Manager, Recuperative Care Unit (RCU)

About the RCU

The Medical Respite Unit (RCU) provides a safe, supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness who need to recover after hospitalization or while receiving ongoing medical care. As the Manager of the RCU, you will lead the certification process, develop and implement operational processes, establish standards of care, and ensure the unit’s long‑term success. This role offers the opportunity to identify needs, create solutions, and continuously improve the program as it grows.

Buffalo City Mission is a faith‑based organization dedicated to serving men, women, and families facing barriers to stability. The mission is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, emphasizing compassion, hope, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

Responsibilities

• Program Administration & Compliance: Oversee daily operations of the RCU, ensuring compliance with NYS Department of Health certification standards, HIPAA regulations, and 1115 Waiver protocols; develop and update policies that integrate Health‑Related Social Needs (HRSN) into care delivery; manage the program budget and track Medicaid‑reimbursable SDoH services alongside donor and grant funding.
• Clinical Intake & Care Coordination: Manage triage and intake, assessing referrals from local hospitals (e.g., ECMC, Buffalo General) through the Social Care Network (SCN) and community providers; coordinate individualized care plans that blend medical recovery with 1115 Waiver‑authorized social supports such as housing navigation and nutrition; liaise with external clinicians, behavioral health providers, and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to ensure seamless care transitions.
• Staff Leadership & Development: Direct, supervise, and mentor RCU staff, emphasizing the role of Social Determinants of Health in patient outcomes; ensure all team members are trained in CPR/First Aid, de‑escalation techniques, and Trauma‑Informed Care as required by state respite standards; foster a culture of accountability and professional excellence consistent with the organization’s values.
• Quality Improvement & Data Management: Maintain accurate electronic health records and client files within HMIS and required Medicaid/SCN data platforms; lead quality‑improvement initiatives to track patient outcomes, especially 1115 Waiver metrics such as reduced hospital readmission and improved SDoH stability; report program metrics to leadership, grant stakeholders, and state Medicaid oversight bodies.
• Discharge Planning & Housing Advocacy: Facilitate proactive discharge planning from day one, using 1115 Waiver resources to secure safe transitions to permanent or supportive housing; partner with housing specialists to utilize Medicaid‑funded housing transition and tenancy support services where applicable.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Nursing, Human Services, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MSW/MPH) or RN/LPN experience is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in healthcare administration, medical respite, or social services, with at least 2 years in a leadership role. Working knowledge of NYS Medicaid and 1115 Waiver programs is a significant plus.
• Clinical Knowledge: Deep understanding of the health challenges facing the homeless population and the impact of Social Determinants of Health on long‑term recovery.
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to Buffalo City Mission’s faith‑based approach to restoration and community service.

Pay

$66,560 per year (full‑time)

Benefits

• Medical coverage with a single‑high premium paid in full by the employer
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Vision coverage
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package

Schedule

Full‑time