The Program Director is responsible for the efficient and successful functioning of the program. These duties can be broken down into four major areas of responsibility: Clinical Management, Unit Management, Contract Management/Hospital Relations, and Utilization Management. The Program Director provides for the implementation of the therapeutic program to meet Hospital Standards, directs and coordinates the activities of staff to ensure quality client care, supervises unit staff, incorporates financial accountability into unit activities, and demonstrates the highest level of professionalism. 

1. Assures a therapeutic environment for clients, including client comfort, client rights and client/family education/participation in treatment.
2. Maintains clients’ daily schedule to provide consistency, stability, and appropriate activities.
3. Assures client attendance at therapeutic activities.
4. Evaluates appropriateness and effectiveness of therapeutic activities, modifying these as indicated following consultation with Medical Director/Provider, Multidisciplinary Team, and as appropriate UltraGroup.
5. Implements unit admission criteria, in conjunction with Medical Director/Provider.
6. Manages client’s Length of Stay (LOS) to meet multiple goals.
7. Implements Master Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning process and documentation according to unit and accreditation standards.
8. Utilizes a problem-solving approach.
9. Coordinates, facilitates communication between/among staff and physicians.
10. Maintains staffing according to budgeted FTEs.
11. Conducts monthly staff meetings.
12. Participates in hospital QAPI process, as required.
13. Works collaboratively and cooperatively with Medical Director/Provider.
14. Participates in hospital committees, as requested.
15. Assures compliance with Medicare, state licensure and hospital standards and Accreditation Agencies (HFAP, The Joint Commission, and DNV) requirements.
16. Assures appropriate appearance, cleanliness, organization and orderliness of unit environment.
17. Maintains a complaints log and follows up on incident reports according to hospital policy.
18. Attends Leadership and other hospital meetings, as appropriate.
19. Coordinates activities with other departments as indicated or requested.
20. Reports data and information requested to authorize individuals.
21. Monitors and evaluates staff performance on an ongoing basis to meet job and program standards.
22. Maintains appropriate employee records.
23. Recruits and screens potential staff.
24. Coordinates potential employee interviews with HR Director.
25. Provides staff counseling, guidance and education to address job descriptions, performance, and identified problems.
26. Conducts Staff meetings to keep staff informed of accreditation and regulations updates along with hospital and unit updates.
27. Provides regular and ongoing staff education.
28. Creates an environment conducive to staff growth.
29. Creates a cohesive group in the unit, which participates in the hospital’s culture.
30. Implements unit business plan in regard to Average Daily Census on monthly basis and in regard to budget.
31. Maintains knowledge and awareness of financial and regulatory issues affecting delivery of client care services.

32. Establish/maintain appropriate patient/family rapport.
33. Assures referral source follow-up.
34. Participates in educational activities for unit visibility (unit tours, programs and presentations to groups, etc.)
35. Represents unit at public events.
36. Communicates effectively with individuals and with groups about unit, program, and hospital.
37. Maintains expenses within budgetary limits.
38. Will complete other duties as assigned by hospital administration.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

1. Strong verbal and written skills
2. Good public speaking abilities.
3. Ability to communicate with Regulatory agencies.

EDUCATIONAL:

1. Graduate of an:
a. Accredited College/School of Nursing, Graduate School of Social Work.
2. Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Behavioral Health or appropriate health related filed required, Masters preferred.
3. State License:
a. Current state licensures as RN, LCSW, and LPC preferred.
4. Previous program management experience or acute care hospital experience.
5. CPR Certification
6. CPI Certification
7. First Aid Certification
8. Microsoft knowledge/Computer proficiency

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and behaviors appropriate to the populations (s) served, and meets specific criteria and/or specific considerations, as follows:
1. Ability to assess and interpret age specific data.
2. Demonstrates age specific communication skills in care of patients.

SKILLS:

1. Computer operational skills
2. Time management skills
3. Self-motivated and self-directed
4. Multi-task capability
5. Excellent communication skills
6. Analytical and problem-solving skills
7. Tact and diplomacy in dealing with others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee will be required to perform the following physical activities in the performance of their job duties:

1. Sitting/Standing/Walking/Bending Over/Twisting/ Balancing/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping
2. Reaching Above Shoulder Level/Pushing or Pulling/Reaching Forward & Low/
3. Fine Finger Dexterity/Use of Head and Neck (Twisting, Looking Up & Down)
4. Ability to hear ordinary conversation is required.
5. Vision-Close and Distance-Color and Peripheral.