Director of Clinical Operations (DON) - Hospice

Job Type Full-timeDescriptionJob Summary:The Director of Clinical Operations is a key executive leadership position responsible for overseeing and managing all clinical services within the hospice organization. This role provides strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure the highest standards of patient care, compliance, and team collaboration. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director will oversee Admissions and Intake, Adult Hospice, Inpatient Unit (IPU), Pediatrics, and Bereavement services. This position ensures alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values while fostering a culture of excellence, compassion, and continuous improvement.Accountability: Reports to the Chief Executive OfficerDirect reports to this position: AdmissionsIntake ManagerClinical CoordinatorsSupervisorsInpatient Unit (IPU) ManagerDirector of Pediatrics and Specialized ServicesBereavement CoordinatorFLSA Status: ExemptRequirementsEssential Duties and Responsibilities:Strategic and Operational LeadershipProvide strategic direction for all clinical services, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with state, federal, and accrediting body regulationsOversee the daily operations of Admissions and Intake, Adult Hospice, Inpatient Unit, Pediatrics, and Bereavement services to ensure seamless and efficient care deliveryCollaborate with the CEO and leadership team to develop and execute strategic initiatives that enhance patient care and operational excellenceDevelop and implement clinical policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all servicesOther duties as assignedTeam Management and DevelopmentDirectly manage the following positions: AdmissionsIntake Manager, Clinical Supervisors, IPU Manager, Director of Pediatrics & Special Services, and Bereavement CoordinatorFoster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth across all clinical teamsProvide mentorship, guidance, and performance evaluations to direct reports, ensuring they are equipped to lead their respective teams effectivelyCollaborate with Human Resources to recruit, onboard, and retain top clinical talentOther duties as assignedQuality and ComplianceEnsure all clinical services meet or exceed regulatory, accreditation, and quality standards, including Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)Partner with the Director of Performance Excellence to monitor and address quality metrics, such as CAHPS scores and Hospice Item Set (HIS) dataOversee implementation of corrective action plans as needed to address quality, compliance, or operational challengesOther duties as assignedPatient and Family CarePromote a patient- and family-centered approach to care, ensuring the organization meets the unique needs of each individual servedOversee the Bereavement program, ensuring families receive comprehensive emotional and spiritual support throughout their hospice journey and beyondChampion initiatives to improve the patient and family experience, including timely admissions, effective symptom management, and compassionate communicationOther duties as assignedCollaboration and CommunicationAct as a liaison between clinical operations and executive leadership, ensuring alignment and open communication regarding organizational prioritiesCollaborate with community partners, referral sources, and stakeholders to enhance the organization's reputation and service reachRepresent the organization in professional forums, conferences, and community events to advance the mission and vision of the organizationOther duties as assignedFinancial and Resource ManagementDevelop and manage budgets for all clinical departments, ensuring responsible use of resources while maintaining high-quality careAnalyze operational and financial data to identify trends, address inefficiencies, and implement cost-effective solutionsWork closely with the CEO and finance team to plan and allocate resources for clinical program development and expansionOther duties as assignedGeneralEnsure organizational compliance with legal, regulatory and accreditation requirementsAdherent to patient rights, abuse reporting and confidentiality policies Foster and maintain an effective working relationship between peers, professional staff, and other personnelParticipate in Performance Improvement activitiesDemonstrate ability to problem-solve and make decisionsDemonstrate effective time management skills by coordinating activities to achieve maximum productivity and efficiencyStay current with all mandatory agencies and regulatory requirementsAdhere to company dress code, attendance, and code of conduct as outlined in the Employee HandbookAssure that all business conduct is above the minimum standards required by law and will not condone any activities that achieve results through violation of the law, unethical business, or patient care practices.Lead staff meetings andor in-service training as neededAssist in creating and implementing policyproceduresEnsure that all accrediting, state, and federal regulatory standards are metDevelop an effective plan of correction in response to surveys as neededManage confidential informationManage and resolve conflicts and complaintsCommunicate effectively with the Board by providing accurate and timely informationOther duties as assignedPhysicalSafety Requirements & Work Environment:Participate appropriately in emergency procedures (including disaster drills) by following the designated plan of action in the event of an emergencyOperate equipment in a safe manner and shares responsibility for communicating safety violations or unsafe practices to management (equipment used is general office equipment including phone, copy machine, fax machine, etc.)Category 2 for potential exposure to bloodbody fluids. (Does not usually require the performance of procedures or other tasks in the work routine that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but Category 2 tasks may require the unexpected performance of these procedures)While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, work-related stress, and driving hazardsUtilize appropriate PPE as neededMust have the strength and endurance required for sitting for lengthy periods of time, standing, walking, bending, and pushing on a consistent basis Must be able to lift 10-50 lbs. occasionallyMust be able to move intermittently throughout the workdayUse appropriate body mechanics as needed The individual may be required to drive to meetings with clients, health care professionals and patients' homesThe noise level in the work environment is usually minimalThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the work environmental and physical demands listed above.Qualifications and ExperienceMust currently possess a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN); master's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, or business administration preferredMust be licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State Board of Nursing in the State of Nevada, or eligibility for licensure is requiredMinimum of 7-10 years of clinical leadership experience in hospice or a related healthcare setting Proven history of managing multi-disciplinary teams and overseeing diverse clinical operationsHospice IPU experience is a plusSkills and AbilitiesExceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor staffStrong understanding of hospice regulations, including Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and CHAP standards, the Medicare Hospice benefit, state Medicaid hospice programs, private insurance hospice programs, levels of careExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with internal teams and external stakeholdersProficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) systems and other clinical management toolsStrong analytical and critical thinking skills to address operational challenges and drive improvement initiativesUnderstanding of OSHA, MSDS, food safety a plusPrimarily office-based with periodic travel for training, audits, and quality improvement initiativesMust be available for occasional evening and weekend work to support organizational needs or respond to emergenciesSuccessful completion of a background check pursuant to NRS 449.188 and NRS 179A.100 along with a pre-employment drug screen and physical, TB testing, previous employment and reference checking, and an MVR (may include verification of education) Must read, speak, write, and understand the English languageMust be able to manage frequent interruptions, problem solve and have excellent follow through skillsMust be able to cope with emotionally charged situations encompassing patients, families, and other caregiversMust have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and current auto insuranceCertificationsCertification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) or other relevant certifications preferredCompliance certificationtraining through Weatherbee, or ability to obtain within one yearPerformance MetricsAchieving targeted quality and compliance benchmarks, including HIS and CAHPS scoresCompletion of regulatory audits with no deficienciesTimely and accurate completion of education program participation and compliance trackingMaintenance of accurate and compliant medical recordsEffective infection control program implementation and monitoring

Created: 2025-02-25