Implementation Project Manager

Company: Ascension Recovery Services

Location: Remote with up to 50% travel

About Us!

Ascension Recovery Services (Ascension RS) is considered an industry leader in developing and managing comprehensive, fully integrated behavioral health systems, treating SUD and co-occurring mental illness across the full continuum of care. Our mission is to provide culturally competent, comprehensive and fully integrated, behavioral health care to communities and populations that are underserved and/or where people in need are not accessing care.  Our experience in the development of treatment facilities encompasses the entire continuum of care, including detoxification and residential treatment facilities, outpatient programming, sober living homes/recovery residences, peer support services, and job training / workforce reintegration.

When developing a new program, our focus is twofold: 1) provide innovative solutions, utilizing evidence-based and promising practices, that deliver high-quality care for treating and managing addiction as a chronic disease, and 2) develop and implement a financially sustainable business model requiring care coordination and integration of services with incentives aligned for positive outcomes. Ascension RS recently acquired a portfolio of treatment centers that we had previously developed on behalf of a client. The centers, called Wise Path™ Recovery Centers, include detox, residential and outpatient treatment. Ascension RS is focused on growing these centers and then expanding them through de novo builds and acquisitions.

Overview

The Implementation Project Manager is a hands-on, detail-oriented, task focused position responsible for overseeing all implementation activities for our inpatient & outpatient substance-use-disorder treatment centers. The role will facilitate operational improvements will also serve as the project manager, ensuring that all projects are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.

Accountabilities

• Implementation Readiness: Establish internal and external documentation frameworks, including project folders, stakeholder contact plans and client introductory decks.
• Project Planning & Execution: Develop and manage detailed project plans, high-level timelines and governance guidelines.
  • Coordinate and manage all pre-opening tasks, including licensing, staffing, and facility setup.
  • Ensure that all project/program interdependencies are efficiently managed, and that internal teams and external partners work cohesively toward common goals.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards.
  • Collaborate with various departments to ensure readiness for opening day.
  • Ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Client Collaboration: Prepare kickoff materials, lead onsite and remote discovery sessions and align deliverables with client objectives.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the liaison between internal teams, vendors, and clients, ensuring clear communication and alignment on objectives.
• Pre-Go-Live Excellence: Develop comprehensive pre-go-live checklists and conduct robust post-implementation reviews.
• EMR Updates: Implement necessary changes in the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, such as updating consents and adding new forms.
• Document and Training Manual Updates: Ensure all locations have up-to-date training manuals that accurately reflect protocols and align with company policies, in collaboration with the compliance team.
• Workflow Documentation: Work with the Operations Leader to document new workflows. Quickly update and distribute changes to ensure timely implementation and adherence.
• Program Development Tasks: Assist in the development and enhancement of treatment programs.
• Vendor Contract Assistance: Assist with selection of third-party vendors and manage contracts, including adding new locations for housekeeping, dietary, waste management, document disposal, lawncare, etc.
• Research: Conduct research on business licenses, new market services, and other substance use disorder (SUD) providers.
• Opening Checklist Management: Collaborate on opening checklists and punch list items to ensure programs are ready to launch successfully.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify risks, triage issues, and drive escalation or resolution as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Proven experience in project management, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• 3 years of experience in SUD operations or development
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for substance use disorder treatment centers.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.