PACE Director of Operations

Company: Community Health Centers of the Central Coast
Location: Santa Maria
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Job Title: PACE Director of Operations Department: PACE Administration Reports To: Chief of PACE FLSA Status: Exempt Wage Range that the Company Expects to Pay: $5,000.00 - $5,500.00 bi-weekly SUMMARY The Director of Operations (DOO) provides leadership and strategic oversight for all operational components of Central Coast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) a service line with Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Inc. (CHC). The position will report directly to the Chief of PACE & Senior Services Officer, the DOO is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across multiple PACE centers, Alternative Care Sites (ACS), and all divisions within Central Coast PACE. This role ensures continuity with clinical operations, health plan management, Day Center Operations, Transportation oversight, and administrative services under a single leadership framework to deliver safe, high-quality, and financially sustainable care consistent with the mission and values of Central Coast PACE and CHC. The DOO ensures the integration of all service lines with the PACE Program: center operations, health plan operations, home care, transportation, rehabilitation therapies, nutrition, quality, and behavioral health, while ensuring compliance, collaboration, and performance excellence across PACE team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Additional duties may be assigned with or without prior notice. Partners with the Chief of PACE & Senior Services Officer to define, execute, and monitor strategic and operational objectives across all PACE centers and support services. Leads the integration of clinical and administrative operations to ensure participant-centered, cost-effective, and high-quality care delivery. Oversees multiple interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) to ensure equitable allocation of resources and alignment with PACE standards and CHCCC goals. Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) for access, utilization, participant satisfaction, and financial outcomes. Provides oversight of PACE health plan operations, including network management, claims processing, authorizations, and utilization management. Ensures compliance with CMS, DHCS, and other state and federal requirements governing managed care and PACE programs. Collaborates with internal and external partners, including third-party administrators, contracted providers, and regulatory agencies to ensure operational efficiency and compliance. Directs continuous improvement initiatives to enhance provider relations, participant benefits administration, and care coordination effectiveness. Analyzes utilization, revenue, and cost trends to guide fiscal planning and optimize financial performance. Collaborates with Finance and Senior Leadership to ensure effective use of resources and achievement of financial targets. Promotes transparency through data-sharing, reporting dashboards, and performance accountability systems. Ensures organizational compliance with all PACE program requirements, including CMS, DHCS, and state licensure regulations. Partners with Quality and Safety leadership to maintain readiness for audits, surveys, and program reviews. Oversees participant safety, infection control, risk mitigation, and quality assurance programs. Promotes a culture of regulatory integrity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and performance oversight to PACE Center Directors, Health Plan Director, and key operational leaders. Fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, and empowerment aligned with CHCCC?s mission and values. Oversees staff recruitment, development, and competency assurance to support high-functioning interdisciplinary teams. Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization. Acts as the primary liaison between PACE operational leadership, clinical leadership, and CHCCC executive management. Collaborates with internal departments including Quality, Finance, Compliance, IT, and HR to ensure coordinated execution of strategic objectives. Represents Central Coast PACE in community partnerships, regional initiatives, and public forums that advance PACE visibility and mission. Serves as acting or interim director, manager for a PACE Center, ACS, or Support Service area when needed. Travels routinely across regional sites to provide on-site leadership and performance oversight. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the Chief of PACE & Senior Services Officer. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; recognizing and addressing performance issues; and resolving employee concerns. Provides leadership and oversight to managers and staff across PACE departments by clearly defining expectations, supporting professional development, promoting accountability, and maintaining effectiveness under pressure. Establishes and sustains a positive, collaborative work environment that supports teamwork, morale, and alignment with organizational goals. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE A Bachelor?s degree in healthcare administration or a related field, or four (4) years of equivalent experience in a PACE Program, is required, with a Master?s degree in healthcare, business, accounting, finance, or a related field preferred; six (6) years of equivalent relevant work experience in a PACE Program may be considered in lieu of a Master?s degree. Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience with health plan processes, compliance, and reporting, along with at least four (4) years of supervisory experience. A current BLS CPR card certified by the American Heart Association is required. A minimum of one year continuous experience working with frail or elderly populations is required. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Candidate should have effective professional communication and writing skills. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY Ability to apply sound judgment and common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions, and to make appropriate job-related decisions in accordance with standard office policies, established procedures, and prior precedents, including resolving problems involving multiple variables in standardized situations. COMPUTER SKILLS Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, email, and keyboarding required. Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel, and Google Suite skills required. Demonstrated proficiency with DHCS, CMS, HPMS, or similar state and federal health information technology platforms. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Possession of current, valid, California Driver's License (Class C). OTHER REQUIREMENTS Required to pass a criminal history background check and drug screen upon hire. Annual health examination; annual Tuberculosis skin test clearance or chest x-ray; proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B; proof of Tdap vaccine; during current flu season, must provide proof of influenza vaccine or a signed declination form. If declined, a flu mask is mandatory during flu season. Health screening requirements are subject to change based on CDC recommendations and federal, state, and/or local public health ordinances. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Moving, lifting, or transferring patients may require exertion beyond 30 pounds, including lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying. Must be able to exert appropriate muscle force to safely assist patients. Clear hearing is required for effective communication in person and by telephone, and vision must be adequate to read screens and documents, with or without corrective lenses. The position also requires manual dexterity and the ability to perform a range of physical movements, including reaching, bending, squatting, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, twisting, and performing fine motor tasks. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform those functions. The role involves exposure to conditions common in a healthcare environment, including biohazards such as infectious materials and waste, occasional unpleasant odors, moving mechanical parts, and infrequent risk of electrical shock. Noise levels are generally quiet to moderate but may occasionally be noisy or crowded. This position will be onsite at the PACE Program. Must be willing to have a flexible work schedule that may include evenings/weekends, and travel as needed. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Keywords: Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, Oxnard , PACE Director of Operations, Administration, Clerical , Santa Maria, California