Position Summary
The Director of Programs, Long-Term Care provides strategic and operational leadership for all resident-focused programs across our long-term care home(s). Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director ensures that programs are person-centred, evidence-informed, and compliant with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 and its regulations. The Director leads a team that delivers high-quality programming in areas such as resident care, recreation and social engagement, dementia and palliative supports, and family and community partnerships, while fostering a culture of dignity, safety, and continuous quality improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Strategy
Develop, implement, and evaluate a program strategy that aligns with the organization's mission, strategic plan, and resident-centred model of care.
Oversee the planning and delivery of all resident programs, including nursing and personal care, recreation and leisure, spiritual and cultural care, restorative care, and palliative and end-of-life supports.
Identify service gaps and emerging resident needs, and lead the design of new or enhanced programs in collaboration with clinical and interdisciplinary teams.
Translate best practices and current research into practical, measurable program improvements.
Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management
Ensure all programs comply with the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, Ontario Regulation 246/22, Ministry of Long-Term Care requirements, and other applicable legislation and standards.
Lead the required program evaluations, annual reviews, and continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives, and track outcomes through key quality indicators.
Prepare for and respond to Ministry inspections, complaints, critical incidents, and accreditation reviews, including development and monitoring of compliance action plans.
Oversee infection prevention and control, falls prevention, responsive behaviours, skin and wound care, pain management, and other required clinical programs.
Identify, assess, and mitigate program-related risks, and ensure timely reporting and follow-up on incidents.
People Leadership and Team Development
Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance support to program managers and team leaders, fostering a respectful, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and ongoing education of program staff and volunteers.
Support staff retention and wellbeing and promote a positive and psychologically safe workplace.
Work collaboratively with union and labour relations partners where applicable, in line with collective agreements and organizational policy.
Resident, Family, and Community Engagement
Champion residents' rights, dignity, and choice in all program planning and delivery.
Work with the Residents' Council and Family Council to gather input, respond to concerns, and support their involvement in program development.
Build and maintain partnerships with community agencies, health system partners, Ontario Health Teams, educational institutions, and volunteer organizations.
Ensure culturally safe, inclusive, and equitable programming that reflects the diversity of residents and their families.
Financial and Operational Management
Develop and manage program budgets, staffing models, and resources, ensuring effective use of provincial funding envelopes (such as nursing and personal care, programs and support services) and other funding sources.
Monitor expenditures and report on program performance, outcomes, and financial variances to the Executive Director and Board, as required.
Prepare funding applications, reports, and reconciliations in accordance with Ministry and funder requirements.
Contribute to organizational planning, policy development, and senior leadership initiatives.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in nursing, gerontology, health administration, social work, or a related health or social services field; a master's…