Director of Health Services

STATUS: Exempt-Salaried

REPORTS TO: Administrator/Executive Director

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Director of Health Services is responsible for the overall supervision, provision, and quality of nursing care in the Health Center and residential apartments. He/she is responsible for the selection, training, discipline and supervision for all nursing related Health Center personnel. He/she is responsible for the procurement of appropriate supplies and equipment and operating within the departmental budget.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

Primary Job Duties:

-Responsible for critical decision-making. Must regularly exercise discretion and judgment to perform work which is intellectual and varied in character, the accomplishment of which cannot be standardized as to time.

-Responsible for the development, organization and operation of nursing services and supportive services for the Health Center and residential apartments.

-Responsible for the coordination of nursing services for apartment and Health Center residents including the procurement of outside sources such as home health care services, private duty, hospice, rehabilitation services, psychological, etc. necessary to ensure that residents' needs are met. Communicates and meets with outside consultants as necessary to assess and make recommendations for resident care needs.

-Responsible for the coordination and direction of the total planning for nursing services including recommendation through a staffing plan of the number and levels of licensed and certified nurses' aides to be employed.

-Develops and maintains an effective restorative care program in collaboration with therapy provider.

-Selects, trains evaluates, disciplines all nursing services personnel.

-Responsible for developing and maintaining a schedule of daily rounds and assignments of duties for all nursing staff to assure 24-hour coverage sufficient to meet federal and state regulatory requirements and facility standards of care.

-Develops and participates in a new staff orientation program for his/her employees, including private duty and agency staff.

-Oversees completion of written orientation and annual evaluations of all nursing staff.

-Appoints, with the Administrator/Executive Director's approval, a nurse to act in his/her behalf during temporary absences. Designates a nurse in charge each shift.

-Develops and maintains a statement of philosophy and standards of care that outlines the quality of nursing and medical care that the Facility provides.

-Develops and maintains written nursing standards of practice to be ratified by the governing body. Such standards shall include, but not be limited to, defining routine care to be provided by licensed and certified nurses' aides and determination of when more care is needed.

-Develops and maintains nursing service policies and procedures to implement the standards of care. This shall include the coordination and integration of nursing services with other resident care services.

-Develops and maintains written job descriptions for health center nursing staff.

-Participates in planning an annual budget for department. Ensures monthly expenditures for department remain within budgeted allowances. Reviews monthly operating statement for accuracy and explains variances to budget.

-Possesses ability to communicate effectively with residents, families and staff. Must use sound judgment, work well under pressure and possess strong organizational skills.