The Director of Care (DOC) is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and management of resident care services within a long-term care (LTC) facility. The DOC ensures high-quality clinical care, regulatory compliance, staff supervision, and resident-centered practices that promote safety, dignity, and quality of life for residents. The DOC works collaboratively with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, residents, families, and senior leadership to maintain excellence in nursing and clinical operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Clinical Leadership
- Oversee all nursing and clinical care services within the LTC home.
- Ensure delivery of safe, evidence-based, resident-centered care.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate care programs and clinical policies.
- Monitor resident outcomes and quality indicators.
- Lead infection prevention and control initiatives.
- Ensure appropriate medication management and clinical documentation standards.
- Staff Management & Supervision
- Recruit, orient, mentor, and evaluate nursing and clinical staff.
- Provide leadership to Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed/Registered Practical Nurses (LPNs/RPNs), personal support workers, and allied health professionals.
- Manage staffing schedules and ensure adequate staffing levels.
- Promote staff engagement, professional development, and retention.
- Address performance issues and support corrective action processes when necessary.
- Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable long-term care legislation, accreditation standards, and professional practice guidelines.
- Prepare for inspections, audits, and accreditation reviews.
- Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures aligned with provincial and federal regulations.
- Investigate and document incidents, complaints, and critical events.
- Resident & Family Relations
- Foster positive relationships with residents and families.
- Participate in care conferences and family meetings.
- Address concerns and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
- Promote resident rights, dignity, and quality of life.
- Quality Improvement & Risk Management
- Lead quality improvement initiatives and monitor performance metrics.
- Analyze trends related to falls, infections, wounds, medication errors, and other clinical indicators.
- Support continuous improvement and best practices in geriatric care.
- Participate in emergency preparedness and risk management planning.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Collaborate with physicians, pharmacy, rehabilitation, dietary, recreation, and social work teams.
- Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
- Support a collaborative and respectful workplace culture.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent nursing degree required.
- Current registration in good standing with the applicable provincial nursing regulatory body.
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, preferably in long-term care or seniors’ care.
- Strong knowledge of long-term care regulations and standards.
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Experience with quality improvement and infection prevention/control programs.
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation systems.
- CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
Core Competencies
- Clinical expertise in geriatric and long-term care
- Leadership and team management
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Regulatory and compliance knowledge
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Organizational and time-management abilities
- Compassionate, resident-focused approach
Working Conditions
- Fast-paced healthcare environment.
- May require participation in on-call rotation.
- Ability to respond to emergencies and critical incidents.
- Interaction with residents experiencing cognitive and physical health challenges.
Reports To: Executive Director
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
