Director of Clinical Application

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Senior Administrator of Population Health, the Director of Clinical Applications (DCA) leads and actively executes the optimization and effective use of clinical applications, with a primary focus on the electronic medical record (EMR/EHR) and integrated systems. This role aligns technology strategies with the evolving operational needs of Primary Care (La Casa de Salud a Federally Qualified Health Center) and Acacia Network Behavioral Health programs to maximize system utility and support high-quality care. The DCA serves as the primary liaison for the EMR/EHR (NextGen and AWARDS) and related clinical applications, translating user needs into actionable system improvements.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for both directing and performing work related to system integration, interoperability, customization, and implementation initiatives that improve workflows, data utilization, and overall system effectiveness. The DCA supervises (where applicable) staff supporting application optimization, training, and user support while fostering a collaborative, continuously improving environment.

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and execute clinical application optimization strategies for Primary Care (La Casa de Salud) and Acacia Network Behavioral Health programs.
• Develop and operationalize a roadmap for scaling successful innovation initiatives across teams.
• Provide strategic recommendations to IT, Informatics, QI, and leadership on digital health opportunities, including enhancements to existing services and new solutions.
• Supervise and mentor Health IT team members, providing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee training strategy and curriculum development and directly deliver training as needed to support system adoption and effectiveness.
• Communicate regularly with senior leadership on team capabilities, priorities, outcomes, and return on investment.

Optimization & System Management

• Serve as the subject matter expert for the EHR (NextGen and AWARDS) and integrated clinical applications, leading optimization efforts that reduce documentation burden while maximizing compliance, care quality, and operational efficiency.
• Provide cross-functional coordination for clinical applications, ensuring alignment across clinical, operational, and IT priorities, and driving resolution of application issues in collaboration with end users and key stakeholders.
• Lead and execute system integration, interoperability, customization, implementation, and configuration initiatives to optimize clinical workflows and operational outcomes.
• Continuously assess end-user needs, identify system inefficiencies, and implement solutions to enhance system functionality, workflows and user experience.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and partners to maximize product value and performance.
• Ensure clinical applications support compliance with all applicable regulatory and organizational requirements (such as UDS, HEDIS, HRSA, FTCA, HIPAA, open notes, etc.)
• Support end-user education and adoption of EHR and integrated applications

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Governance

• While reporting to a direct supervisor, maintain dotted-line relationships with the Central IT Applications Team and the Accia Network's Behavioral Health program Lead to align priorities, coordinate initiatives, and inform system improvements.
• Participate in governance forums, workgroups, and cross-departmental meetings to advance optimization priorities.
• Document workflows, procedures, and system changes to support compliance, auditing, and knowledge sharing.

Other

• Prepare and present program updates to all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Attend Board Meetings, as needed, and present on projects.
• Represent La Casa de Salud and Acacia Network Behavioral Health programs at conferences, seminars and meetings, as requested.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Senior Administrator of Population Health.

REQUIREMENTS

• Masters degree in health administration, public health in healthcare management, business administration, health information management, health informatics, public administration, engineering or equivalent strongly preferred. BA required.
• Three (3) years progressive responsibility in management and supervisory experience in the areas of Health IT, operations, implementation, change management, project/program management, preferred.
• One (1) year experience in Community Health Centers (preferred)
• PMP or CCMP license (preferred)
• Knowledge of Ambulatory, Outpatient, and in-patient operational workflows
• Design Thinking / human-centered design skills
• Budget management responsibility
• Experience leading innovation-related methodologies - Lean Startup, Design Thinking, Customer Development
• Agile delivery experience (preferred)
• Able to deliver high impact presentations to large groups
• Proven experience facilitating large groups/workshops with diverse participants that deliver specific outcomes
• Able to work effectively and coordinate teams that are cross-functional, cross-business unit, and cross-geography
• Strong understanding of the information technology landscape
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills - able to maintain effective relationships at a variety of levels in the organization
• Strong outcome and target-based delivery skills
• A compassionate and trauma-informed care approach to patients is essential
• Ability to travel between clinic and outreach locations across New York State.

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.