My typical work day begins by talking with Residents, asking them how their night was or what sort of plans they have for the day. I then make sure to check in with the current staff on hand; which is the night staff and nurse while meeting with the day staff and day nurse. I make sure to speak with each night employee before they leave ensuring they have no payroll questions or issues, and ask about their lives. Building goodwill between myself and staff is a key part of my day. The rest of my work day depends on the time of the month: in the begging of the month most of my time is dedicated to allocating Social Security or Veterans Assistance funds to the appropriate bank account then updating QuickBooks to match the transfer of funds. At the beginning of the month I also have to close the previous month, ensure all Journal Entries are entered, make sure all credit card transactions are posted, and cost transfer for all cash advance funds. The middle of the month is dedicated to the facilities financial statement, reviewing the preliminary financial statements, cost transferring miss-posted transactions, or allocating those Corporate transactions to the correct GL. Finalizing accruals from the previous month and getting our facilities financial statement ready for Corporate as well. The end of the month is dedicated to starting the month end close process. Tasks that are completed all throughout the month include payroll in all aspects, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing for the facility, vendor relations, and all other duties appointed by the program Administrator or my direct supervisor. Other parts of my day may be adjusted depending on quarter end or annual tasks that are required.
So far what I have learned while working at Telecare is that I can not only do my job well, but I can help people grow to realize their full potential while working. I have also learned patience and multitasking skills; working with up to ten staff at one time and fifteen (live-in) residents can offer many interruptions throughout a work day.
Having such a large staff has changed and shaped my management style for the better. For example, managing payroll for on-call traveling Registered Nurses that I have zero face time with has given me the ability to utilize all resources to provide accurate compensation for services rendered. My manager at Telecare is a great resource within the accounting aspect of my job. The Regional Business Office Manager travels between five facilities, but is always available by phone or email. Telecare set up the management structure to allow each Business Office Manager the ability to be empowered in their decision making, yet have the Regional to fall back on when needed.
The people I work with make me the manager that I am, without an awesome staff I am merely a man in an office with numbers. The employees are the lifeline of Telecare, they are with the residents all day, they provide support, not only to the residents, but to myself and each other. I also have a strong management team within the facility, locally we have an Administrator, two Team Leads, and a Nursing Director. All of which help the facility flow and function at its highest level.
The hardest part of my job is also the most enjoyable part of my job: the residents. They can interrupt me at my most stressful time, or provide a sense of humor at my most stressful time, easing the stress. Working with each guy and watching them grow provides a sense of pride that will continue to benefit my career, and me as a person, long after I am gone from Telecare.
Pros
free lunch, flexible hours, co-workers, residents, location.