Manager, Recuperative Care Unit (RCU)

Buffalo City Mission•Buffalo, NY

81d•$66,560•Onsite

About The Position

Buffalo City Mission is seeking a Manager, Recuperative Care (RCU). This position is full-time, working at our men’s shelter. Serve with Purpose: Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are more than a workplace. We are a community united by faith, compassion, and a shared commitment to changing lives. At Buffalo City Mission, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Every day, we witness lives transformed through the power of grace, love, and hope. Our mission is to serve men, women, and families facing barriers to stability. Offering not just shelter and support, but the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. Why Buffalo City Mission: We are proud to offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage with a single-high premium paid in full by the employer, a Health Savings Account (HSA), vision coverage, employer-paid life insurance, and supplemental insurance options. Beyond compensation and benefits, we cultivate a workplace where faith inspires action, service is a calling, and every team member plays a role in restoring hope. About the RCU: The Medical Respite Unit is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and need a place to recover following hospitalization or while receiving ongoing medical care. As the Manager of RCU, you will take ownership of bringing this program to life. You will lead the certification process, develop and implement operational processes, establish standards of care, and ensure the unit is positioned for long-term success. You will have the opportunity to identify what needs to be built, create solutions, and continuously improve the program as it grows.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Nursing, Human Services, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years in healthcare administration, medical respite, or social services, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
Working knowledge of NYS Medicaid and 1115 Waiver programs is a significant plus.
Deep understanding of the health challenges facing the homeless population and the impact of the Social Determinants of Health on long-term recovery.
A commitment to the Buffalo City Mission’s faith-based approach to restoration and community service.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree (MSW/MPH) or RN or LPN experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee all daily operations of the RCU, ensuring the facility meets NYS Department of Health certification standards, HIPAA regulations, and 1115 Waiver compliance protocols.
Develop, implement, and update program policies that integrate Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) into standard care delivery.
Manage the program budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and the proper tracking of Medicaid-reimbursable SDoH services alongside donor and grant funding.
Manage the triage and intake process, assessing referrals from local hospitals (e.g., ECMC, Buffalo General) through the Social Care Network (SCN) and community provider channels.
Coordinate the development of individualized care plans that bridge medical recovery with 1115 Waiver-authorized social supports, such as housing navigation and nutrition.
Liaise with external clinicians, behavioral health providers, and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to ensure seamless care transitions.
Direct, supervise, and mentor RCU staff, ensuring they understand the role of Social Determinants of Health in patient outcomes.
Ensure all team members are fully trained in CPR/First Aid, De-escalation techniques, and Trauma-Informed Care as required by state respite standards.
Foster a culture of accountability and professional excellence consistent with the Mission’s values.
Maintain accurate electronic health records and client files within HMIS and required Medicaid/SCN data platforms.
Lead quality improvement (QI) initiatives to track patient outcomes, specifically monitoring 1115 Waiver metrics such as reduced hospital readmission and improved SDoH stability.
Report on program metrics for leadership, external grant stakeholders, and state Medicaid oversight bodies.
Facilitate proactive discharge planning from day one, utilizing 1115 Waiver resources to secure safe transitions to permanent or supportive housing.
Partner with housing specialists to utilize Medicaid-funded housing transition and tenancy support services where applicable.