Behavioral Health Unit Leader - Patient Care & Operations

St. Luke’s University Health Network; Lehighton (Carbon County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Luke’s University Health Network in Lehighton is seeking a Patient Care Manager to oversee Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health Units. The role ensures safety, quality, and efficient patient care with leadership across staffing, budgets, and clinical practice.

You will guide performance improvement, coordinate with hospital leadership, and promote evidence-based practice while maintaining regulatory compliance and staff development.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program.
• Registered Nurse with current license to practice in Pennsylvania.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; BSN encouraged within 5 years.
• Enrollment in BSN program required upon hire or promotion.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years clinical experience with leadership abilities.
• Sound clinical knowledge in the managed area.
• Strong interpersonal skills and collaboration.
• Demonstrates ability in HR and financial resource management.
• Current BLS certification and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Assumes 24-hour responsibility for planning, organizing, and supervising care to assure patient safety.
• Performs direct administrative functions for the assigned department.
• Develops and evaluates short- and long-term performance improvement and operational goals.
• Implements policies and ensures clinical practice standards are met.
• Analyzes unit performance, outcomes, and financial data.
• Develops capital and operational budgets with Finance and leadership.
• Selects, motivates and retains staff; initiates recognition plan.
• Manages staffing while keeping costs within budget.
• Maintains departmental records for administrative and regulatory purposes.
• Facilitates unit-based councils; leads performance improvement projects; coordinates monthly meetings.
• Keeps current with health-care trends and best practices in the specialty.
• Collaborates with medical staff leadership to attain department goals.
• Promotes inquiry, education, evidence-based practice, and staff competency.
• Reviews staff performance and initiates remedial actions when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Performance improvement

Staff development

Clinical knowledge

HR & finance management

BLS certification

Communication

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) license

BSN preferred

Enrollment in BSN program required

BSN within 5 years

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Hospital information systems

Job description

St. Luke’s University Health Network in Lehighton is seeking a Patient Care Manager to oversee Adult and Older Adult Behavioral Health Units. The role ensures safety, quality, and efficient patient care with leadership across staffing, budgets, and clinical practice.

You will guide performance improvement, coordinate with hospital leadership, and promote evidence-based practice while maintaining regulatory compliance and staff development.