Manager of Plant Operations

La Rabida Children’s Hospital provides specialized, family-centered health care to children with medically complex conditions, disabilities, and chronic illness. Through expertise, compassion, and advocacy we help children and their families reach their fullest potential, regardless of their ability to pay.

Our not-for-profit hospital, licensed for 49 beds, helps transition children from neonatal or pediatric intensive care to home, by providing medical, rehabilitative and developmental care, and by training families to continue treatments and manage the necessary equipment in the home. La Rabida also provides extensive rehabilitation for those recovering from wounds or burns and treatment for exacerbations of chronic conditions.

The hospital’s enhanced pediatric patient-centered medical home provides primary care to children with complex medical conditions and their siblings. Children with medical homes elsewhere come to La Rabida for specialty services. La Rabida offers a wide range of specialty services provided to children with sickle cell disease, diabetes, and many others. Children are supported in their emotional and developmental growth, particularly in cases where such growth has been interrupted by accident or disease.

Finally, La Rabida provides forensic and treatment services for children exposed to abuse and neglect, comprehensive assessments for youth in care, early intervention for children between 0 and 3 years of age. Care coordination services for medically complex children are also provided for those who are covered by a health plan and receive care from providers in Cook County

SUMMARY: The Primary responsibility is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Plant Operations Department. Responsibilities are in accordance with policies and procedures, current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations governing our facility to assure a safe and comfortable environment. The Director is responsible for Plant Engineering, Maintenance,  and oversight of contracted Biomedical Agency for medical equipment. Supports the hospital mission, and observes hospital core job values with respect to Service Excellence Standards, work quality, productivity, teamwork and initiative. Assess compliance with the Life Safety Code and Environment of Care (EOC) with direct knowledge of the library of information regarding inspection, testing and maintenance of a hospital building(s).  Has the ability to manage the resolution of deficiencies. Direct involvement in Safety and Water management systems. Direct involvement in all construction or updates and infection control requirements of the Infection control(ICRA) Risk Assessment for projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs all staff in the fulfillment of project assignments, within budget and on schedule.
• Assures that all department staff maintains required training in hazardous materials and safety as established by OSHA guidelines.
•  Maintains safe working conditions and practices.
• Trains employees in proper work practices and maintains training on a regular basis.
• Monitors department staff to assure that they are following established safety and infection control policies and procedures including body mechanics and ergonomics.
• Ensures that department staff effectively participates in all fire safety and disaster preparedness drills in a safe and professional manner, including required Starcom radio drills.
• Maintains the interior and exterior of all buildings and grounds in all seasons.
• Ensures for 24 hour coverage.
• Ensures the performance, condition, and reliability of all plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment to ensure efficient operation.
• Develops, evaluates, and maintains Preventative Maintenance Programs.

 Develops, implements, and maintains written maintenance policies and procedures.

• Assures that outside services are properly completed and supervised in accordance with contracts.
• Ensures that all contractors comply with and follow the Expectations for Contractors. This includes Interim Life Safety Measures. 
• Serves as a back up to the Safety officer.
• Serves on Committees as assigned, to include Emergency Management , Infection Control, Water Management
•  Conducts a periodic assessment of facilities to identify needed improvements and repairs.
• Provides fiscal management for department operations to ensure proper utilization of financial resources.
• Prepares and plans department’s operating and capital budget, and forecasts needs of the department.
• Schedules required major equipment purchases, remodeling, and special projects as assigned. 
• Purchases equipment and supplies as necessary or as may be required by the department.
• Participate in selection of, and manages work of, required consultants.
• Reviews billing from contractor/vendors for accuracy.
• Ensures safety of all patients, visitors, and staff.
• Plans and coordinates fire drills in accordance with State Fire Regulations.
• Serves as an active member of the Safety committee.
•  Serves on the Infection Control Committee and works closely with Infection Control to provide a safe environment.
• Serves as an active participant in the Emergency Management/Safety Committee, with participation in City of Chicago drills (as scheduled)
• Ensures that the maintenance staff is adequately trained in the areas of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, environmental controls
• Works with and coordinates maintenance and repairs of medical equipment with the contracted Biomedical Agency.
•  Ensures compliance with the Preventative Maintenance of all medical equipment.
• Inspects & performs minor repairs on medical equipment as needed, i.e. batteries, cables, power cords, minor hardware, etc. This is performed before determining that the repair must be performed by the Biomedical Agency. Once this is determined, contact biomed group and have a repair ticket generated.
• Develops job related knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Becomes thoroughly familiar with maintenance services, office standards, policies and procedures.
• Participates in continuing educational opportunities for personal growth and development.
• Attends and participates in hospital committees, as appropriate.
• Promotes effective intradepartmental and interdepartmental relationships.
• Establishes and maintains standards of performance.
• Develops strategic plans for the maintenance of the physical environment of care with the polices of the organization, The Joint Commission (TJC),Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS)Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and any other applicable federal, state and local statutes and administrative codes
• Ensures all policies and procedures are updated as needed
• Completes annual assessments on the Environment of care and Life Safety plans
• Fiscal management of any repairs/construction projects.

Education: A college degree is required, or the equivalent of substantial building block experience may be substituted. City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License preferred.

Related Work Experience:              

A minimum of 10 years of experience is required which must include at least 5 years of experience managing a hospital’s facility operations.

Licensure/Certification:                  

EPA certification preferred

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Must have thorough knowledge of heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical, emergency management and safety procedures and biomedical systems of a hospital.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

La Rabida is a place unlike any other. We understand the needs of families with children dealing with the most serious or complicated of conditions. With teams of the best healthcare providers in Chicago, we give continuous, comprehensive care, education, and support, helping families face their unique obstacles head-on.   

La Rabida Children’s Hospital is very proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.