Quick overview
Job description
The Director of Nursing (DON) serves as the clinical leader for the agency, ensuring the safe, effective, and compassionate delivery of non-skilled personal care services. In accordance with New Jersey Health Care Service Firm (HCSF) regulations and accreditation standards, the DON is directly responsible for overseeing all clinical operations, developing client plans of care, and providing strict supervisory oversight of Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) and companion staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Management & Client Care
- Conduct comprehensive initial nursing assessments in the client’s home prior to the initiation of personal care services to determine the client’s physical, psychosocial, and environmental needs.
- Develop, implement, and maintain individualized, written Plans of Care (POC) for all clients, outlining specific tasks delegated to field staff.
- Conduct mandated client reassessments and care plan updates at least once every sixty (60) days, or more frequently if a significant change in the client’s condition warrants a revised care plan.
- Triage clinical inquiries and establish priority levels for clients in accordance with the agency’s Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plans.
- Maintain continuous availability (or arrange for authorized RN coverage) during all hours that personal care services are being provided by the agency.
- Delegate nursing tasks to Certified Home Health Aides strictly within the scope of practice defined by the Plan of Care.
- Perform on-site, in-home supervisory evaluations of all CHHAs at least once every sixty (60) days to observe clinical competency, adherence to the Plan of Care, and client satisfaction.
- Administer initial competency evaluations and skills checks for all newly hired CHHAs prior to their first independent field assignment.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Actively participate in the agency’s Quality Assurance (QA) and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programs.
- Review, investigate, and sign off on all clinical Risk Management Occurrence Reports, identifying root causes and collaborating with the Administrator to execute Plans of Correction.
- Develop and conduct ongoing in-service training and educational programs for field staff to maintain continuous state compliance.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation within the agency's electronic medical record (EMR) system.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS
- Licensure: Must hold a current, active, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
- Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of professional nursing experience required, specifically encompassing community health and/or home care experience.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of New Jersey HCSF regulations, NJ Board of Nursing CHHA delegation rules, and accreditation standards.
- Certifications: Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Screening: Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check and maintain a clean driver’s abstract (MVR).
PHYSICAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DEMANDS
- Ability to travel locally within the agency's designated service area (Ocean and Monmouth counties) to conduct in-home assessments and supervisory visits.
- Proficient in utilizing cloud-based home care scheduling software, electronic health records (EHR), and Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients, families, field staff, and the administrative team.
- Additional administrative tasks as required including but not limited too; discussing billing with clients if needed during any in person or phone interactions, caregiver orientation and interview process administrative requirements, small involvement in the sales process if additional administrative paperwork is required for the client file.
PROFESSIONAL ALLOWANCES & REIMBURSEMENTS
- Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage rate for all required field travel between client homes.
- Technology Stipend: $50 monthly allowance to cover the use of a personal smartphone for field communication, scheduling software access, and EMR documentation.
- Professional Development: Reimbursement for biennial New Jersey Board of Nursing RN license renewal fees and up to $250 annually for required Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES (GROWTH BONUSES) To align the DON's compensation with the growth of the agency:
- Census Milestone Bonus: Bonus upon the agency reaching 25 active, billing clients; Bonus at 50 active clients.
- Survey Bonus: Performance bonus for achieving a zero-deficiency outcome during the annual accreditation survey.
COMPENSATION:
- Competitive Salary: PTO, Retirement Plan