Clinical Specialist

About US:

Franciscan Ministries, sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, is a nonprofit Catholic organization. For more than a century, we have cared for generations of families. We own and operate premier senior living communities that provide a spectrum of housing and care options including independent living, assisted living, memory support services, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and community-based home care. Our charitable programs include a domestic violence prevention center and shelter, and we provide scholarships and educational support for students attending an all-girls Catholic high school in the Chicago area.

Position Summary:

The Clinical Specialist is responsible for supporting the long term/skilled communities, assisted living and memory support communities in all states that Franciscan Ministries (FM) and Franciscan Advisory Services (FAS) operates. This independent position is responsible for all aspects of clinical services. This will include assuming interim role or Director of Nursing or Resident Services when open positions arise and supporting the Regional Directors of Healthcare and Assisted Living in ensuring the delivery of quality care. Travel for this position is 85% of the time.

Licensed or willing to be licensed in states FM and FAS operate in.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Proficient in state and federal regulations. Conducts targeted reviews, mock surveys and survey preparedness in communities to ensure the community is in compliance and prepared for regulatory visits and surveys.
• Provides clinical leadership, guidance and ongoing training when assuming role of Director of Nursing/Resident Services Director.
• Assists communities in achieving and maintaining key indicator benchmarks and quality measures.
• Assists in onboarding of new clinical leaders including Directors of Nursing and Resident Services Directors.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in electronic health records (preferably Point Click Care). Responsible to audit, train and ensure adoption of the electronic health record.
• Remains up to date on current professional standards of practice, laws and regulations which may impact the communities.
• Collaborates with all departments (clinical, operations, dining services, memory support) to ensure the best outcomes for the communities and Franciscan Ministries.
• Action oriented and enjoys working hard and is full of energy for the things seen as challenging; seizes opportunities

Mission & Values

• Supports, upholds, and maintains the Mission & Philosophy of the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago and promotes it in a positive manner in all business interactions within and outside of the community. Demonstrates loyalty, pride in the Ministry, its associates, and departments.
• Respects and safeguards the confidentiality of information regarding residents, co-workers and the Community, and holds others accountable to the same standard.
• As a leader within the organization, projects a professional and caring demeanor in interactions with residents, family members, visitors, associates, and subordinates.
• Sets an example by demonstrating an attitude of teamwork when interacting with others within or outside the community. As such, consistently displays respect for self and for others in manner (body language, dress), word (spoken language) and action (behavior).
• Takes ownership of job responsibilities by initiating prompt and appropriate action/follow-up in all areas. Ensures appropriate and timely resolutions to situations.
• Exhibits resourcefulness and Initiative in anticipating and meeting the needs of residents, co-workers, and subordinates in a pro-active manner. Encourages and empowers subordinates to perform in the same manner.
• Welcomes feedback, suggestions, and new ideas as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve services.
• Promotes and supports the change effort through accurate and timely communication, flexibility, and acceptance. 
• Aligns community/departmental goals and objectives with the overall strategic plan of the organization.

Position Requirements

In addition to significant experience in the industry, the ideal candidate will show exceptional business aptitude, strategic thinking and creative abilities that reflect a unique understanding of the sector and the clients we serve. Ideal candidates will have:

•  Licensed Registered Nurse • 5+ years of experience in clinical leadership, including multi-site experience
• Strong presence with the ability to mentor and develop new leaders
• High degree of integrity
• Strong communicator and capable of managing and leading change
• Ability to multi-task and is able to prioritize projects and deadlines concurrently

Essential Functions

• This is a field-based position traveling to different communities in all operating states. Must be effective in functioning in a team approach regardless of the work environment.
• Must be able to function independently and demonstrate flexibility and personal integrity.
• The Clinical Specialist is in contact with peers, residents, associates, visitors, and family members on a daily basis. They should project a friendly caring demeanor.
• Abide by the organization’s policies and procedures.

General Working Conditions:

• Occasional exposure to office and community environments.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Deals with various individuals under different circumstances.
• Maintains confidentiality.

Physical Demands of the Position:

• Must be able to move throughout the day.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and stoop.
• Must meet general health requirements.

Mental Acuity Requirements of the Job:

• Must function independently with personal integrity.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Deals tactfully with various individuals.
• Knowledgeable of healthcare regulations and practices.
• Possesses leadership ability and supervisory skills.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting complex documents.

Technical/Motor Skill Requirements of the Job:

• Must be proficient in English.
• Communicates effectively with various individuals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and common software applications.
• Familiar with internet research.
• Ability to use general office equipment.