OCCUPATION: SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

Name: Monica Sesskin Company: Beverly Manor Nursing Center, Costa Mesa Thumbs up: “My mother instilled in me a cultural respect for the elderly, and I have always wanted to help them. The job involves problem-solving on a very human level, and I get a lot of satisfaction from dealing with residents and their families.” Thumbs down: “Too much paperwork.” Next step: “I would like to get a master’s degree in social work.” Advice: “Get a good collegiate internship and a master’s degree before starting work in the field. If you start your first job before getting a master’s degree, it’s just too hard to go back. Once established, it’s important to develop contacts throughout the (health care) industry and keep informed about all resources available to the elderly.” Salary range: $18,000 to $30,000 a year. Fringe benefits: Most employers offer medical insurance, retirement plans, sick leave and paid vacations. Hours: Daytime hours, five days a week. Educational and training requirements: A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. An internship is also recommended. Most social service directors also complete a master’s degree in social work or gerontology. Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, 750, or 0.06% of the labor force, work as social service directors. Expected demand: Steady. Job description: Nursing facility social service directors assist with psycho-social problems encountered by patients and their families. In some circumstances, they may act as patient advocates in resolving Medicare, Social Security and insurance issues when a patient has no nearby family or relatives. When a patient’s condition improves and full-time care is no longer needed, the social service director assists in locating a home health-care worker, a private duty nurse or a suitable board-and-care facility. Major employing industries: Nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, hospices and mental health programs. For more information: Contact the National Assn. of Social Workers at (213) 935-2050. Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Researched by JANICE L. JONES / Los Angeles Times