Director of Care (DOC) - Clinical - Lakeside

Role Description: Director of Care

Mission

As the Director of Care, you will contribute to Extendicare’s purpose of Helping People Live Better by leading a high‑performing team dedicated to ensuring all residents receive the care they need.

The Director of Care (DOC) is a highly skilled and compassionate leader who guides the care team in delivering exceptional, resident‑centered care in a long‑term care home. The DOC manages all aspects of care operations, ensuring best practices aligned with Extendicare standards, Accreditation requirements, and provincial regulations.

A key responsibility is leading and inspiring an engaged team of care professionals to provide an excellent resident experience. Building trusting relationships with residents and families is essential to resident satisfaction and to achieving our mission of providing people with the care they need, wherever they call home.

Key Outcomes

• Serve as a strong advocate for resident safety and continuous quality improvement.

• Achieve high resident and family engagement—as measured through Experience Survey results—by caring for each person as we would our own family.

• Consistently meet or exceed all quality and clinical indicators through effective execution of required clinical programs.

• Foster a positive culture and employee experience, resulting in increased employee engagement year over year.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to resident care plans, organizational standards, policies, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Cultivate

Lead the resident care team by providing daily guidance and fostering a collaborative, high‑performing work environment that promotes accountability, retention, and an exceptional employee experience.

Train

Ensure all care staff receive required education for effective role performance and ongoing professional development.

Financial Stewardship

Manage the care staffing complement according to Extendicare’s model of care and provincial/legislated hours of care. Support financial management, including budget preparation and variance analysis for the nursing department.

Comply

Monitor and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and labour and employment standards, including timely investigations and action planning.

Risk Management

Identify and manage resident issues as they arise, mitigating clinical risks and ensuring immediate action on critical incidents in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Customer Service

Apply a customer‑service mindset by responding to feedback (complaints, recognition, or suggestions) from residents, families, vendors, and team members with empathy and acknowledgment.

Resident Care

Oversee resident assessments and care planning processes to ensure personalized care plans that reflect resident preferences.

Collaborate

Work actively with the leadership team and liaise with care staff, residents, and families to deliver and optimize resident care.

Improve

Implement quality improvement initiatives that enhance resident safety, wellness, and satisfaction, always striving for better outcomes.

Strategic Planning

Develop operational plans related to clinical operations and staffing that support home‑level strategic priorities and enhance resident care.

Community Partnership

Engage with vendors on quality initiatives and training requirements, and collaborate with community health partners to support resident care.

Values Alignment

Uphold and promote Extendicare’s Mission, Vision, Values, and philosophy regarding ethics, morality, and integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing; Master’s degree preferred.

• Current, unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse with the applicable provincial licensing body.

• Minimum 5 years of nursing experience, plus at least 2 years in a leadership role within long‑term care or another health care setting.

• Working knowledge of long‑term care regulations, standards, and best practices.

• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and build positive professional relationships.

• Proven ability to implement quality improvement initiatives and achieve positive resident outcomes.

• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and related technology.

Core Competencies (included for posting only)

• Business Knowledge

• Industry/Regulatory Knowledge

• Program Administration

• People Management

• Customer Service

• Priority Management

Attributes of an Effective Leader

• Strategy Development: Understands organizational strategy and sets priorities to drive results.

• Self‑Motivated and Results Driven: Takes ownership and holds self and others accountable for high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective outcomes.

• Collaboration: Inspires teamwork, works effectively with others, and positively influences outcomes.

• Effective Communication: Actively listens, respects all perspectives, and communicates clearly.

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves issues even beyond the defined role scope.

• Builds High‑Performing Teams: Develops individuals and teams through feedback, coaching, and continuous learning.

• Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement: Uses data to measure performance and implement solutions that drive improvement.

What Extendicare Has to Offer

At Extendicare, teamwork creates an environment where everyone can reach their potential. We value each employee, promote equal opportunity for growth, and recognize achievements. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• Continuous mentorship, support for lifelong learning, and growth opportunities.

• Opportunities for advancement and career development within the organization.

• A rewarding and meaningful work experience that enriches your life and the lives of others.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

Extendicare is a leading provider of senior care services in Canada. Through our network of 123 owned and operated long‑term care homes and home health care operations serving more than 10,000 patients annually, we provide people with the care they need wherever they call home. Our workforce of 22,000 dedicated individuals is united by a commitment to quality care and a vision for a future where all Canadians have access to the care and support needed to live their best lives.