LTC OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (REQ 3560)

HOURS: Monday through Friday, day shift with variable hours. Open to discussion on scheduling. 

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Long Term Care Operations Specialist serves in a supporting leadership role within the Long Term Care Department. The major purpose of this position is to support and assist the LTC DON and associated Medical Directors in regards to all personnel, scheduling requirements, and operational needs. The LTC Operations Specialist works closely with the LTC Director coordinating all communication, evaluations, projects, councils, disciplinary actions and schedules as they pertain to the staff and operations all of the Long Term Care Department. The LTC Operations Specialist will be a role-model and exemplify SPH’s Values & Behaviors. S/he will support shared governance practices reflected in unit-based councils.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This is a non-exempt confidential position covered under the personnel policies of the Employee Manual for Managers and Confidential Employees. The incumbent may, from time to time, be required to work more than forty hours per week. The individual in this position understands and supports the overall goals of the administration of the hospital and manages the resources and activities of the Long Term Care department to assist in accomplishing the hospital’s goals. The LTC Operations Specialist must be self-directed; able to work with minimal supervision; and willing to accept the responsibility of assisting with the administration needs of the LTC Departments. The LTC Operations Specialist supports development and implementation of policies and procedures for the care and operational needs as directed; supports safety and quality improvement and customer service in accordance with state and federal regulations and the SPH-LTC Resident-centered care and quality improvement program; works harmoniously with other departments of the hospital to improve and strengthen the operational performance of the entire hospital. The LTC Operations Specialist is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the Long Term Care Departments to include: care coordination with charge nurses to assure appropriate staffing for the departments, assure appropriately trained staff work within the department, and effectively utilizes all staffing resources for the acuities and care needs of the units. The LTC Operations Specialist reports to the LTC Director and serves as a liaison with all other hospital departments, as well as community agencies where appropriate.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of office/clerical experience in a professional business setting with at least two (2) year in a healthcare related field.
• Working knowledge and use of Medical Terminology, computer applications including Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets as well as knowledge of Medical Records/Health Information Management is required. 
• Experience with scheduling for a large number of staff and the understanding of various clinical positions preferred.
• Previous union environment experience helpful.
• Must be able to demonstrate excellent organizational skills, speaking, listening and writing skills to effectively communicate with others.
• Must possess receptionist skills including the ability to deal courteously and tactfully with residents and their families and facility personnel both in person and by phone.
• Ability to obtain and maintain BLS certification.

LATITUDE:

The duties and accountabilities of the LTC Operations Specialist are generally defined in this position description. The individual in this position is given the latitude to perform their job duties in a thorough manner while remaining within the scope of their position as described. The LTC Operations Specialist may be required to work a flexible schedule to meet the department needs for education, staffing, and provide leadership and representation for all shifts. The individual in this position has the authority to adjust and alter their daily work schedule to meet the needs of the units, adjust staffing levels within the LTC department to cover changes in resident census/acuity levels, and to counsel staff members within established guidelines as needed. This individual makes recommendations for changes in operations and upon approval, implements those changes with involved team members. Any problems or concerns regarding the latitude of this position should be directed to the LTC Director of Nursing.

ENVIRONMENT:

South Peninsula Hospital is a combination 22-bed critical assess hospital and 28-bed skilled LTC Facility located on the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula. The position requires walking and standing for prolonged periods, stooping, sitting, and the ability to lift large loads without injury to self or others. Persons in this position may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens and infectious diseases, falls, needle stick injuries, and muscle strains. Mechanical lifts are available for lifting residents as needed. Generally, physical demands are moderate and most work is performed inside. Working hours may fluctuate based on the demands of the work and scheduling needs.