JOB DESCRIPTION

The Geriatric Psychiatry Manager is responsible for the overall management, strategic planning, and daily operations of a geriatric psychiatry unit.  This role involves ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care for older adults with complex mental health and medical needs, such as dementia, depression, and anxiety.  The Manager provides leadership to a multidisciplinary team, oversees administrative functions, and ensures compliance with all regulatory standards.  The Manager participates in committees related to the department and its initiatives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Supervision:
  • Provide leadership and supervision to unit staff, professional, and administrative staff
  • Foster a collaborative and effective workplace culture that aligns with the facility's mission and vision
  • Recruit, train, and manage staff, including conducting performance evaluations and managing workload assignments
• Clinical Operations and Patient Care:
  • Oversee the coordination of clinical services with support services
  • Ensure the development and implementation of personalized treatment plans and care pathways
  • Monitor quality of care, resource allocation, and safety issues
  • Collaborate with medical staff and interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care across settings (inpatient, outpatient, long-term care)
• Administration and Compliance:
  • Develop and implement facility plans, policies, and procedures to meet changes in law or accreditation standards
  • Manage the facility budget and resources effectively
  • Ensure all documentation, policies, and procedures comply with HIPAA, state licensing, and accreditation requirements
  • Prepare and present reports and correspondence for facility leadership and external agencies
• Community and Liaison:
  • Serve as a liaison between the facility, community-based program providers, and patient families/caregivers
  • Advocate for patients and assist them and their families in navigating complex healthcare systems and accessing support services
  • Assists with screening referrals for admission; collaborates with Social Worker and Leadership to manage length of stay and admissions

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education Requirements:

• Required:  Bachelor's Degree, graduate of an accredited program in Nursing (BSN)
• Preferred:  Master's Degree, graduate of accredited program in psychiatric or mental health nursing or master's in nursing with experience in mental health as well as supervisory experience

License or Certification Requirements:

• Required:  License, current MS RN license, compact license, or temporary permit for same (valid for 90 days only)

Experience Requirements:

• Required:  3 years of experience in Mental Health and/or Geri Psych nursing with demonstrated progressive leadership responsibility

Knowledge:

• Expert clinical knowledge of disease management
• Meets accrediting agency standards as well as spreadsheet/database applications skills
• Policy, process, and procedures of the organization

Skills:

• Financial and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with computer applications/EHRs
• Advanced skills in multi-tasking, time management, and organization
• Excellent interpersonal skills while understanding the importance of positive relationships
• Advanced skill in using logic and reasoning to identify alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems

Abilities:

• Assume leadership roles in the interdisciplinary team and the organization
• Support the growth and development of team members
• Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions
• Excellent judgement and creative problem-solving, including negotiation and conflict resolution

Work Environment:

• Work is generally performed in a healthcare environment.  There is potential exposure to chemicals which may be used in patient care

Physical Demands:

• Frequent reaching, sitting, walking, and standing may be required.  Occasional moderate to heavy lifting may be required.  No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job.  
• Occasional mediation between patients could occur