System Director of Human Resources

Position Summary

The Human Resource Director will plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and staff of the Human Resource (HR) department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organization's mission and talent strategy. The position represents a blend of centralized and non-centralized functions, requiring a candidate with the ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups.

Reporting Relationships

The System Director of Human Resources reports directly to the system CEO on all matters. The position will also work directly with the NCH cabinet, comprised of NCH affiliate CEOs as well as other system executives.

Key Attributes 

• Healthcare Knowledge - Understanding of the healthcare industry, including regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and specific challenges within the healthcare workforce. 
• Human Resources Expertise - Strong background in HR management with expertise in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits administration, and compliance. 
• Strategic Leadership - Ability to align HR strategies with the overall goals and objectives of the healthcare system, contributing to organizational success. 
• Regulatory Compliance - Stay current with federal, state, and local labor laws and healthcare regulations to ensure the healthcare system's HR policies and practices remain compliant. 
• Employee Relations - Skill in fostering positive employee relations, conflict resolution, and addressing employee concerns in a healthcare setting. 
• Talent Acquisition and Retention - Develop and implement effective recruitment and retention strategies to attract and retain qualified healthcare professionals. 
• Training and Development - Implement training programs that address the specific needs of healthcare employees, ensuring ongoing professional development. 
• Diversity and Inclusion - Promote diversity and inclusion within the healthcare workforce, recognizing the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity in a healthcare setting. 
• Health and Safety - Collaborate with other departments to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, addressing occupational health and safety concerns. 
• Data Management - Utilize data analytics to inform decision-making related to workforce planning, employee engagement, and other HR initiatives. 
• Communication Skills - Strong communication skills to interact with diverse healthcare professionals, executives, and other stakeholders, conveying HR policies and initiatives effectively. 
• Ethical Conduct - Uphold high ethical standards and ensure HR practices align with the organization's values and mission, especially in handling sensitive healthcare information. 
• Change Management - Navigate and lead HR initiatives during periods of organizational change, such as mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring. 
• Technology Proficiency - Familiarity with HR information systems and other relevant technologies to streamline HR processes and ensure accurate record-keeping. 
• Collaboration and Teamwork - Work collaboratively with other departments to address healthcare system-wide challenges and promote a positive organizational culture.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with top management to develop and implement HR strategies that align with the overall goals of the healthcare system.
• Forecast workforce needs and plan for recruitment, retention, and talent development.

2. Recruitment and Staffing:

• Oversee the recruitment process, including creating job descriptions, conducting interviews, and making hiring decisions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with educational institutions and professional organizations to ensure a pipeline of qualified healthcare professionals.

3. Employee Relations:

• Address and resolve employee relations issues, conflicts, and concerns.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration.

4. Compliance and Policy Implementation:

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, labor laws, and industry standards.
• Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that align with legal requirements and industry best practices.

5. Employee Benefits and Compensation:

• Manage employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
• Develop and review compensation structures to ensure competitiveness in the healthcare industry.

6. Training and Development:

• Identify training needs and coordinate professional development programs for healthcare staff.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning to enhance the skills and knowledge of the workforce.

7. Performance Management:

• Implement performance appraisal systems and processes to assess and improve employee performance.
• Work with department heads to set performance goals and provide feedback to employees.

8. Health and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment for healthcare professionals and staff.
• Develop and implement safety programs and protocols.

9. Succession Planning:

• Identify and nurture talent within the organization for future leadership roles.
• Develop succession plans to ensure continuity in key positions.

10. Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Generate and analyze HR metrics and reports to inform decision-making and strategic planning.

11. Employee Engagement:

• Develop initiatives to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and morale.
• Conduct surveys and gather feedback to assess and improve organizational culture.

Education, Experience and Characteristics

Education

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a relevant field preferred.

Experience:

• Substantial experience in HR management, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Progressive experience in HR roles, with a track record of increasing responsibilities.
• Experience in handling HR functions specific to healthcare, such as compliance with healthcare regulations, understanding of healthcare labor laws, and familiarity with healthcare industry standards
  • Is familiar with, and embraces the complexities of functioning within an integrated health system, including matrixed reporting relationships.

Healthcare Knowledge:

• Understanding of the healthcare industry, its regulations, and the specific challenges faced by healthcare workers.
• Knowledge of healthcare-specific HR issues, such as compliance with healthcare regulations, healthcare credentialing, and understanding of healthcare job roles and responsibilities.

Leadership and Management Skills:

• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage the HR team and collaborate with other departments.
• Experience in strategic HR planning and implementation to support organizational goals.
• Ability to develop and implement HR policies and procedures
  • Is familiar with, and embraces the principles of High Reliability, and is further experienced in Performance Improvement (LEAN, Six Sigma) methodologies.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with healthcare professionals, administrators, and staff.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships and resolve conflicts within the healthcare setting.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

• Knowledge of labor laws, healthcare regulations, and compliance requirements specific to the healthcare industry.
• Experience in ensuring that HR practices align with legal and regulatory standards in healthcare.

Employee Relations:

• Expertise in managing employee relations, including conflict resolution, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Ability to address and resolve sensitive issues in a healthcare setting.

Strategic Thinking:

• The ability to align HR strategies with the overall strategic goals of the healthcare organization.
• Experience in workforce planning and talent management to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system.

Technology Proficiency:

• Familiarity with HR information systems and other relevant technology used in the healthcare industry for managing employee data, payroll, and benefits.

Certifications:

• Professional certifications such as PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) can be beneficial.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to adapt to frequently changing work priorities and be able to prioritize and balance the requirements of working with and throughout various functions and entities in the organization to achieve operational success.
• Must be able to travel to various NCH locations as needed.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of objects up to 15 pounds. This position requires the ability to sit for prolonged periods.

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):

About North Country Healthcare (NCH):