Assistant Director, Patient Care Services

Emory•Warner Robins, GA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Patient Care Services is a member of the leadership team for a designated service line and reports to the Director of Patient Care Service. The role drives excellence in patient care, operations, performance, and patient outcomes while fostering team collaboration and professional development. In collaboration with service line and division leaders, the Assistant Director supports high-quality care aligned with organizational objectives across a large regional zone. The role oversees clinical and administrative operations in an assigned patient care setting, supports staff development and workforce management, implements quality and safety initiatives, and monitors clinical practice and regulatory compliance. It also contributes to budgeting, performance targets, strategic alignment, resource allocation, and continuous quality improvement. The position promotes an inclusive, healthy work environment and advocates for patient safety and optimal care delivery. Work location: Atlanta, Georgia. Physical demands include lifting up to 10 pounds, carrying small articles, occasional standing and walking, frequent sitting, and close eye work. Environmental exposures may include blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous waste, chemicals, communicable diseases, electrical shock, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, shift work, and variable indoor or outdoor conditions. Travel may be required, and personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be used. Conditions and demands may vary by assigned work area and tasks.

Requirements

For nursing candidates: a master's degree in nursing, or a master's degree in another discipline with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
For non-nursing candidates in orthopedic areas: Master of Science (MS) as an Athletic Trainer.
For nursing candidates: five years of professional nursing practice experience in patient care settings and five years in a leadership position.
For non-nursing candidates in orthopedic areas: five years of experience in an orthopedic setting and five years in a leadership position.
For nursing candidates: valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
For virtual care nursing oversight: active compact/multistate license (eNLC) required within 60 days of hire.
For non-nursing candidates in orthopedic areas: valid, unencumbered Athletic Trainer License approved by the Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers.
For nursing candidates: Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC, NEA-BC), CENP, or comparable certification within one year of entry into the role.
BLS certification required for all candidates.
Demonstrated leadership promoting collaboration, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice for populations served and within a health system.
Experience overseeing complex service line operations within a healthcare system.
Ongoing demonstrated clinical and leadership competence.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree (DNP, PhD, or DrPH) strongly preferred.
Experience in a complex academic health system.
ACLS certification may be necessary depending on specialty area, post hire.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain team engagement, visibility, and accountability in support of organizational vision, mission, and goals.
Foster collaboration, excellence, accountability, and mutual respect across inter-professional care teams throughout the care continuum.
Educate, coach, and guide staff to support adherence to clinical standards and best practices.
Facilitate staff onboarding, competency assessment, and ongoing professional development.
Manage and support a diverse workforce according to organizational goals, staffing needs, and budget considerations.
Oversee clinical and administrative aspects of an assigned patient care setting to support operational efficiency and cost-effective care.
Lead and implement area-specific quality and safety initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
Collaborate with triad leadership on capital, staffing, and operational budget planning.
Assist triad leadership in establishing clinical and operational performance targets and financial goals.
Implement policies, standard operating procedures, and standard work, and hold the team accountable for compliance.
Conduct intentional rounding to evaluate and address operational needs of patients, staff, and providers.
Ensure consistent nursing practice and compliance with safety, accreditation, regulatory, and organizational standards.
Identify and analyze problems, evaluate them objectively, develop alternative solutions, and make informed recommendations supporting professional governance.
Lead continuous quality improvement through data analysis, problem-solving, and monitoring key performance indicators.
Plan, prioritize, and execute operations efficiently, anticipate resource needs, and achieve results within the service line or division budget.
Address operational challenges and resolve issues in partnership with leadership.
Advocate for optimal resource allocation to support patient care and improve service delivery.
Align operations with the organizational strategic plan and vision to support optimal service line outcomes.
Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment that values individual differences and supports staff well-being.
Support a healthy work environment that encourages professional growth and high staff morale.
Demonstrate adaptive leadership and effectively communicate unit goals in challenging situations.
Monitor nursing practice for adherence to clinical standards, policies, and procedures.
Provide ongoing education and training to nurses to maintain current clinical skills and regulatory knowledge.
Advocate for patient safety and optimal care by addressing concerns about staffing, resources, and care delivery.