Jurisdiction:  Cortland County

Jurisdictional Class: Competitive

Adopted:  10/20/05

Amended: 4/22/10

 

 

DIRECTOR OF HOSPICE

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:   

 

                       The work involves responsibility for administering hospice services for terminally

 ill patients and their families.  The incumbent plans, develops, implements and evaluates coordinated, interdisciplinary inpatient and home-based palliative and supportive care and services provided by employees, contractors and volunteers. The work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level administrator with leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work.  Supervision is exercised over the work of subordinate personnel providing hospice services.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:  (Illustrative only)

Plans, develops, implements and evaluates a variety of interdisciplinary palliative and supportive hospice services;

Recruits, interviews and recommends selection of new employees;

Assigns, directs and evaluates the work of subordinate staff, and oversees the work of contract staff;

Prepares the Division’s proposed budget and implements and monitors  approved budget;

Gathers financial data related to hospice operations and prepares statistical data and cost reports;

Provides statistical and operational analyses of hospice finances and services to ensure cost-effective implementation of appropriate services;

Oversees the enforcement of provisions of Public Health Law relating to Hospice, and ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations regarding hospice services;

Consults with patient providers regarding the provision of nursing, palliative and supportive services as required;

Oversees office management including the hospice’s billing and account keeping activities;

Negotiates contracts with vendors including durable medical equipment providers, pharmacies, and insurance companies;

Develops and implements staff development and in-service programs not only for direct staff but also for staff in other health care facilities such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where Hospice patients may live/be cared for;

Conducts interdisciplinary care meetings and ensures patient care coordination;

Makes community presentations and leads community workshops to promote hospice programs and services, and educate the public regarding hospices programs and services;

Serves as the liaison to the Hospice Foundation Board of Directors and its committees;

Develops and implements  division-wide policies on fiscal, personnel, purchasing, and related areas;

Develops, implements and evaluates policy and procedure manuals for Hospice Division activities in accordance with federal, state and local law and policies;

 

DIRECTOR OF HOSPICE                                                                                         Page 2

 

 

Prepares and supervises the preparation of a variety of technical reports, statistics, data and records;

Researches issues relating to Hospice to remain knowledgeable regarding hospice issues and practices and modifies or develops hospice services accordingly;

Participates in regional and local professional meetings and conferences to keep abreast of changing laws and rules and program initiatives;

Recommends appointment of members of and oversees the activities of the quality assurance/quality improvement committee and ensures implementation of recommendations of the committee;

Randomly reviews selected patient/family records for appropriateness of admission, adequacy of assessment of patient/family needs and quality and quantity of services provided;

Participates in labor/management meetings, including but not limited to contract negotiations.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of palliative and supportive care for the terminally ill;

Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations related to hospice care;

Good knowledge of community organizations able to provide ancillary services to hospice patients and their families;

Good knowledge of public information and public relations techniques;

Good knowledge of medical and nursing terminology, practices and procedures related to hospice services;

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, administer and evaluate the effectiveness of program plans and provision of services related to hospice services;

Ability to organize and maintain accurate records and files;

Ability to analyze and organize data and prepare records and reports;

Ability to understand and interpret complex oral instructions and/or written directions;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;

Ability to deal effectively with the public;

Ability to prepare budgets, operating reports and a variety of other reports relative to program activities;

Ability to understand and empathize with the needs and concerns of others;

Ability to effectively deal with grieving families;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the job.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS*: 

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Health or Business Administration, Nursing, or closely related field, and two (2) years of experience in the delivery of health care services, which must include one (1) year in a responsible administrative position.

 

DIRECTOR OF HOSPICE            

 

 

 

*Title 10 Section 700.2 (41 and 49), NYS Public Health Law AND Title 10, Section 793.6, NYS Public Health Law

 

NOTE:  If this position is filled with a candidate who does not possess a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, a separate position of Patient Care Coordinator must be created.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: 

Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license is required.  Failure to maintain a NYS driver’s license including driving privileges throughout employment will result in disciplinary action or dismissal.

 

 

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Classification – Category 2