Director, of Environmental & Food Services

Apr 8, 2024

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

POSITION: Director, Environmental Services & Food Services
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services & Food Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Environmental & Food Services provides oversight and strategic direction of the Environmental and Food Services Departments. The Director provides a vital link between the Environmental and Food Services department and its personnel and the leadership team. Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Environmental & Food Services is responsible for the overall management and delivery of services of the departments in collaboration with departmental supervisors. The essential functional areas of responsibility include infrastructure planning and coordination as well as providing the direction and supervision for the overall safe and efficient running of the physical building and equipment, program accountability, sanitation, safety and security, equipment use and care, procurement, financial management and record keeping, personnel management and professional development. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Director of Environmental & Food Services, as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Key Responsibilities

  1.  Operations Management (50%):
  • Responsible to lead, coordinate, direct, manage, operate, inspect and maintain the plant facility, equipment and grounds , which includes routine daily and periodic maintenance repairs, major repairs, renovations, and construction projects, and where possible, provides maintenance repairs with outside contractor support (i.e. boilers, generators, lifts, kitchen & laundry equipment, wheelchairs etc.).
  • Responsible to lead, coordinate, direct and manage food preparation, central laundry services and housekeeping services in collaboration with supervisors.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable government inspection processes, policies, standards, requirements and service agreements for maintenance, housekeeping, laundry and kitchen areas of responsibilities.
  • Develop policies and procedures relevant to “Operations” (maintenance, laundry, kitchen and safety; all hazards, safety management system, violence assessment, pandemic etc.) in compliance with regulations for approval by the CEO. Revises as necessary the Fire &Safety Plan and process training, orientation and refreshers as required, orient and train RN duty supervisors on essential operation plan and processes.
  • Playing a key role in the procurement of equipment, supplies, chemicals and contracted vendor services for laundry, kitchen, housekeeping, and maintenance; studying usage reports; monitoring controls & resource usage consumption(BAS/electricity, fuel), increasing efficiency, identifying trends; anticipating needed supplies; approving requisitions and cost allocations, analyzing variances; initiating corrective action; providing CEO with reports, cost data, logs and proposals as requested and negotiate best terms.
  • Liaise with contractors, vendors and other Long Term Care partners on facility related requirements or services.
  • Monitor contractors and care team members to ensure safety protocols are being followed.
  • Plan, initiate, conduct, participate, document and assess monthly evacuations fire drills as required, and revise plan/processes accordingly.
  • Develop preventative maintenance program on all equipment and ensure maintenance and repairs are performed on a variety of equipment.
  • Ensure inspections are completed, documented and signed by the administrator;

2. Human Resources Management (20%):

  • Lead, direct, and manage all Human Resource aspects for Employees assigned to Maintenance, Laundry and Kitchen (50 staff).
  • Complete probationary appraisals and annual employee performance development plans.
  • Participate in Attendance Support Program.
  • Supervise, evaluate, initiate corrective action and dismiss, if necessary, employees in consultation with the CEO/HR Coordinator.
  • Monitor utilization of personnel through work assignments and payroll schedules, ensuring utilization is optimal within budget to meet quality Resident care and service.
  • Work in accordance with respective collective agreements at the facility to foster good labour management relations.
  • Participate in Labour Relations (Union/Management) discussions in and Collective Bargaining negotiations.
  • Plan and lead regular staff meetings for the departments
  • Coach, mentor, and support to establish and maintain good communication practices within and across functional disciplines within the facility
  • Ensure employees are up to date in Occupational Health & Safety requirements, including WHIMIS, fire safety and emergency evacuation & ensure personal protective equipment is provided and enforced in all areas of responsibility (maintenance, laundry, kitchen and household)
  1. Service Delivery (20%):
  • Act as the “centre of expertise” and key resource to the organization for the area operational services (maintenance, laundry, housekeeping and food preparation)
  • Provide communication between departments to encourage a collaborative community environment.
  • Play a lead role in the orientation of new residents and families to the facility.
  • Communicate with Residents and Family Members addressing Resident and Family issues and concerns as required.
  • Model and foster the development of R.K. MacDonald’s Mission, Vision and Core Values through words and actions
  • Utilize continuous quality improvement principles and evidence based decision making processes to ensure delivery of quality care and service
  • Ensure Quality Management and Risk Management practices are within standard. Address non-compliance issues, engaging functional expertise as required.
  • Meet, or exceed, compliance with the Long Term Care Program Requirements and Building Standard in all aspects of the position.
  1. Financial Management (10%):
  • Effectively oversees the management of the Environmental & Food Services departmental budgets ensuring that the annual budget is not exceeded
  • Coordinate and prepare the annual DOHW capital equipment request
  • Monthly review and analysis of financial data, investigate variances and suggest corrective actions
  • Oversees purchasing, ordering, stock and inventory of departmental supplies and equipment in collaboration with departmental supervisors.
  • Authorizes all departmental expenditures
  • Oversees staffing and schedules to minimize overtime in collaboration with departmental supervisors.
  • Manages bidding/tender process on projects exceeding $10,000
  • Oversight of departmental payroll
  • Actively investigate, promotes and participates in cost saving measures through collaboration with other LTC facilities and participates in provincial joint RFP opportunities with approval of administrator.

Leadership Competencies Required

Leading Others

As demonstrated by the ability to establish focus, to provide motivational support, fostering teamwork, empowering others.

Managing Change

As demonstrated by the ability to work with others to coach and mentor them to develop their capabilities.

Managing Others

As demonstrated by the ability to work with others to coach and mentor them to develop their capabilities.

Managing Performance

As demonstrated by ability to take responsibility for one’s own or one’s employee’s performance by setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress.

Communication

 As demonstrated by the ability to ensure that information is passed on to others who should be kept informed as well as the ability to express oneself clearly in conversations and interactions, in writing and to be able to plan and deliver conversations that have an impact and persuade their intended audience.

Interpersonal Awareness

As demonstrated by the ability to notice, interpret and anticipate others concerns and feelings and to communicate this awareness empathetically to others.

Influence Others

As demonstrated by the ability to gain others’ support for ideas, proposals, objectives, projects and solutions.

Building Collaborative Relationships

As demonstrated by the ability to develop, maintain and strengthen partnerships both internal and external to the facility

Customer Service Orientation Perspective

As demonstrated by the respectful, positive manner in which one responds to expressed concerns and the strong desire to find resolution and meet people’s needs.

Information Gathering

As demonstrated by the ability to identify information needed to clarify a situation and using skillful questioning to draw out information from reluctant sources.

Thinking Abilities

Including analytical, forward, conceptual and strategic abilities to enable one to tackle a problem, anticipate implications and consequences, find effective solutions and planning for the future direction of the Home.

Initiative

To identify what needs to be done and take action before being asked or the situation requires it.

Results Oriented

To enable one to focus on the desired results, sets challenging goals and meeting or exceeding them.

Thoroughness

As demonstrated by ensuring that one’s own work, the work of employees and all information collected and shared is complete and accurate. Ensuring that commitments are fulfilled.

Decisiveness

As demonstrated by the ability to make difficult decisions in a timely manner

Self Confidence

Stress management

Personal Credibility

Flexibility

Position Specific Competencies, Skills & Abilities

  • Safety focused
  • Knowledge of electrical, boiler, plumbing
  • Demonstrate respect for the spirit, dignity and individuality of the Resident
  • Understands, supports and is able to integrate the philosophy of person centered care in to the daily operations of the department
  • Staffing models and scheduling practices
  • Quality improvement Initiatives
  • Risk management theory & practice
  • Consistently acts as a role model
  • Sound understanding of Union Contracts & Negotiations
  • Able to supervise staff including the ability to mentor, coach and empower staff
  • A working knowledge of budgeting
  • Able to work independently and as part of the Leadership Team

Educational Qualifications

  • Preference to candidates with a 2-year diploma in Civil Engineering Technology (Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) designation or an acceptable equivalent).
  • Certificate or experience working with computerized maintenance systems.
  • Strong technical abilities with Microsoft programs an asset.
  • Knowledgeable of regulations such as building codes, fire and Dept. of Health and Agriculture requirements, Occupational Health & Safety, and WHIMIS.

Experience Required

  • Minimum three years experience managing facility operations or construction projects required; proven work experience independently managing facility operations of a similar size or facility with a plant.
  • Minimum three years in a management supervisory role.

Safe Work Practices / Responsibilities

The R.K MacDonald Occupational Health and Safety Home Policy establishes employee expectations for working safely. To achieve these expectations employees at all levels of the organization must adhere to Core Values of Safety and Safety Responsibilities listed below:

  • Demonstrate leadership commitment.
  • Communicate hazards and controls.
  • Conduct inspections & investigations.
  • Provide Training / Communicate / Lead / Coach.
  • Provide necessary tools / equipment / PPE.
  • Monitor Compliance to SOPs & SWPs.
  • Enforce disciplines & Discipline as required.

We are committed to upholding the Human Rights of all R.K MacDonald employees, including the right of all people to enjoy a physically and psychologically safe work environment; the right of all people to just and favourable terms of employment; and the right of all people to be respected and valued for their differences with equitable opportunities and outcomes in an inclusive environment where all can thrive.