Director jobs

Purpose and Mission

The director of a hospital or medical practice is the highest administrative leader of the organization. In most cases, this position is overseen by the management board f the organization.

A director, sometimes titled a president or COO, is responsible for all activities involved in the delivery of medical care and clinical services, including cost management, utilization, quality assurance, and development of medical standards. She also typically manages the activities of physicians and other senior medical professionals (including recruiting and credentialing).

Reports To

A hospital or clinic director will usually report to the board of the organization or the CEO in some cases if he or she is employed by a for-profit enterprise.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directors have more supervisory responsibility than anyone else as the buck literally and figuratively stops at her desk. Day to day operational responsibilities are typically delegated, but a director usually has a wide variety of supervisory responsibilities relating to budgets, staffing, quality assurance and public relations.

Qualifications

The qualifications for a medical facility director vary a great deal by position and circumstance, but a bachelor’s degree and completion of at least a master’s level graduate degree are required for most healthcare director positions.

Responsibilities of a Director

The primary responsibilities of a healthcare director include:

• Administering financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, authorising expenditures, setting rates for services, and financial reporting
• Consulting with medical, business, and community groups to discuss problems and community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and promote healthcare programs
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures for the facility or medical unit.
• Managing recruitment, hiring and training of personnel
• Supervising and evaluating the work activities of medical, nursing, technical, clerical, service, maintenance, and other personnel
• Establishing work schedules and assignments for staff based workload, space and equipment availability
• Maintaining knowledge of advances in medicine, computerised diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing, government regulations, health insurance, and financing options
• Maintaining communication between governing boards, medical staff, and department heads and attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental functions
• Planning, implementing and administering programs and services in a health care or medical facility, which may include managing staff, staff training, and coordination of medical, nursing and physical plant personnel
• Reviewing facility activities and financial data for planning and cash and risk management and to improve service utilization
• Establishing objectives and evaluative criteria for units in the facility
• Monitoring the use of diagnostic services, inpatient beds, facilities, and staff to maximise resources
• Preparing activity reports about the status and implementation of programs, services, and quality initiatives
• Managing changes in integrated health care delivery systems, for example, work restructuring, new technologies, or shifts in the focus of care
• Inspecting facilities and recommending changes to guarantee emergency readiness and compliance with all access, safety, and sanitation regulations
• Developing instructional materials and organising internal and community educational programs
• Developing or expanding medical programs or health services to promote research, rehabilitation, prevention and community health.