Director of Care (DOC), Lakeside LTC

Role Description: Director of Care

Mission:
As the Director of Care, you will contribute to the Extendicare 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 consistent with Extendicare, accreditation standards, and provincial regulations. Leading and inspiring an engaged team of care professionals is central to achieving an excellent resident experience. Engagement with residents and families to develop trusting relationships is key to resident satisfaction and to achieving our mission to provide people with the care they need, wherever they call home.

Key Outcomes:
• Serve as a strong advocate for resident safety and continuous quality improvement.
• Attain 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 for residents through effective execution of clinical programs.
• Foster a positive culture and employee experience, increasing overall employee engagement year over year.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements related to resident plans of care, and compliance with organizational standards, policies, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities:
• Cultivate – Lead the resident care team, providing day‑to‑day guidance and fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, accountability, high performance, and retention through an exceptional employee experience.
• Train – Ensure all care staff receive the education required for effective role performance and support ongoing professional development.
• Financial stewardship – Manage care staff complements consistent with the Extendicare model of care and provincial hours-of-care requirements. Oversee 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/employment standards, including timely investigations and consistent action planning.
• Risk Management – Identify and manage resident issues as they arise, ensuring clinical risks are mitigated and critical incidents receive immediate action per regulatory requirements.
• Customer Service – Apply a customer service mindset when responding to feedback—complaints, recognition, or suggestions—from residents, families, vendors, and team members with acknowledgment and empathy.
• Resident Care – Oversee assessment and care planning processes, ensuring personalized care plans are developed and implemented based on resident preferences.
• Collaborate – Work collaboratively with the leadership team and liaise with care staff, residents, and families to optimize resident care.
• Improve – Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident safety, wellness, and satisfaction, demonstrating relentless pursuit of improvement.
• Strategic Planning – Develop operational plans that support home-level strategic priorities related to clinical operations and staffing.
• Community Partnership – Engage with vendors on quality initiatives and training; collaborate with community health partners to enhance resident care.
• Values Alignment – Uphold and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, Values, and philosophy regarding ethics, morality, and integrity.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing; Master’s degree preferred.
• Current and unrestricted registration as a Registered Nurse with the applicable provincial licensing body.
• Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role in a long‑term care or other healthcare facility.
• 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 relationships.
• Proven track record of implementing quality improvement initiatives and achieving 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 execute it.
• Self‑Motivated and Results Driven – Takes ownership and holds themselves and others accountable for delivering timely, high‑quality, cost‑effective results.
• Collaboration – Inspires a collaborative team environment and influences effectively.
• Effective Communication – Actively listens, seeks to understand all perspectives, and communicates with respect.
• Problem Solving – Recognizes and resolves issues, even those outside the clear role mandate.
• Builds High‑Performing Teams – Develops team capability through continuous feedback, coaching, and commitment to learning and development.
• Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement – Uses data to assess performance and develop solutions that support improvement.

What Extendicare Has to Offer:
At Extendicare, we believe teamwork creates an environment where we can achieve our fullest potential. We value each employee, encourage equal opportunities 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 where you enrich your life and the lives of others.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Robust benefits package.

Extendicare is a leading provider of care and services for seniors across 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 qualified and highly trained workforce of 22,000 individuals is united by a dedication to quality care and a vision for a future where everyone in Canada has access to the care and support they need to live their best lives.

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