Assistant Director - Health Services

Location: Dubuque, IA

Job Id: 103

# of Openings: 1

Position Summary

The Assistant Health Services Director is responsible for assisting in the administration, supervision, and day-to-day operations of health services provided to the residents of Hills and Dales Development Center. This role ensures that provider orders and treatment plans are implemented effectively and may substitute for shift rotation when necessary. The position guarantees that health services deliver quality care in compliance with state, federal, and local regulations, as well as Managed Care Organization (MCO) standards and rules. Collaborative working relationships with all necessary departments are essential to the successful performance of this role.

Organizational Relationships

• Reports to: Health Services Director

About Hills and Dales Hills and Dales is a non-profit organization dedicated to building meaningful lives for people with disabilities. In support of this mission, our health services team responds to the healthcare needs of residents in a proactive and person-centered way.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assist the Health Services Director in developing, implementing, and evaluating health services to ensure compliance with Hills & Dales policies, federal, state, and local regulations, and MCO/Medicaid certification requirements.
• Help establish standard operating policies and procedures to ensure efficient health services operations.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to residents and health programs.
• Participate in pre-admission visits with potential residents and families as assigned.
• Prepare and assist with resident admissions and discharges.
• Develop staffing schedules that support resident health care needs.
• Assess and coordinate residents’ long-term health care needs.
• Support staffing needs by performing shift nurse and/or CMA duties when necessary to maintain adequate coverage.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of residents’ health care plans.
• Ensure residents’ individual health needs are addressed and collaborate with providers accordingly.
• Work with consultants to provide input on residents’ health care issues.
• Ensure pharmacists complete medication reviews and follow up on provider recommendations.
• Facilitate provider clinics at the residential center as needed.
• Accompany residents to annual physicals and referral appointments when required.
• Initiate and monitor baseline health indicators for residents.
• Collaborate with Dietician and Food Services Director to review and recommend nutritional and hydration needs; secure physician diet orders.
• Provide training on resident health and care issues during program plan reviews, team meetings, and new hire orientation.
• Educate and train parents/guardians on health issues related to their family members as needed.
• Provide pertinent individual health information to employees and participate actively in team meetings.
• Ensure residents receive appropriate education or counseling related to health issues.
• Implement temporary care plans for residents with deviations from normal activity or care due to health issues.
• Keep the Health Services Director informed and updated on resident health care issues.
• Document services accurately using approved software or handwritten records, including significant events and medication records.
• Provide direct support to residents as needed.
• Interact with families regarding needed programs and services.
• Conduct audits and reviews to ensure quality of service, policy consistency, and assess changing resident needs.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning work, appraising performance, and maintaining harmonious relations among staff.
• Ensure confidentiality of all data in accordance with HIPAA policies.
• Attend required meetings, including IDT and management meetings.
• Assist with training for the Hills & Dales medication administration program for HCBS and provide nursing consultation as assigned.
• Serve on assigned committees to support organizational operations and strategy implementation.
• Assess training needs of assigned staff and coordinate development of training programs with Human Resources.
• Supervise Certified Medication Aides, including hiring assistance, evaluation, scheduling, training, and development goal setting.
• Administer Respiratory Protection Program duties as assigned, including training and record maintenance.
• Participate in weekly on-call rotation for the nursing department, including holidays, with ability to report onsite as needed.
• Support residents during emergency hospitalizations, including when on call.
• Act as Interim Health Services Director in their absence.
• Maintain infection control practices and oversight, including infection control surveillance, stewardship, education, and standards.
• Assist Health Services Director with reviewing incident reports for accuracy and timely follow-up.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the targeted referral base and methodologies to serve the population effectively.
• Ability to provide compassionate, technically accurate, and medically sound care.
• Awareness of medical trends relevant to the organization’s population.
• Ability to follow and document organizational policies and procedures related to medical care.
• Ability to participate in an On-Call rotation
• Capability to independently handle crisis situations.
• Skill in teaching required training programs.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local regulations, and MCO/Medicaid rules and standards.
• Ability to assist with marketing initiatives to promote residential programs.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
• Demonstrate attitude and behavior supporting the organization’s mission and core values.
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic.
• Proficiency with computer systems including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, internet, and specialized software.
• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and modify staff training programs.
• Skill in making presentations and leading group training sessions using current technology.
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a team environment.
• Supervisory skills to ensure staff performance meets or exceeds expectations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with coworkers, staff, consumers, families, and community.
• Flexibility to work varied hours including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ability to travel to different consumer and Hills & Dales sites.
• Physical ability to perform essential functions including lifting up to 35 lbs, walking, standing, bending, and responding to client needs.
• Ability to maintain CPR/First Aid certification and conduct related training.
• Knowledge or ability to obtain knowledge of OSHA Respiratory Protection Program development and compliance.

Education, Experience, and Training

• Free from conviction or prior employment history of child, resident, or dependent adult abuse.
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license and/or Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Nursing from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification and ability to maintain certification.
• Ability to acquire CPR instructor training within 6 months of hire and maintain certification.
• QBS certification and ability to maintain certification.
• Mandatory Reporter training in accordance with Iowa state guidelines.
• Minimum of three years of nursing experience in a health or human services setting.
• Minimum of three years supervisory experience in a leadership role.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive agency vehicles.
• Completion of the 19-hour Nursing Home Infection Preventionist Training Course on the CDC website within 6 months of hire and maintain current infection control practices.

Hills and Dales Development Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.