Administrator

ABOUT US

Channing House is a leading not-for-profit Life Plan Community in Palo Alto, founded in 1960. We believe that older adults thrive in a vibrant setting that supports active, engaged and healthy living. We provide a sustainable, innovative community that promotes this lifestyle, while embracing respect and dignity for all who live and work here. Our team of 200 staff members, from Front-Line to Leadership, drive the mission of Channing House, providing services to the 265 highly engaged residents who call Channing House their home.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Administrator is responsible for the leadership, regulatory oversight, and operational integration of all resident-facing services across the continuum of care. Reporting directly to the COO, this role ensures excellence in service delivery from Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing and works in collaboration with the team to achieve the organization’s vision to be a role model in the field of aging services.

The Administrator will play a central role in launching new programs throughout all levels of living, including the community’s new Memory Care program and supporting the expansion through satellite campuses.

This role will ultimately serve as the Administrator of Record for both the Skilled Nursing Facility and the Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), assuming full regulatory accountability under California licensure requirements.

The position is highly engaged with residents and families, particularly in supporting transitions between levels of living and guiding complex care decisions with compassion, clarity, and professionalism.

The Administrator exemplifies our Core Values: Do the right thing; Be a team player; Focus on quality; Adapt to change. As the Administrator at Channing House, you will lead the team to promote a healthy and vibrant home for our residents and guide and care of our team of dedicated and talented team members, who do meaningful work daily.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will be responsible for, but not limited to the following essential duties and responsibilities: 

General Responsibilities – 70% of job duties:

Operations & Resident Services

• Oversee the daily operations and budget of the community’s Health Services and Wellness Services departments.
• Ensure coordinated, resident-centered service delivery across all levels of living that supports dignity, choice, engagement, and quality of life.
• Translate organizational strategy into operational plans, measurable goals, and sustainable processes.
• Serve as the Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) of Record for the Skilled Nursing Facility and RCFE Administrator of Record for Assisted Living and Memory Care programs.
• Lead resident services planning for campus expansion, Independent Living growth, and future service enhancements.
• Lead the operational readiness and implementation of the Memory Care program, including staffing models, employee training, program development, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide leadership during resident transitions between levels of living, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and compassionate support for residents and families.
• Oversee comprehensive wellness and life enrichment programs that promote active, healthy, and engaged living.
• Maintain systems to protect residents’ personal property and ensure timely, appropriate responses to reports of theft or loss.
• Develop, implement and ensure compliance with written policies and procedures governing facility operations.
• Interpret applicable policies and procedures for employees, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and other stakeholders, as necessary.

Regulatory Compliance and Agency Relations

• Stay informed of changes in laws, regulations, directives, and industry guidance that affect CCRC, Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Memory Care operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to:
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation 
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulations 
  • California Department of Social Services (CDSS) RCFE regulations 
  • Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations 
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements 
  • Cal/OSHA requirements 
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements 
  • Infection Prevention requirements 
  • Emergency Preparedness regulations 
  • Life Safety Code requirements
• Serve as primary contact for regulatory and oversight agencies, including, but not limited to:
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 
  • California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division
  • Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman 
  • Adult Protective Services (APS)
  • County Public Health

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement

• Lead and participate in organizational committees and task forces, including Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement, Infection Prevention and Control, Safety, and other assigned committees. Provide written or oral reports to the Chief Operating Officer, as appropriate.
• Monitor quality and performance indicators, including falls, medication errors, infections, pressure injuries, resident admissions, transfers, discharges, and transition between levels of living, as well as resident and family satisfaction. Identify trends and ensure timely follow-up and appropriate corrective actions.
• Participate in resident forum meetings, family meetings, care conferences, grievance resolution, and resident assessments to promote quality care, regulatory compliance, resident well-being, and continuous improvement.
• Utilize resident feedback, quality indicators, and operational metrics to identify improvement opportunities and evaluate outcomes.

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Assist the Chief Operating Officer in advancing the organization’s strategic goals.
• Participate in long-range strategic planning, campus expansion, service development, resident-experience initiatives, and organizational transformation.
• Develop and support strategies that advance exceptional resident experiences, operational excellence, innovation, quality outcomes, and organizational sustainability.
• Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, transparency, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Encourage constructive dialogue and diverse perspectives while supporting executive alignment and the successful implementation of organizational decisions.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and promote teamwork, communication, and collaboration across departments.
• Create an environment in which employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, raising concerns, and participating in solutions.
• Actively participate in Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) practices, including Level 10 meetings, quarterly planning, accountability activities, and organizational alignment.
• Maintain professional credentials, growth, and industry knowledge through continuing education, professional associations, workshops, seminars, partnerships, and active engagement in the senior living and long-term care fields.
• Serve as Incident Commander during emergencies, as assigned, and provide leadership in accordance with the organization’s emergency preparedness plan.
• Communicate about sensitive matters with tact, discretion, and respect, and respond to emotionally charged situations involving residents or family members with professionalism, empathy, and calm confidence.

Supervisory – 30% of job duties:

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for Health Services, Wellness Services, Life Enrichment, and other assigned departments.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations that align with organizational strategy.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration, accountability, communication, and partnership across departments.
• Lead with positivity, professionalism, mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to quality improvement.
• Foster a workplace culture where employees feel respected, supported, empowered, and connected to the mission of Channing House.
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the performance of direct reports and their departments.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, developing, and retaining employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; delegating responsibilities; evaluating performance; recognizing and rewarding employees; providing coaching and corrective action; addressing complaints; resolving workplace concerns; and, when necessary, disciplining or terminating employment.

Upholding Company Standards:

Consistent commitment to:

• Establish and maintain effective team relationships with fellow staff; apply effective communication and listening skills
• Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with all residents, colleagues, clients, vendors, and members of the public
• Provide a supportive and caring environment to meet the needs of residents as individuals and as members of a shared community
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, safety, and compliance practices, and business ethics codes

JOB REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Educational/Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, nursing, gerontology, social services, or related field. Master’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration, public health, or related discipline is preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive leadership experience in senior living, healthcare, or a related field, including five (5) or more years in a senior leadership role. Knowledge of CMS, Title 22 and policies and procedures related to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs).
• Senior leadership experience in a CCRC, Life Plan Community, senior living, or healthcare organization overseeing multiple service lines. Experience supporting multi-site or campus expansion initiatives preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising licensed clinical services and hospitality/wellness departments.
• Strong working knowledge of California Skilled Nursing and RCFE regulatory frameworks.
• Experience launching or expanding Memory Care programs preferred.

Computer/Software/Technical Applications:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Proficiency in PCC is plus. Comfortable utilizing Zoom, Teams or similar for virtual meetings.
• Comfortable with personal computers, software (including EMR), and networked

Languages:

• Ability to speak and comprehend English the primary language used in the workplace; ability to speak and/or comprehend other languages utilized by staff is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.

Required Licenses/ Certifications/ Background:

• Must hold an active California Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) license and a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator certificate,.
• Assume the role of Administrator of Record for both the Skilled Nursing Facility and RCFE operations.
• Must be able to interpret and administer State and federal laws and regulations for residents, resident families, and employees.

Travel Required:

• Up to 20%

Skills: 

• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively and handle sensitive and confidential information with care.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Critical Thinking — Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Customer Service — Manages difficult or emotional situations involving residents, resident families, and/or staff; responds promptly to needs of residents, resident families, and/or staff; responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Professionalism — Presents self in a highly professional manner to others and communicate with co-workers and other departments with professionalism and respect. Maintains a professional relationship with all coworkers, vendor representatives, supervisors, managers, residents, and resident families.
• Quality Management — Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.
• Safety and Security — Observes and ensures staff compliance with safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly. 
• Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Cultural Awareness - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Managing People — Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; makes self-available to staff; provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Organizational Support — Follows policies and procedures; supports organization's goals and values.
• Team Management — Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Business Management — Participate in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, coordination of people and resources.
• Budgeting — Create, implement, and optimize company budgets to allocate resources in ways that secure maximum return.
• Talent Management — Identify, acknowledge, manage, develop and foster talent in the organization.
• Change Management — Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transition and evaluates results.
• New Technologies — Understand and implement new technologies to optimize time and reach objectives. Examples include recruitment management software, relationship management platforms, and collaborative or project management tools.
• Organizational — Management of time and use physical and mental organization to strategically and methodically accomplish goals, and ensure important documentation is filed in such a way that others can logically access it.
• Visionary Leadership — Displays passion and optimism; inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Business Acumen — Understands business implications of decisions; displays orientation to profitability; demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; aligns work with strategic goals.

Abilities: 

• Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• Learning — Willingness to be open to learning and growing.
• Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Ethics — Treats people with respect; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Positivity — Ability to maintain a positive attitude.
• Presentability — Maintains high standards for work areas and appearance. Upholds dress code requirements.
• Quality — Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance.
• Attendance/Punctuality — Consistently at work and on time.
• Dependability — Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments.
• Compassionate — Feeling or showing empathy and concern for others.
• Persuasion — The ability to work with others to change their minds or behavior.
• Negotiation —The ability to bring others together and try to reconcile differences.
• Empathy — the ability to understand and share feelings of another.
• Discretion — behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information.
• Judgment — Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Innovation — Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Initiative — Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Adaptability — Adapts to changes in the work environment.
• Detail Orientation — Able to concentrate on the details of a project, assignment or task at hand. Often times, this means spotting errors or inconsistencies, such as grammatical mistakes, numerical issues, or the removal of unnecessary information.
• Multitasking — the performance of more than one task at the same time and ability to prioritize task completion accordingly.
• Relaxed presence — Remains calm, respectful, and professional under pressure and in stressful situations.

Reporting Relationships:

• Number of Direct Reports (if applicable): 3-6

Work Environment:

• Generally in an indoor setting. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Position requires flexibility to work nights, weekends and some holidays based on needs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer and operating phones.
• Possess multi-limb and eye-hand coordination.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision.
• Able to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull, regularly move 10 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Channing House Diversity Statement:

Channing House is an equal opportunity employer. Channing House is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and disrespectful or other unprofessional conduct based on actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as natural hair, hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles), color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, disability (including sensory disability and use of a service animal by a person with a disability), HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C status, a legally protected medical condition, genetic information or data credit history, genetic information, status as a victim or domestic or sexual violence (including harassment, sexual assault, or stalking), expunged juvenile record, arrest or conviction records (except as legally required), use or non-use of lawful products off of Company premises during non-working hours, performance of duty in a uniformed service military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state and/or federal law. Channing House also prohibits discrimination, harassment, disrespectful, or unprofessional conduct based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.