Job Summary:
The Community Relations Manager serves as Homestead Hospice’s first contact with the public, both patient/family and clinical.
The Community Relations Manager initiates positive customer relations, provides pertinent information via family contact to reflect the client’s condition, and collects data from the patient, physicians, discharge teams, social workers, and nursing homes so the clinical team can perform a comprehensive assessment for hospice eligibility.
The Community Relations Manager garners networking relationships with physicians, community health facilities, as well as office-based practices, private practice, in group practices, in hospital settings, nursing homes, public housing representatives, assisted living facilities, and skilled care facilities within defined geographic territories.
Qualifications: Effective communication abilities including strong verbal and written group presentation skills. BA or BS degree preferred. Excellent sales skills with a proven track record of success over a multi-year period in healthcare sales preferred. At least three (3) years of documented, successful sales to physicians, discharge planners, etc., or related experience in the healthcare industry, preferred. A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in health care, preferably SNF; home care or hospice is acceptable. A demonstrable history of building and influencing client relationships and goal achievement and knowledge of Medicare managed care, and insurance reimbursement a plus. The employee must be computer literate, have a reliable car, a valid driver’s license, current car insurance, and a good driving record.Hospital contacts or hospice sales experience extremely preferred.Healthcare Sales Required Responsibilities: Builds relationships with physicians, hospitals, and nursing homes to increase patient referrals; thus, providing the care needed to terminally ill patients and their families. Grows profitable revenue and builds market shares within designated service areas. Sells maintains, and documents all referral activities for hospice services to physicians, discharge planners, and various clinicians and facilities within a defined geographic territory. Develops annual work plans in partnership with the Director of Business Development, hospice administrator, as well as staff, that generate new patient activity and create deeper relationships with referring physicians and other referring staff. Generates measured improvement in optimal payer mix and responsible for developing a physician referral network. Coordinates community relations, marketing, and business development activities in the region to generate positive name recognition and consumer relations. Develops and implements presentations to groups of healthcare personnel and the general public in health fairs and support groups. Implements the marketing plan: Identifies and develops referral sources. Meets and exceeds established referral and admission goals. Acts as a liaison between medical markets and clinical staff to obtain/provide current patient information. Functions independently make decisions, problem solves, and utilizes resources as necessary. Visits with physicians, discharge planners, other related health-care providers regarding service provision, contracts, and communication with hospice. Makes marketing presentations to current and prospective clients to educate them about hospice services. Maintains a networking base in the community. Collaboratively communicates/consults with the licensed professional on any referrals received and follows through with the Director of Nursing and/or Patient Care Manager. Works to assure mutual goal setting and achievement standards within the marketing team. Attends meetings, health fairs, etc. As requested by the Administrator and or Branch Manager. Maintains flexibility and persistence and takes initiative to effect positive changes. Promotes the hospice mission and vision within the community. Projects concerned, professional attitude/appearance toward hospice staff, referral sources, and the general public. Performs other duties as assigned by his/her direct supervisor.