Palliative Care Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Palliative

Status: Exempt

​

Focus Areas:

Palliative Care Program Leadership | Interdisciplinary Team Coordination & Patient-Centered Care Delivery | Quality Improvement & Clinical Program Evaluation | Strategic Expansion of Palliative Care Services | Operational Management, Staffing & Budget Oversight 

​

Position Summary​:

The Palliative Care Program Manager, under the supervision of the Director of Clinical Services, is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based, advanced palliative care services. This role provides guidance and support to the palliative care team, ensuring compassionate and high-quality care. Key responsibilities include managing the program's budget and staff. The Program Manager collaborates closely with interdisciplinary team members to enhance service delivery, improve patient outcomes, and maintain excellence in care. In addition to program leadership, the position supports specialized education and training, contributes to palliative care research and innovation, and promotes continuous improvement through program evaluation and development 

​

Duties & Responsibilities​:

• Establish and maintain strong, effective communication with health and social care professionals across care settings to ensure continuity and quality of palliative care.
• Influence, negotiate, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to promote and deliver high-quality, patient-centered palliative care services.
• Lead and coordinate with internal teams and external agencies to address the complex needs of palliative care patients, including psychological, spiritual, social, and financial concerns, as well as discharge planning.
• Oversee the daily operations, including staff supervision, scheduling and resource allocation.
• Operates independently across both hospital and community environments, ensuring consistent standards of care and program accessibility.
• Actively support and participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings, contributing clinical expertise and insight into service planning and patient care strategies.
• Evaluate palliative care service delivery on an ongoing basis; identify opportunities for improvement, propose enhancements, and implement changes in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Delegate administrative functions appropriately to maximize clinical efficiency and focus on strategic program management.
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices, standards, and innovations in specialist palliative care to inform clinical practice and staff education.
• Lead business operations for the palliative care program, including development of productivity and cost-efficiency strategies, workflow optimization, and staff utilization planning.
• Develop and implement strategic plans to expand palliative care services across various settings (e.g., hospital, home-based, community clinics).
• Conduct assessments and design plans for service growth, including facility enhancements and resource allocation to meet increasing patient demand.
• Collaborate with the Director of Clinical Services on assigned projects, program development, and strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Skill & Knowledge Requirements​:

• Must have a good understanding of vendor contractual obligations related to patient care contracts.   
• Strong leadership ability in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse team while holding the team accountable for productivity goals.
• Ability to discern sensitive issues, respond appropriately, and react quickly.
• Knowledge and understanding of the hospice and palliative care philosophy and hospice and palliative care criteria for admission and the admission process.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet multiple and sometimes competing deadlines, demands, and changing priorities.
• Ability to coach and mentor others to develop a strong working team.
• Working knowledge of hospice and palliative care Conditions of Participation (COPs) as it relates to clinical operations.
• Understanding of CMS CoPs, Accreditation Standards, & State Certification/Licensing Standards.

Education & Experience Requirements: ​

• MBA with a focus on Health Care Management.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the Health Care Industry, specifically in project management and quality improvement plan implementation and monitoring.
• Hospice and/or palliative care experience preferred.
• Frequent use of private vehicle, typical office equipment, personal cellular phone (cell phone use prohibited while driving) and a computer using the electronic medical records system and Microsoft Office software.

Hours:

• Exempt position: requires flexibility and may be required to work after-hours, on weekends, holidays, and take administrative call as needed. 
• May be called in during emergencies.

Pay: $90,000 - $100,000 / annually ​

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors.