The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute mission is focused on integrating quality patient care, education, and research. The Associate Director, Patient/Family Education is responsible for directing the design, implementation and evaluation of patient education and outreach initiatives designed to provide patients and families with information about their health conditions, cancer, cancer procedures and treatment, management of conditions, and overall health and wellness at OSUCCC-James. The Associate Director works collaboratively with physicians, nursing and other allied health professionals to develop patient education programs, materials and resources in addition to liaising with patients and their families to identify needs. The Associate Director of patient education also supports the professional practice of nursing as essential and integral to patient care in facilitating patient education. The Associate Director provides leadership and consultation to nursing leadership and clinical nurses, as well as other clinical departments and divisions, regarding the design, execution and evaluation of patient education resources and programming. In addition, the Associate Director will also collaborate in patient/family educational partnerships with University Hospital, University Hospital East, Prior Health Sciences Library, the OSU College of Nursing and other internal and external customers.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Patient/Family Education directs the development, alignment and operationalization and evaluation of patient and family education services that support personalized care to patients and families receiving care at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. In partnership with internal and external customers, works with individuals in a way that makes evidence-based patient/family education practice knowable and measurable. This position works to ensure a shared sense of purpose in creating both value for the customer and the committed involvement of clinical staff at all levels. The Associate Director provides leadership and guidance on the implementation of patient/family educational resources and offerings by ensuring and selecting the best available evidence for effective development and delivery of patient/family education. This individual serves as a key contact for specific issues related to health literacy, patient understanding, and health education for special needs populations, patient education and professional development of staff related to the same areas. The Associate Director serves as a leader and mentor both within the department and throughout The James. This position oversees business operations of both internet patient education sites that provide materials and resources to impact patient education at the point of care, not only for OSUMC but all central Ohio hospitals.

The Associate Director will be responsible for the selection, training, and performance management of the staff of the department. Duties include administrative, financial, strategic planning, human resource management (staff education/development, recruitment/retention), and managing regulatory and quality improvement activities.

The Associate Director leads collaborative efforts engaging other directors, managers, administrators, mid-level clinicians and the medical staff to assure ensure the delivery of evidence-based education across all levels of nursing, clinical/departments across the Health System; continuously assess and improve education-based resources and services across the enterprise; recommend sufficient space and other resources required to support education across the enterprise; participate in the selection of outside services/consultants when necessary; and ensure compliance with appropriate patient care and business practices.

The Associate Director participates in organizational strategic planning initiatives, process improvement activities, multidisciplinary committees, and other internal/external groups and professional organizations, which impact the delivery of high quality, personalized patient education care.

Minimum Qualifications

For Hire: Masters Degree required, certified to practice in the state of Ohio, if applicable. Certified Health Education Specialist, Health Education, Nursing, Public Health, or related field. Minimum 7-10 years professional experience with demonstrated leadership experience in developing patient education programs based on health literacy and adult learning principles and systems. Demonstrated experience in strategic development and ability to provide team leadership across reporting and departmental lines. Skilled in program planning, project management, leading nursing and interdisciplinary teams. Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills required.

Career Function: Healthcare Administration

Sub Function: Family and Patient Relations

Band: People Leader-Managerial

Level: M3