An initiative of Pennsylvania Health Care Association
A Social Services Designee supports residents’ emotional and social well-being under the direction of a licensed social worker, helping coordinate care and family communication.
A Social Services Director manages the social services department, ensuring residents’ psychosocial needs are met through effective programs, staff leadership, and regulatory compliance.
A Social Worker provides counseling, advocacy, and resource coordination to address residents’ emotional, social, and practical needs in long-term care.
Social Service Designees assist Licensed Social Workers in nursing homes by supporting residents’ social and emotional needs. They help with admissions, educate residents and families on their rights, coordinate care services, and advocate for residents’ well-being within the facility.
Candidates are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent GED credential to be considered for a Social Services Designees role.
This position does not require formal certifications, though relevant experience and skills are valued.
Social Worker
Social workers in nursing homes help residents adjust, advocate for their needs, and provide counseling and psychosocial assessments. They collaborate with healthcare teams to create care plans, coordinate discharges, and support residents through transitions, including end-of-life planning.
A social worker must possess a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or in a human services field. This typically takes four years to complete.
Social workers must obtain 30 hours of continuing education credits in a two-year cycle to maintain licensure.
Social Services Director
The Social Services Director is responsible for ensuring that the social, psychological and physical needs of all residents in the nursing home are being met. They provide counseling and social services to residents and their families. The Social Services Director reports directly to the administrator and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, providing information on an individual resident’s psychosocial condition.
A Social Services Director must hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related human services field such as psychology, sociology, or counseling. This educational background equips directors with the skills to manage staff, develop programs, and ensure residents’ psychosocial needs are met in compliance with regulatory standards.
Social Services Director must obtain 30 hours of continuing education credits in a two-year cycle to maintain licensure.
Social Services Consultant