PACE Director of Center Operations, RN

Community Health Centers of the Central Coast; Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Centers of the Central Coast is seeking a Director of Center Operations, RN for the Central Coast PACE Center. You will lead day-to-day operations, integrate clinical and administrative services, and ensure high-quality participant care while aligning with CMS and other regulations.

Reporting to the Chief of PACE, you will oversee staffing, budget, quality improvement, and coordinate with interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing required.
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related health field preferred.
• Equivalent consideration may be given to an RN with a Bachelor’s degree and significant clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Leads and oversees PACE center operations and interdisciplinary teams.
• Ensures staffing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance within center operations.
• Collaborates with Chief of PACE, Chief Medical Officer, and other leaders to drive strategic initiatives.
• Oversees quality improvement, patient safety, infection control, and risk management.
• maintains readiness for audits, surveys, and program reviews.
• Mentors managers and staff, including licensed clinical personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Healthcare operations

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Communication

Data analysis

Education

RN with BSN or MSN preferred

Master’s degree in Nursing/Healthcare Administration preferred

Job description

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Job Title: PACE Director of Center Operations, RN

Department: Operations

Reports To: Chief of PACE

FLSA Status: Exempt

Wage Range that the Company Expects to Pay: $5,192.31 - $5,724.52 bi-weekly

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Center Operations, RN is responsible for the overall leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Central Coast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Center, a service line of Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc. (CHC). Reporting to the Chief of PACE, this position provides operational oversight and ensures the effective integration of all PACE service lines, including center operations, clinical services, home care, transportation, rehabilitation therapies, nutrition, quality, and behavioral health. Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and departmental leaders, the Director promotes operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, high-quality participant care, and an exceptional participant experience. The Director serves as the primary liaison between center operations, support services, and executive leadership, ensuring seamless communication, coordination, and alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Central Coast PACE and CHC.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partners with the Chief of PACE and Chief Medical Officer to execute strategic, operational, and clinical initiatives that support organizational goals and high-quality participant care.
• Provides leadership and operational oversight of the assigned PACE Center, ensuring the effective integration of clinical and administrative services and the delivery of participant-centered, cost-effective, and high-quality care.
• Oversees day-to-day center operations and interdisciplinary team functions, ensuring appropriate staffing, efficient workflows, and compliance with PACE standards and organizational objectives.
• Monitors departmental expenditures and staffing costs, ensuring operations remain within budget while maintaining high-quality participant care and regulatory compliance.
• Provides leadership, supervision, mentorship, and performance oversight to managers and staff, including licensed clinical personnel, in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, and serves as interim manager for the day center or assigned operational functions as needed to ensure continuity of services and leadership.
• Applies clinical nursing expertise to support patient safety, infection prevention and control, quality improvement, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensures compliance with CMS, DHCS, and all applicable federal, state, and organizational regulations, maintaining readiness for audits, surveys, and program reviews.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, support services, and departments including Quality, Finance, Compliance, Human Resources, and Information Technology to ensure coordinated operations and successful execution of organizational priorities.
• Monitors operational and quality performance metrics, including participant access, utilization, satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency, and implements continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversees the effective allocation of staffing and operational resources in collaboration with PACE leadership to support efficient and sustainable center operations.
• Serves as the primary operational liaison between center staff, interdisciplinary teams, support services, and executive leadership, fostering communication, accountability, and organizational alignment.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, service excellence, continuous improvement, and regulatory integrity consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Central Coast PACE and Community Health Centers of the Central Coast.
• Demonstrates adherence to and observes all safety policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and competence with participants.
• Maintains and adheres to HIPAA, employee confidentiality, and privileged communications (participant, employee, and corporation).
• Perform other duties within the scope of the position and contribute to cross-functional initiatives as assigned to support evolving program and operational needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for leading and overseeing managers and staff across PACE operations, including interviewing, hiring, training, assigning work, evaluating performance, addressing performance concerns, and resolving employee issues in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws. Provides leadership, direction, and support to promote professional growth, accountability, and effective team performance. Fosters a positive, collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, engagement, and alignment with organizational goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation of an accredited school of professional nursing required. Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related health field preferred. Equivalent consideration may be given to an RN with a Bachelor’s degree and significant relevant clinical experience.

Experience: Required

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience supervising licensed clinical staff in a healthcare setting.
• Minimum of (1) year of continuous experience working with a frail or elderly populations.
• Experience leading clinical teams and supporting coordinated care delivery within a healthcare environment.
• Experience managing healthcare operations, including staffing, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance activities.

Preferred

• Experience working in PACE, geriatrics, primary care, home health, or other healthcare settings serving complex or vulnerable populations.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary teams and integrated care models.
• Experience overseeing day center, clinic, or other healthcare operations.

Licenses/Certifications: Current, active, and unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrates strong leadership, professionalism, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with participants, caregivers, clinical teams, operational staff, and organizational leadership.
• Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills while managing complex operational and clinical priorities.
• Demonstrated curiosity and a continuous learning mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities for improvement
• Demonstrates the ability to analyze data, identify trends, develop solutions, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Effectively communicates expectations, provides direction, and motivates staff to achieve organizational and participant-centered goals.
• Demonstrates knowledge of healthcare operations, clinical workflows, quality improvement, regulatory requirements, and integrated care delivery.
• Effectively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to support coordinated care delivery and positive participant outcomes.
• Demonstrates adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Required to pass a criminal history background check and drug screen upon hire. Annual health examination; annual Tuberculosis skin test clearance or chest x-ray; proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B; proof of Tdap vaccine; during current flu season, must provide proof of influenza vaccine or a signed declination form. If declined, a flu mask is mandatory during flu season. Health screening requirements are subject to change based on CDC recommendations and federal, state, and/or local public health ordinances.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed in a healthcare setting and involves regular interaction with participants, interdisciplinary team members, clinical staff, and operational personnel. The position may involve exposure to conditions common in a healthcare environment, including infectious materials, bodily fluids, biohazards, and other related hazards. The work environment may include periods of increased activity, noise, and interruptions associated with participant care, clinical operations, and day-to-day center activities. The Director is expected to follow all applicable safety, infection prevention, and workplace health protocols. Travel may be required as needed to support operational priorities, meetings, and program initiatives. The work environment and duties may vary based on organizational needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. This position requires the ability to move throughout the PACE Day Center and clinical areas, including standing, walking, sitting, and bending for extended periods. The role requires frequent use of computers, communication devices, and other office and clinical equipment.

The position may require occasional lifting, transferring, or assisting with the movement of equipment, supplies, or participants. The Director must be able to navigate participant care areas, observe clinical and operational workflows, and respond to day-to-day participant and staff needs. The ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate appropriate clinical awareness, and maintain mobility within the center environment is essential to performing the responsibilities of this role.

DISCLAIMER

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to revise this document at any time.