Director of Clinical Operations

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Clinical Operations is responsible for the leadership, planning, organization, coordination, and oversight of hospital operations at Catalina Island Health (CIH), patient access functions, and other operational departments as assigned. This position ensures efficient, patient-centered operations that support the delivery of high-quality healthcare while maintaining compliance with applicable federal, state, and accreditation standards.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Nursing, Medical Staff, Executive Leadership, and department managers, the Director of Clinical Operations drives operational excellence, patient access, service delivery, process improvement, and fiscal stewardship while supporting CIH's mission as the island's only Critical Access Hospital serving both residents and visitors.

The Director of Clinical Operations reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and collaborates closely with the Administrative Leadership Team. 

SUMMARY

All employees are expected to perform their duties in alignment with CIH’s mission, values, and vision. This position is responsible for performing a variety of tasks that contribute to a high level of customer satisfaction, patient care, and operational excellence, while treating all individuals with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Collaborates with the Director of Nursing, Medical Director, physicians, and department leaders to ensure coordinated, efficient delivery of patient care throughout the organization.
2. Develops, implements, and monitors departmental policies, procedures, workflows, and operational standards to improve efficiency, patient satisfaction, and service quality.
3. Oversees managers and supervisors of assigned departments, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, employee engagement, corrective action, and succession planning.
4. Leads initiatives to improve patient access, patient flow, throughput, scheduling efficiency, referral management, and care coordination across the organization.
5. Identifies operational improvement opportunities through data analysis, Lean methodologies, and performance improvement initiatives to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and improve the patient experience.
6. Develops departmental goals, operational metrics, dashboards, and productivity benchmarks that align with organizational strategic priorities.
7. Oversees departmental operating budgets, labor productivity, supply utilization, capital planning, and resource allocation while promoting financial stewardship.
8. Partners with physicians and clinical leaders to improve operational efficiency, patient access, provider satisfaction, and service line growth.
9. Ensures assigned departments maintain compliance with applicable Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements, OSHA standards, HIPAA regulations, and applicable accreditation standards.
10. Ensures compliance with California labor laws, wage and hour regulations, employment requirements, and applicable healthcare workforce standards while maintaining adherence to all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
11. Supports organizational readiness for regulatory surveys and accreditation activities within assigned operational departments.
12. Serves as an operational resource during emergencies, disasters, mass casualty incidents, transportation disruptions, and other events impacting hospital operations.
13. Collaborates with Human Resources to support employee engagement, leadership development, workforce planning, and retention strategies.
14. Promotes exceptional customer service by fostering positive relationships with patients, families, physicians, employees, community partners, and referral organizations.
15. Participates in strategic planning, organizational growth initiatives, facility planning, and implementation of new clinical and operational programs.
16. Represents Catalina Island Health positively within the community and supports outreach initiatives that improve access to healthcare services.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Director of Clinical Operations must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.
2. Excellent critical thinking and analytical abilities to assess complex situations, evaluate available information, and make timely, well-informed decisions.
3. Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and utilize performance metrics to support operational decision-making and organizational goals.
4. Strong financial acumen, including an understanding of budgeting principles, labor management, productivity measures, and responsible resource utilization.
5. Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with physicians, leadership, employees, patients, community partners, and external agencies.
6. Effective communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly, facilitate discussions, negotiate solutions, and prepare professional reports and correspondence.
7. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change by promoting innovation, adaptability, accountability, and employee engagement.
8. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential, sensitive, or complex operational and personnel matters.
9. Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills with the ability to facilitate collaborative solutions and achieve positive outcomes.
10. Advanced organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
11. Proficiency in Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, Microsoft Office applications, and other healthcare information systems necessary to support operational oversight and reporting.
12. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, regulatory requirements, staffing challenges, and the unique operational demands of a rural Critical Access Hospital serving an island community.
13. Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying current with healthcare industry trends, operational best practices, and emerging technologies.
14. Demonstrated commitment to Catalina Island Health's mission, vision, values, and organizational culture by modeling integrity, accountability, collaboration, and exceptional customer service.
15. Ability to prioritize competing operational demands in a dynamic healthcare environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a Critical Access Hospital and Rural Health Clinic setting. Frequent interaction with patients, physicians, and CIH staff is required. Employees may be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to clinical environments. Adherence to safety policies and health regulations is mandatory.

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Comply with organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
2. Adhere to all HIPAA regulations as outlined in the HIPAA Policy and Procedure Manual.
3. Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
4. Demonstrate excellent customer service skills for interdepartmental and intradepartmental interactions.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by physicians and supervisors.
6. Complete additional administrative tasks and projects as needed.

ATTITUDE AND PROFESSIONALISM

1. Maintain a positive and caring atmosphere for patients, families, and colleagues.
2. Uphold CIH’s mission and vision in all job responsibilities.
3. Foster a cooperative and effective work environment through teamwork and collaboration.
4. Exhibit professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to organizational values.
5. Promote a positive public image of CIH.
6. Demonstrate a strong work ethic, flexibility, and accountability.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

1. Work closely with patients of all age groups, considering age-specific needs.
2. Engage in varied physical activities including standing, walking, reaching, bending, and lifting.
3. Maintain manual dexterity for operating computers, telephones, office, and medical equipment as necessary.
4. Possess corrected vision and hearing within normal range.
5. Work efficiently in a fast-paced and occasionally stressful environment.
6. Handle frequent interruptions and manage potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, or deaths.
7. Respond effectively to emergency and crisis situations following established policies.
8. Mitigate risks associated with exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and hazardous chemicals.

EDUCATION

• Current California Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing, or ability to obtain California licensure prior to start date (preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum three years of progressive nursing leadership experience in a hospital or healthcare setting.
• Demonstrated experience leading nursing teams, quality initiatives, performance improvement efforts, or regulatory compliance activities.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, patient safety standards, and nursing practice requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective teams, develop staff, and lead through change.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

1. Current BLS certification required.
2. ACLS certification preferred.
3. Strong proficiency with EMR systems, Microsoft Office applications, and healthcare analytics software.