Associate Director of Wellness

Associate Director of Wellness

As the Associate D irector of Wellness , you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Wellness Department, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, resident-centred care that aligns with The Care Group's values, Assisted Living Registry (ALR) standards, Community Care and Assisted Living Act, and Island Health requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical Leadership & Resident Care

• Lead the day-to-day clinical operations of the Wellness Department, ensuring the delivery of safe, compassionate, and resident-centred care.
• Complete resident health assessments, reassessments, and determine appropriate service levels in accordance with Assisted Living regulations.
• Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized Personal Service Plans (PSPs) to meet residents' changing needs.
• Monitor resident health status and collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and external healthcare providers to coordinate care.
• Oversee medication management practices and ensure compliance with professional, organizational, and legislative standards.
• Support resident admissions, transitions, hospital discharges, and move-in assessments to ensure a seamless care experience.
• Promote resident independence, dignity, choice, and quality of life through evidence-informed care practices.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Improvement

• Ensure compliance with the Community Care and Assisted Living Act, Assisted Living Registry (ALR) standards, WorkSafeBC requirements, infection prevention and control practices, and all applicable provincial regulations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential clinical documentation and electronic health records.
• Lead quality assurance initiatives, audits, incident investigations, risk management activities, and continuous quality improvement projects.
• Monitor clinical indicators, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to improve resident outcomes and service quality.
• Ensure emergency preparedness plans, infection prevention protocols, and resident safety programs are effectively implemented and maintained.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and clinical guidance to licensed nurses and wellness team members.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable workplace culture that reflects The Care Group's values.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, orientation, performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
• Coordinate staffing requirements and support effective workforce planning in collaboration with site leadership.
• Identify learning needs and facilitate ongoing education, competency assessments, and professional development opportunities.

Resident, Family & Community Relations

• Build positive relationships with residents, families, and substitute decision-makers through open, compassionate, and professional communication.
• Lead family meetings and care conferences to discuss resident care needs and service plans.
• Respond promptly and professionally to resident and family concerns, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and community partners to enhance resident care and wellness services.
• Conduct tours with prospective residents and families and explain the different care and service options available at The Gardens.
• Complete pre-admission assessments and help determine the appropriate level of care and services.
• Maintain and actively manage waitlists, including regular follow-up with prospective residents and families.
• Work closely with the GM to support admissions, occupancy and timely filling of available suites.
• Support prospective residents and families through the process from initial inquiry and tour through to assessment, admission and move-in.
• Coordinate and schedule resident care and support services based on individual service plans and assessed needs.
• Review and adjust service schedules as residents’ needs change.
• Work with the care team to ensure staffing and service delivery are aligned with the services being provided to residents.

Operational & Financial Management

• Participate in the development and management of the Wellness Department budget while ensuring responsible use of resources.
• Monitor staffing, clinical supplies, equipment, and operational expenditures to support efficient service delivery.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, enhance resident services, and increase operational efficiency.
• Support occupancy initiatives by collaborating with leadership during resident assessments and admissions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Ensure accurate, timely, and confidential documentation of resident care, assessments, incidents, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Prepare reports, audits, quality improvement metrics, and other operational reports for leadership and regulatory agencies as required.
• Maintain clinical records and documentation in accordance with organizational policies and legislative requirements.

Health, Safety & Infection Prevention

• Champion a culture of workplace health and safety by promoting safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
• Lead infection prevention and control initiatives and ensure staff adhere to established protocols.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning and coordinate the Wellness Department's response during emergencies.

Other Duties

• Participate in organizational committees, accreditation activities, and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties related to the position that support the operational needs of the community and The Care Group.

Education, Skills and Experience Required:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) registration in good standing with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).
• Minimum 5 years of progressive nursing experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or management role, preferably in assisted living, seniors' housing, or long-term care.
• Strong knowledge of Assisted Living Registry (ALR) standards, BC healthcare regulations, resident assessments, care planning, medication management, and quality improvement.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in supervising, coaching, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with incident investigations, risk management, infection prevention and control, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with residents, families, physicians, and community partners.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• A degree in Nursing is required; additional education in Gerontology, Leadership, Health Care Administration, or a related field is considered an asset.
• Experience working in an assisted living or seniors' housing environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience with PointClickCare, or other electronic care management systems is considered an asset.