Director of First Step

SUMMARY:

In accordance with RNP's Mission Statement, Philosophy of Client Care and Code of Ethics as stated in the Personnel Policies and under the supervision of the Department Head of Nursing. This role demands a blend of clinical expertise, strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to ensure high standards of care and compliance in a withdrawal management environment.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties are subject to accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Regulatory Compliance and Oversight:

• Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding the 3.7D Medically Monitored Detox level of care, including monitoring changes in regulations and implementing necessary updates to maintain compliance.
• Ensure regular audits and assessments are completed to ensure proper documentation, client care practices, and treatment protocols are in line with established regulatory standards.
• Lead staff training sessions on regulatory compliance and ensure that all team members are up-to-date on relevant legal and ethical guidelines.

2. Team Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate daily with the FS Clinical and Nursing Coordinator to enhance communication between the clinical and nursing teams.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by encouraging open communication, active problem-solving, and team-building initiatives.
• Organize and lead bi-monthly staff meetings to address operational challenges, clinical updates, and client care improvements, ensuring that meeting minutes are accurately recorded, shared with the team, and followed up on.
• Serve as a point of contact for staff concerns, ensuring effective resolution of issues and continuous feedback loops for team development.

3. Leadership and Staff Development:

• Provide clear direction and leadership to the First Step team, focusing on maintaining optimal client census and ensuring the center operates efficiently.
• Lead by example in setting high standards of patient care, teamwork, and professionalism, while also providing staff with the support and resources needed to excel in their roles.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and orientation of new team members, ensuring that all new hires are fully equipped to meet the center's standards of care and operational excellence.
• Regularly evaluate staff performance, providing constructive feedback, and conducting formal evaluations to identify growth opportunities and support professional development.

4. Client Care and Case Management:

• Provide direct client care when necessary, including assessment, treatment planning, and coordination with clinical and medical teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for FS clients.
• Monitor and assess client progress regularly, adjusting care plans as needed to meet individual needs and ensuring clients receive comprehensive care throughout their detox process.
• Maintain and foster professional relationships with external healthcare providers (e.g., methadone maintenance clinics) to facilitate smooth transitions for clients when they move from detox to ongoing treatment programs or aftercare services.
• Serve as a client advocate, ensuring that clients’ needs are met and that they are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

5. Billing, Authorizations, and Documentation:

• Oversee and ensure the accurate submission of third-party billing and authorizations, working closely with the billing department to ensure that services are properly documented and reimbursed.
• Ensure that all documentation regarding client care, medication administration, and treatment plans is completed in a timely and accurate manner, in compliance with legal and program standards.
• Ensure proper documentation is maintained for the dispensing of medications, including Methadone and other controlled substances, in accordance with nursing standards of care, program policies, and relevant legal guidelines.

6. Supervision and Staff Evaluation:

• Provide individual supervision to team members, offering guidance on clinical practices, behavioral health techniques, and the provision of detox services, while also maintaining detailed records of supervision.
• Conduct regular staff performance evaluations to assess job performance, address developmental needs, and ensure that staff are following treatment protocols and organizational guidelines.
• Foster a culture of accountability and transparency, where staff feels supported in their role and understands the expectations for their performance.

7. Quality Assurance and Improvement Initiatives:

• Participate actively in quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI) activities, using data and feedback to drive improvements in patient care, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Lead or participate in committees focused on evaluating care processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Work with the clinical team to establish measurable performance indicators for patient care and operational effectiveness, ensuring that standards are consistently met or exceeded.

8. Training and Continuing Education:

• Support and encourage ongoing training and professional development for all staff members to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge base, and remain up-to-date with best practices in detox care and behavioral health.
• Develop and implement training programs that address staff needs, regulatory updates, and new treatment methodologies.

9. Financial Management and Budgeting:

• Assist in the preparation of the annual budget, ensuring that necessary resources are allocated efficiently while staying within budgetary constraints.
• Monitor and track revenue and expenditures related to client care, staffing, and operational costs, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that the center remains financially stable.
• Provide regular financial reports and updates to senior management to ensure transparency and informed decision-making.

10. Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Attend Directors meetings and actively contribute to discussions about organizational goals, strategic initiatives, and program developments.
• Collaborate with other department leaders to align program objectives with long-term goals and ensure that the FS program remains effective, efficient, and aligned with overall organizational priorities.
• Participate in long-term planning, including the development of policies and procedures, strategic growth initiatives, and program enhancements to improve patient care and operational effectiveness.

11. On-Call Support and Crisis Management:

• Provide on-call support, ensuring that staff have access to guidance and decision-making assistance in case of emergency situations or staffing shortages.
• Be prepared to respond to client emergencies, clinical crises, or operational challenges outside of regular business hours, providing leadership and coordination as needed.
• Develop and implement crisis management protocols to ensure that the team is prepared to handle unforeseen circumstances in a professional and effective manner.

12. Miscellaneous and Supervisor-Specific Duties:

• Assume additional duties as assigned by the supervisor, which may include special projects, policy updates, or involvement in the recruitment process for new positions within the team.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability to the evolving needs of the program and the organization, ensuring that the team is able to meet client needs and program demands.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough knowledge in the provision of medical and withdrawal management treatment. 
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent communication and supervisory skills. 
• Substantial specialized judgment and skill in observation, care and counsel of individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms. 
• Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding client confidentiality.
• Scheduling flexibility required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Licensed Physician Assistant (PA), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), or Registered Nurse (RN) with active state licensure.
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience required, preferably with a focus in addiction treatment, behavioral health, or related settings.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with staff.