The System Director of Respiratory and Sleep Services is responsible for planning and developing the respiratory & sleep services across the ARH system. This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction for all related respiratory and sleep services. Duties include standardization of policies and procedures, respiratory and sleep education coordination, quality reporting, performance improvement activities, sleep lab accreditation, and other relevant growth and development activities. Respiratory and sleep services may include any area where respiratory care and sleep services are performed. The system director will work closely with pulmonology, rehabilitation, laboratory, and other applicable leaders to assist in optimization of those services as they relate to respiratory and sleep services for ARH.

1. Serves in a consultative role to all ARH operating units in the development and implementation of respiratory and sleep services. In this capacity, the position acts as a liaison and provides guidance on education, policies and procedures, staffing needs and other relevant operational needs as they relate to the respiratory and sleep service lines.
2. In conjunction with Unit level respiratory and sleep directors, corporate planning staff, community representatives and local CEO’s, develops and implements a strategic plan for the respiratory and sleep services for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.
3. Analyzes service area and advises corporate management of areas in need of specific respiratory and sleep services.

4. Develops and implements policies and standards necessary to provide quality and efficient respiratory and sleep services at all ARH locations and develops such policies and standards accordingly.

5. In collaboration with local leadership, assures that assigned department(s) are operated in a manner consistent with the approved clinical care standards, quality assurance program(s), DNV and all regulatory agencies.

6. Leads and maintains performance improvement activities for the department(s) and/or system.

7. Establishes good business practices within each agency, consistent across the system. Develops tools to support said practices, ensuring efficient quality service provided to patients.

8. Seeks to provide the full spectrum of respiratory and sleep services for the entire continuum of care: inpatients, outpatient, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, swing beds, and rehabilitation units. Collaborates with home health program line counterpart as needed.

9. Development and implementation of clinical pathways in order to improve outcomes and to reduce expenses.

10. Promotes system-wide educational programming based on ARH community needs that improves respiratory and sleep staff skills and promotes growth and treatment outcomes.

11. Cooperates and collaborates with other senior corporate executive staff members, as appropriate, in performance of duties.
12. Performs duties in accordance with ethical and moral standards and all valid laws, regulations, policies and procedures.
13. Develops and maintains appropriate working relationships with all internal and external customers.
14. Demonstrates commitment to professional growth and competence by participating in conferences, courses, and workshops to upgrade management skills.
15. Actively participates in teaching and education of others.
16. Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.

17. Accountabilities:

a. Accountable to management to coordinate respiratory and sleep services.

b. Accountable to advise senior corporate executive staff on respiratory and sleep services.

c. Represents ARH at appropriate respiratory and sleep forums.

d. Maintains up to date knowledge of respiratory and sleep services.

e. Responsible for developing standards and policies and procedures for respiratory and sleep services.

18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education
• Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy required
• Bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy and master’s degree in health administration or business administration preferred

Minimum Work Experience
• Respiratory therapist that has 5 years of experience practicing as a therapist in a critical care setting
• At least five years of administrative management overseeing respiratory and sleep lab services

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Certified by the National Board of Respiratory Care
• Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (optional)
• Functional knowledge and experience with teamwork dynamics and the ability to work in a strong team atmosphere
• Interpersonal Communication
• Computer and technology
• Leadership, coaching, time management