System Director of Rehabilitation Services (Full Time)

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):

North Country Healthcare is a non-profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network which employs hundreds of highly-trained individuals delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services. NCH remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. As a leader in a management position this role emphasizes advancing High-Reliability Organization (HRO) principles, embedding a culture of safety, accountability, and consistent high performance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Adhering to System Values, Service Excellence and Standards of Behavior, the Director of Rehabilitation Services will be responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and oversight of rehabilitation services across NCH Entities; Androscoggin Valley Hospital (AVH), Weeks Medical Center (WMC), Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH), excluding North Country Home Health and Hospice (NCHHHA). This includes directing operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and improving quality of care and patient outcomes. The director will work closely with clinical leadership, hospital staff, and senior executives to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement on the journey to high reliability. All essential functions will be performed along with the other Rehabilitation managers’ involvement as best suited to their talents to assist the System Rehabilitation Director.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Eligible for NH State licensure in Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT) or Speech/Language Pathology (SLP).

Certification:

• All employees and contracted staff will have either successful completion of an American Heart Association* accredited course in Basic Life Support (BLS), or ACLS and PALS combined. (for clinical staff), Heartsaver CPR AED (for nonclinical staff), and renewal on a regular basis.

*Refer to the NCH Life Support Certification Policy for position specific requirements.

Licensure:

• Current New Hampshire License in PT, OT and/or SLP required.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Solid understanding of healthcare regulations, patient safety standards, and quality improvement practices.
• Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
• Ability to think strategically and drive change in a complex, multi-facility environment.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and healthcare management software.

Work Experience:

• 2 years, or more, progressive leadership experience preferred.
• 5 years, or more, clinical experience required.
• Multi-facility or system-level leadership experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Leadership and Oversight:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for Rehabilitation Services operations across NCH entities, clinics, and service locations.
• Collaborate with department leaders to support seamless patient care transitions, coordinated services across the continuum of care, and standardized Rehabilitation Services policies, procedures, and best practices across NCH entities.
• Mentor, support, and evaluate Rehabilitation Services managerial, supervisory, and technical staff fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care.
• Serve as a liaison between Rehabilitation Services and other System departments, fostering collaboration and open communication.

1. Operational Management:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures that promote efficient, high-quality patient care and standardization across NCH entities.
• Oversee day-to-day Rehabilitation Services operations, including inpatient and outpatient patient flow and staffing levels.
• Oversee the implementation of electronic health records (EHR) and other technology systems that enhance patient care.
  
  

1. Quality and Patient Safety:

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Lead Rehabilitation Services toward high reliability by keeping the five HRO principles at the forefront of decision-making: sensitivity to operations, preoccupation with failure, reluctance to simplify, resilience, and deference to expertise.
• Lead efforts to monitor and improve Rehabilitation Services patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.
• Coordinate with quality improvement teams to address clinical issues and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, addressing concerns that escalate beyond local managers.

1. Regulatory Compliance and Life Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies; Federal, State and Local.
• Coordinate Rehabilitation Services related to accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections, ensuring that all necessary documentation and processes are in place.
• Serve or delegate Rehabilitation Services representation on relevant committees and programs.
• Ensure local site participation in drills, exercises, and after-action reviews.
• Oversee Rehabilitation Services are compliant with licensure, certification, and inspections.

1. Strategic Planning and Growth:

• Lead Rehabilitation Services for system-wide capital planning, prioritization, and execution.
• Collaborate with finance and organizational leaders on capital budgets, long-range planning, infrastructure needs, strategic priorities, and growth opportunities related to Rehabilitation Services.
• Identify opportunities for service line growth and expansion, ensuring that new programs align with organizational goals.
• Monitor industry trends and make recommendations for programmatic changes or innovations.

1. Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Develop and manage Rehabilitation Services budgets in collaboration with direct reports, ensuring cost-effective and resource-efficient operations.
• Monitor departmental financial performance, reduction, sustainability, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensure financial accountability and the alignment of Rehabilitation Services with organizational financial goals.

1. Staffing and Development:

• Collaborate with Human Resources on recruitment, retention, and development initiatives for rehabilitation department staff, including therapists, assistants, and support staff.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for managers and staff.
• Evaluate staffing needs and ensure the appropriate allocation of resources to meet patient care demands.

1. Performs additional duties as assigned.

North Country Healthcare is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. North Country Healthcare and its affiliates do not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or any other protected class. Employment decisions are made based on job-related qualifications, skills, and business needs, and without unlawful discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

North Country Healthcare provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, participate in interviews, or undergo pre-employment testing should contact NCHRecruiting@northcountryhealth.org.