involvement considered.

• This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.