Health Services Director

About the Role

This position oversees the clinical operations of an assisted living community, ensuring high-quality care and adherence to state regulations and company policies. The role involves management of staff, coordination of healthcare services, and direct resident care within the scope of nursing practice.

Responsibilities

Management

• Adhere to and convey the philosophy of supporting dignity, privacy, independence, choice, individuality, and a home-like environment for residents.
• Identify ongoing needs and services for residents through assessment and service planning utilizing the nursing process.
• Coordinate ancillary healthcare services for residents in cooperation with the Executive Director.
• Adhere to all established policies and procedures.
• Respond to resident or staff concerns and refer them to the Executive Director when appropriate.
• Manage and perform TB testing/screening for residents and staff per state regulations.
• Monitor quality of work performance of care partners, medication staff, and licensed nurses; report to the Executive Director.
• Ensure staff know and follow infection control procedures; direct infection control measures for the community.
• Participate in service plan conferences; maintain medication and treatment records for each resident.
• Work closely with staff and designated agents to identify resident problems, concerns, or issues; follow up as needed.
• Hold 24/7 overall responsibility for clinical operations; be on call according to a pre-established schedule.
• Oversee and/or complete the monthly nursing schedule for nursing staff.
• Participate in the Manager on Duty program as directed by the Executive Director.
• Coordinate and provide treatments within the scope of the nursing license and state regulations.
• Observe all work, safety, and administrative rules.
• Serve as a clinical liaison with families, residents, healthcare professionals, and team members.
• Manage labor costs, supplies, and other line items in the clinical budget.
• Develop strategies to eliminate or minimize the use of staffing agencies; keep the Executive Director apprised of staffing agency usage.
• Participate in the company quality assurance program.

Resident Services

• Conduct initial nursing assessments/evaluations to determine the appropriate level of care, including in a prospective resident’s home or alternative healthcare setting.
• Conduct reassessments per state and company requirements, including significant changes in condition and prior to readmission.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to counsel residents and designated agents on personal and related healthcare needs.
• Evaluate personal services rendered to residents and coach staff on expectations.
• Evaluate health emergencies and determine emergency medical measures for resident care.
• Act as a resident advocate in medical-social situations involving residents, designated agents, physicians, or other agencies.
• Coordinate administration of medications and treatments; observe results and document accordingly.
• Examine and provide first aid to residents and staff within the scope of practice.
• Address physical, social, spiritual, and psychological needs of residents.
• Complete required forms to ensure continuity of care.
• Notify physicians and/or designated agents of resident changes in condition.
• Consult with the Regional Director of Operations and Corporate Director of Quality & Clinical Services on resident issues as needed.

Administrative

• Read staff communications and maintain familiarity with resident records as required.
• Ensure accurate transcription of physician orders into treatment and medication records.
• Assist with move-in and orientation of new residents and designated agents as directed.
• Review resident service records, treatment, and medication books to ensure quality of care and documentation.
• Verify physician orders, move-in/move-out information, and initiate appropriate action or follow-up.
• Supervise ordering of medications from the pharmacy.
• Coordinate therapeutic diet orders with staff as required.
• Ensure proper records are maintained, including the use of EHR systems for care documentation, medication management, and quality initiatives.

Staff Development

• Provide, plan, schedule, and monitor staff training programs and in-services for clinical staff, including statutory or regulatory required training.
• Attend and complete all required training, in-service, and staff meetings.
• Train non-clinical staff as needed.
• Train, document, and supervise care partners under the Nurse Delegation Act as appropriate.
• Train and supervise staff to perform medication assistance services within best practices.

Requirements

• Willingness to adhere to assisted living principles in provided services.
• Ability to relate to the public, residents, families, staff, and other professionals appropriately.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• CPR/First Aid certified within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 30 pounds regularly.
• Maintain an appropriate and required nursing license in the state where the community is located.

Qualifications

• Licensed nurse with a minimum of one year leading clinical operations in a senior living setting.
• Rehabilitative and restorative experience is helpful.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing school.
• Maintain a current RN/LPN/LVN license in good standing in the state where the community is located.
• Immediately report any disruption to nursing license status to the Executive Director.
• Provide a supervisor with details of all states where you hold an active nursing license or compact license.