Director of Primary Care Operations

Who we Are:

Nestled into the most northern part of Vermont, North Country Hospital is a community-focused 25 bed critical access hospital, where we prioritize the well-being of our neighbors. North Country Hospital is more than just a healthcare provider; we are a vital part of the community, working together to build a healthier future.  Our patient’s health is our priority, and we go above and beyond to care in every way possible.

Position Statement:

The Director of Primary Care Operations is responsible for organizing and managing the processes that support the achievement of optimal patient encounters.  The Director will work with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Medical Director of Primary Care and other leadership of the clinics to develop and manage efficient and effective patient flow systems, achieve financial and operational targets, and coordinate services across the clinical units.

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Provides administrative leadership for the Primary Care Practices.

1. Supervises, mentors, provides guidance and resources to all managers within the practices to ensure successful performance.
2. Serves as a role model for professional behavior.
3. Meets with Managers and practice management teams on a regular basis.
4. Participates in Departmental staff meetings at least once a quarter.
5. Provides direction and leadership for difficult decisions/conflicts. 
6. Participates in identification, recruitment and retention of talented individuals.
7. Oversees and managers the community health team and Blueprint.

• Works with Primary Care Practice management teams ensuring operational objectives are met or exceeded.

1. Participate in determining appropriate staffing levels for efficient operation the clinics.  Collaborates with clinic managers to flex staffing/expenses around patient volumes.
2. Implement, review and adjust patient flow systems to achieve maximum efficiency.  Demonstrates understanding of provider schedules to optimize service availability.
3. Regularly monitor volume and clinic appointment access.
4. Foster an environment of continuous quality improvement promotes and maintains quality initiatives through the departments.
5. Collaborate with both COO and the Medical Director to ensure that the Primary Care Practices achieve financial objectives.
6. Demonstrates expert knowledge of Primary Care Practices financials with ability to provide in-depth analysis.
7. Works with departmental managers and the Medical Director to ensure their understanding of departmental budgets, ensuring accountability of budget management.
8. In collaboration with the COO departmental managers and or clinic management teams develop and implement approved business plans.
9. Develops and implements action plans to maximize financial performance.
10. Identifies opportunities to right size departments/clinics through expansion or consolidation.
11.  In collaboration with Medical Director and the COO determines and analyzes targeted productivity for providers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Health or related field required.  The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration or related area.
• The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a health care management setting, preferably in a physician practice setting.
• Expert Knowledge of physician practice operations and workforce development.
• Working knowledge of health care financial environment, professional revenue cycle, practice support systems and related business operations.
• Leads by example, is action oriented and enjoys taking on new challenges.
• Possesses excellent oral and written communication.
• Makes decisions in a timely manner, works well under pressure and is able to meet multiple competing deadlines.
• Ability to create key relationships with all significant contacts including providers, clinic leaders, team members and senior leadership.