What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of District Operations position at Iowa Primary Care Association?
About Us
The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) was selected by Iowa Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) as the statewide Behavioral Health Administrative Service Organization (BH-ASO). The new Behavioral Health System (BHSS) will transition on July 1, 2025.
The Iowa PCA is recognized as a national leader in health information technology, value-based care partnerships, quality improvement, organizational change management, and systems change. As the statewide ASO, the Iowa PCA will draw upon these competencies and experiences and continue to seek input from local stakeholders to inform their approach to system redesign efforts and to ensure a smooth transition to the new model.
Position Overview
The Director of District Operations is part of a dynamic team that is redefining behavioral health service delivery through forward-thinking strategies and cutting-edge operational models. Reporting directly to the Chief Behavioral Health Officer, the District Operations Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the ASO within the district to accomplish the outcomes of the Behavioral Health Service System (BHSS) District Plan and the organization’s goals and objectives. This leader will make a tangible impact on communities, ensuring that individuals and families receive the behavioral health support they need when they need it.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership and Oversight
- Identify, develop, and implement district-level strategies for expanding and enhancing behavioral health services.
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for district operations, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
- Develop and implement operational plans to enhance service delivery and support regional goals.
- Monitor performance metrics across districts and implement corrective actions as needed.
- When appropriate, utilizing data to help the District and the Agency understand emerging needs, and to deploy information, resources, and technical assistance in response.
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District Operations Management
- Evaluate the performance of districts, addressing gaps in service delivery or operational inefficiencies.
- Lead initiatives to streamline processes and standardize operations across districts.
- Ensure coordination of district ASO staff with local entities such as schools, law enforcement, courts, and healthcare providers to coordinate services across sectors and address broad social drivers of Behavioral Health needs; build partnerships with community organizations, faith-based groups and other stakeholders to enhance service delivery and support community-based solutions; engage with private sector partners to develop innovative solutions and expand access.
- Ensure coordination of crisis transitions which includes system navigation and work with law enforcement, jails, courts, crisis service providers, healthcare providers, hospitals, emergency rooms, 911, and 988 to ensure timely access to and secure placement in crisis stabilization, intensive outpatient, sub-acute and residential treatment programs and facilities, Psychiatric Medical Institutions for Children (PMIC), and/or inpatient hospitalization for behavioral health services. Supervise and support district managers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and consistent execution of organizational policies.
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Provider and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary liaison between the ASO and key stakeholders, including providers, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners to ensure effective collaboration and communication.
- Address escalated concerns or issues from districts, providers, or stakeholders promptly and effectively.
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Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Ensure all district operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as contractual and organizational requirements.
- Oversee quality assurance initiatives to improve operational outcomes and service delivery.
- Lead audits and assessments to monitor compliance and identify areas for improvement.
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Financial Oversight and Resource Management
- Develop and manage budgets for district operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.
- Monitor expenditures and allocate resources to support district needs and organizational goals.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency across districts.
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Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across districts to assess operational success and provider performance.
- Prepare detailed reports for senior leadership, highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Use data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and operational improvements.
- Monitor District Plan activities and outcomes.
- Regularly report achievements and challenges using processes defined by the Agency.
- Identify and support the collection of community level information, metrics, and data to inform the Agency on the performance of the BHSS, availability of providers, provider network, and client outcomes. Ensure this information can be shared with the Agency and provide to the Agency upon request.
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Facilitate information reporting to the Agency, in a manner specified by the Agency, regarding services, supports, and other activities concerning the Behavioral Health Service System, provided in the district, including, but not limited to:
- Demographic information
- Expenditure information
- Utilization, clinical, and client data
- Provider satisfaction data
- Support the collection, monitoring, and utilization of data and information as directed by the Agency. This includes identifying analyses to help the District and Agency understand emerging needs and using analysis to deploy information resources, and technical assistance.
- Assist ASO Centralized IT Consultants with the following as needed:
- Maintenance of Behavioral Health Service System patient records data for the purpose of paying claims and ensure this information can be shared with the Agency and provided to the Agency upon request.
- When appropriate, utilizing data to help the District and the Agency understand emerging needs, and to deploy information, resources, and technical assistance in response.
- Meet privacy and security requirements for data covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 42 CFR Part 2, for substance use data, mental health data, and other sensitive information.
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Team Leadership and Development
- Recruit, train, and mentor district managers, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
- Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and provide professional development opportunities for district teams.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among district managers to ensure best practices.
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Crisis and Risk Management
- Develop and oversee contingency plans for handling operational disruptions, emergencies, or crises within districts.
- Identify and mitigate risks related to district operations and stakeholder relationships.
- Act as the escalation point for resolving complex or high-priority issues.
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Strategic Planning and Innovation
- Contribute to the organization’s overall strategic planning efforts, ensuring district operations align with long-term goals.
- Identify and implement innovative solutions to improve service delivery and operational efficiency across districts.
- Collaborate with other directors and senior leaders to drive organizational growth and improvement.
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Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
- Act as a liaison between the ASO, government agencies, service providers, and community partners.
- Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to improve behavioral health outcomes.
- Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and public forums.
- Assess consumer satisfaction.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position will oversee all District Operations Managers.
Qualifications/Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; master's degree in human services, public health, healthcare administration, business, or a related field preferred.
- At least 5 years of leadership experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in operational management, and strategic planning, with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities, foster collaboration, and ensure the ASO delivers high-quality services across all districts.
Why join us?
- The opportunity to make an impact on the healthcare of Iowans
- Hybrid work environment (2 days in office)
- Great benefits including affordable healthcare plans, dental, vision, 401K with employer match, generous PTO package, paid parental leave, life insurance, and education discounts
Iowa Primary Care Association Core Values
Accountable, Collaborative, Deliberate, Proactive, Respectful, Transformative
Learn more about the Iowa PCA at www.iowapca.org
