Program Manager Respite in ESP

                                             East Oakland Community Project

                                                          Job Description

Title: Respite Care Program Manager

 Department: Respite Care Program

 Reports to: Crossroads Director of Programs

 FLSA: Exempt

Directly Leads: Health and Wellness Program Assistant, 3.5 FTE Respite Health Assistants Budgetary Line Responsibility: Manages Respite Care Program Budget

Salary: $80,000 -$90,000

SUMMARY

The Respite Care Program Manager is responsible for planning, managing, delivering, and evaluating respite and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness who are discharged from the Alameda County Health System (AHS) and require respite care to recover from healthcare-related conditions. This position provides direct supervision of five full-time equivalent staff (3.5 Health Assistants and a Health Coach) and coordinates respite care services and other supportive services for clients. This role works with the team, who supports housing case management services to Respite Care clients.

In addition to clinical and administrative functions, the Respite Care Program Manager collaborates with AHS Social Services and discharge planners to ensure seamless transitions for clients into community stability. The Program Manager is also responsible for planning and implementing strategies to improve and expand respite care services.

VA CONTRACT & KEY PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as designated Key Personnel for VA-funded or VA-aligned programs and is responsible for overall contract performance and daily program operations in compliance with Performance Work Statement (PWS) requirements.
• Acts as the administrative and clinical designee with authority to make operational, staffing, and safety decisions related to the facility and residents.
• Maintains availability for consultation and emergency decision-making 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, either on site or on call, in accordance with contract and program requirements.
• Ensures sufficient qualified, licensed, and credentialed personnel are assigned to meet contract staffing levels, ratios, and service delivery requirements.
• Coordinates with VA liaisons and oversight entities and provides requested documentation, including resumes and credential verification of Key Personnel or designated substitutes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SERVICE DELIVERY

• Coordinates client referrals from AHS ensuring service fit and evaluates referrals via telephone, electronic communication, and in person as needed for admission.
• Makes contact with each client upon arrival, completes intake-related paperwork, and provides orientation to the program and shelter facility.
• Conducts client assessments, develops individualized care plans, and triages clients to appropriate health and supportive services.
• Manages the delivery of respite care services and supports staff and collaborative partners in care coordination, including ongoing collaboration with AHS personnel.
• Develops contingency plans for each client.
• Assesses client vital systems and conducts physical assessments on an ongoing basis.
• Provides wound care and medication management support to clients.
• Monitors patient laboratory tests and communicates with primary care providers.
• Ensures clients receive required medical follow-up by coordinating transportation to AHS and community-based services.
• Ensures clients achieve wellness goals and facilitates transition to the EOCP Behavioral Health Case Manager for housing and stability services.
• Facilitates respite care case conferences to ensure coordinated service delivery and clear roles among stakeholders.
• Ensures continuity of care with external providers and connection to a medical home.
• Provides staff in-service training on chronic disease management, medical devices, urgent medical issues, and substance use withdrawal.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with clients, medical personnel, EOCP staff, and community partners.

SUPERVISION OF STAFF

• Supervises and directs the Program Assistant, Health Coach, and 3.5 Health Assistants.
• Ensures continuous floor coverage and adequate staffing for all shifts.
• Ensures sufficient licensed and qualified staff coverage for authorized and unauthorized leave, including implementation of approved cross-coverage and contingency staffing plans.
• Identifies staff training needs and plans and develops in-service trainings.
• Conducts written performance evaluations twice annually.

ADMINISTRATION AND REPORTING

• Participates in Crossroads staff meetings.
• Develops, maintains, updates, and implements respite care program policies, procedures, and standards.
• Collaborates with Crossroads management to develop systems that promote safe, efficient, and comprehensive care, including client transitions from respite to shelter and permanent housing.
• Provides in-service trainings for EOCP staff, particularly those working at Crossroads.
• Identifies program growth needs and implements policy and programmatic changes accordingly.
• Evaluates program data to ensure compliance with contract benchmarks.
• Submits timely monthly performance reports to AHS, VA, and other funders as required.
• Develops and maintains staffing schedules that ensure 24-hour supervision and safety of residents in compliance with contract and agency requirements.
• Implements and maintains a written contingency and coverage plan for staff vacancies, leave, or emergency absences.
• Notifies funder designees of approved cross-coverage or staff substitutions when required by contract.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with the State of California; public health degree preferred.
• Three or more years of related experience preferred, including experience in an acute care or respite care setting.
• Extensive experience in triage.
• Wound care certification.
• Knowledge of standards of care, patient education, and treatment protocols.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Demonstrated commitment to HIPAA confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients.
• Knowledge of electronic health records and HMIS documentation systems.
• Knowledge of addiction treatment and mental health issues.
• Knowledge of community resources including Medicare, Medi-Cal, SSI, and County General Assistance programs.
• Knowledge of medications, interactions, and effects.
• Ability to observe, assess, and document symptoms and progress.
• Ability to educate clients and provide instruction on proper care and treatment.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, email, and internet navigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability and willingness to serve in an on-call capacity and respond to emergencies within required timeframes, including authority to make operational and safety decisions affecting residents and staff.

EOCP is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.