Director of Clinical Services

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Director of Clinical Services is responsible for the overall direction of hospice clinical services according to the policies and procedures of Continuum Hospice. The Director of Clinical Services supervises the care and services provided by the Interdisciplinary Group and delegates nursing services according to established practice standards. The Director of Clinical Services also establishes, implements and evaluates goals and objectives for hospice services that meet and promote the standards of quality and contribute to the total organization and philosophy. It is strongly recommended that candidates have knowledge of the HomeCareHomeBase EMR program.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Director of Clinical Services designates an alternate, in writing, as responsible for fulfilling the duties of the DCS .
• Supervises all direct and indirect patient services provided by clinical organization personnel.
• Provides guidance and counseling to coordinators and Clinical Managers to assist them in continually improving all aspects of hospice care services, provided through organization personnel.
• Assists Clinical Managers in managing clinical teams and planning.
• Provides help in assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient and family/caregiver care to all clinical personnel as indicated.
• Assists the Executive Director/Administrator in the preparation and administration of the organization's budget.
• Interprets operational indicators to detect census changes and increases or decreases in volume that could impact staffing levels, revenues or expenses.
• Evaluates performance of Clinical Managers.
• Assists Clinical Managers to develop skills and techniques in evaluating the performance of clinicians.
• Hires, evaluates, and terminates organization personnel.
• Conducts annual evaluations on clinicians, or more frequently if indicated.
• Oversees the maintenance of patient clinical records, statistics, reports and records for purposes of evaluation and reporting of organization activities.
• Assures proper maintenance of clinical records in compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Responsible for the maintenance of adequate and appropriate inventory supplies and equipment for the provision of patient services.
• Develops, implements and evaluates the orientation program for new organization personnel. Responsible for orientation of new organization personnel, directly or delegated.
• Plans and implements inservice and continuing education programs to meet education and training needs of organization personnel at least quarterly.
• Assists with the evaluation of organization performance via performance improvement program, productivity, quarterly and annual reviews. Assures for the quality and safe delivery of hospice services provided through the Organization.
• Assists in the development of organization goals. Develops, recommends, and administers Organization policies and procedures.
• Assures compliance with all local, state and federal laws regarding licensure and certification of organization personnel and, maintains compliance to the CHAP Accreditation standards.
• As a mandatory reporter, reports failure to comply with the requirements of chapters 246- 335 WAC and 70.127 RCW to the Washington Dept. of Health as required within 14 calendar days, using Dept. of Health forms.
• Reports suspected abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a person in violation of RCW 74.34.020 or 26.44.030 to the department of social and health services and the proper law enforcement agency. Reports must be submitted immediately when the reporting person has reasonable cause to believe that abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect of a vulnerable adult has occurred.
• Stays informed about changes in the field of nursing and hospice care; shares information with appropriate organization personnel.
• Promotes hospice referrals in the health care community.
• In the absence of the Executive Director/Administrator, the Director of Clinical Services becomes the acting Executive Director/Administrator and will be vested with authority to act in behalf of the Executive Director/Administrator.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/Administrator.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Registered Nurse, with a License in good standing to practice in the state of Washington.
• Either a Bachelor’s degree in nursing with three (3) years of management experience within the last five (5) years in a hospice or related health care organization, at least one (1) year of which was in a supervisory or administrative capacity, OR A Registered Nurse with four (4) years’ experience within the last five (5) years in a hospice, home health agency, primary care clinic or health facility, at least one (1) year of which was in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Once an offer of employment is made, it is contingent upon satisfactory references, as requested, and criminal background checks by regulation.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and direct professional and administrative personnel.
• Ability to market and deal tactfully with customers and the community.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Has excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills.
• Possesses and maintains CPR certification (may not be internet based unless the demonstration of skills was hands on and observed by a certified trainer)
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse preferred
• Knowledge of business management, governmental regulations and CHAP standards is preferred.