05/07/2008 48630

VETERANS' EXTENDED CARE FACILITY COMMANDANT

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative work directing the  operation of a veterans' home in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs providing care, treatment, restorative and rehabilitative services for aged or disabled veterans requiring long-term care services.

Employees in this job are responsible for planning, organizing and directing all management functions in a veterans home/facility providing medical, restoration and rehabilitation services to veterans to ensure compliance with departmental policies, rules and regulations, state and federal laws, and Veterans Administration regulations. Emphasis in the work is on the management, coordination, and integration of all services in order to effect high quality care and rehabilitation of patients/residents. Administrative supervision is exercised over all facility employees of a veterans' long-term care facility through subordinate supervisory and administrative staff, with responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, restoration and rehabilitation of patients/residents resting with the medical director of the facility and for nursing care with the director of nursing services. Work includes interpreting program rules, regulations and policies; identifying and applying best practices; developing long-range facility management plans; identifying and accessing new funding sources; and overseeing community outreach activities. An employee in this job exercises a high degree of independent administrative judgment. Work is performed under the direction of the Director, Bureau of Veterans Homes, and is reviewed for conformance to the departmental policies and procedures through conferences, administrative reviews and an evaluation of the overall effectiveness of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs and coordinates all management functions of extensive long-term care programs providing health care, medical, restorative, and rehabilitative services including skilled nursing care services.

Plans, directs and coordinates an administrative management organization within the institution to integrate functions such as fiscal and revenue planning and controls, human resources, procurement and storekeeping, grounds and building maintenance, transportation and communication, housekeeping, dietary, therapy, and safety programs, and phases of patient care.

Meets with department heads on a routine and special basis to coordinate their activities and formulate programs of the facility.

Prepares and submits periodic reports to the Director, Bureau of Veterans Homes concerning various phases of the facility’s operations.

Represents the facility in meetings of professional and civic groups to identify the needs of the facility with potential resources of the community and Veterans Administration.

Advocates substantive public policy regarding veterans' home administration.

Makes recommendations to proper authorities concerning alteration of equipment, additional facilities, and new construction.

Provides for the maintenance and protection of buildings, equipment, and fixtures to ensure their continuous use and efficient operation.

Conducts meetings with facility staff regarding specific fiscal, programmatic or staffing matters in order to resolve operating problems.

Confers with staff concerning facility needs and requirements and takes necessary action, where appropriate, to establish priorities.

Meets with program officials to develop, plan, evaluate, and execute long- range plans and facility management policies and programs.

Oversees dissemination of information to the public regarding extended care and other services available to eligible persons.

Analyzes management control procedures and institutes improvements.

Receives, reviews, and resolves complaints from veterans' residing at the home.

Administers the veterans' code of conduct process at the facility.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

May participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing home administration including such services as nursing, therapeutic activities, community outreach activities, social and recreational activities, housekeeping and dietary and laundry services.

Knowledge of public or business administration as it relates to purchasing, fiscal management, human resources, and accounting procedures.

Knowledge of the laws, standards, and regulations governing the administration of nursing homes in Pennsylvania.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional management experience in budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and human resources, including four years of experience in hospital or nursing home management, and a bachelor's degree;

                                                                                                                                                                    or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid license as a Nursing Home Administrator as issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.