AVP of Palliative Care
Company: Empatia
Role summary
AVP of Palliative Care is a full-time role at Empatia in Pensacola, Florida, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-08-18. Experience level: 5-10.
- Job title
- AVP of Palliative Care
- Company
- Empatia
- Location
- Pensacola, Florida, United States
- Work arrangement
- on-site
- Employment type
- full-time
- Category
- Healthcare Support
- Experience level
- 5-10
- Date posted
- 2026-08-18
You have the chance to lead a dedicated palliative care team at Empatia, where your work will directly improve the quality of life for patients and their families. This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for someone looking to shape clinical strategy and foster a compassionate, patient-centered culture within a growing healthcare organization.
Job description
Overview
Lead with Compassion. Operate with Excellence. Elevate Palliative Care.
We’re looking for an experienced Area Vice President of Palliative Care to lead the strategic development, regulatory compliance, and clinical excellence of our growing programs.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a multi-site, fast-paced healthcare environment and wants to make a measurable impact on the quality of life for patients and families navigating serious illness.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership & Oversight
Direct and coordinate day-to-day operations across multiple palliative care locations.
Implement and evaluate policies, procedures, and workflows that drive clinical excellence and regulatory compliance.
Oversee systems operations, admissions, payroll, staffing models, and business plans.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Improvement
Ensure full compliance with state, federal, and accrediting body regulations (e.g., CMS, licensure, certifications).
Supervise administrative adherence to policies and procedures required for audits, surveys, and inspections.
Maintain updated regulatory documentation and lead proactive compliance reviews.
Financial & Business Development
Manage financial performance, including budgeting, revenue development, and cost-effectiveness.
Drive census growth and expand market presence through referral relationships and brand visibility.
Partner with corporate leadership on performance benchmarks and strategic planning.
Clinical & Family Service Oversight
Lead the delivery of high-quality palliative care services in homes, nursing facilities, and other care settings.
Ensure excellence in patient/family services, interdisciplinary care coordination, and caregiver support.
Champion a culture of empathy, dignity, and holistic care.
Community Engagement & Relationship Management
Act as the official spokesperson for palliative care in the community.
Establish and maintain strong referral relationships with hospitals, physicians, skilled nursing facilities, and other healthcare organizations.
Represent the company in media engagements, public events, and professional forums.
People Management & Staff Development
Supervise leadership and field staff, promote ongoing education and development, and foster high-performing teams.
Ensure implementation of human resource policies, training programs, and workforce planning.
About You
Skills & Experience:
5+ years of leadership experience in healthcare operations, with 3+ years in palliative or hospice care strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of state and federal healthcare regulations, HR practices, and clinical delivery systems.
Proficient in data-driven decision-making, quality improvement programs, and EMR systems.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills across executive, field, and interdisciplinary teams.
Strong follow-through, task prioritization, and problem-resolution skills.
Experience with EMR electronic charting platforms is a plus.
Education & Licensure:
RN degree highly preferred; Bachelor's degree in Healthcare, Business, or related field considered.
Active, unencumbered RN license in state of residence required (if RN).
Valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance coverage.
Technical & Professional Skills:
Intermediate proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint
Comfortable reviewing and interpreting clinical and operational data
Familiarity with budget development, HR systems, and operational reporting tools
We Offer
Benefits for All Associates (Full-Time, Part-Time & Per Diem):
Competitive Pay
401(k) with Company Match
Career Advancement Opportunities
National & Local Recognition Programs
Teammate Assistance Fund
Additional Full-Time Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Mileage Reimbursement or Fleet Vehicle Program
Generous Paid Time Off + 7 Paid Holidays
Wellness Programs (Telemedicine, Diabetes Management, Joint & Spine Concierge Care)
Education Support & Tuition Assistance (ASN to BSN, BSN to MSN)
Free Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Company-paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Benefits (Pet, Critical Illness, Accident, LTC)
Ready to Lead the Future of Palliative Care?
Legalese
This is a safety-sensitive position
Employee must meet minimum requirements to be eligible for benefits
Where applicable, employee must meet state specific requirements
We are proud to be an EEO employer
We maintain a drug-free workplace
Location
Empatia
Our Company
At Empatia, part of Gentiva, it is our privilege to offer compassionate care in the comfort of wherever our patients call home. We are a national leader in hospice care, palliative care, home health care, and advanced illness management, with nearly 600 locations and thousands of dedicated clinicians across 38 states.
Our place is by the side of those who need us – from helping people recover from illness, injury, or surgery in the comfort of their homes to guiding patients and their families through the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of a serious illness or terminal diagnosis.
Our nationwide reach is powered by a family of trusted brands that include:
Hospice care: Gentiva Hospice, Emerald Coast Hospice Care, Heartland Hospice, Hospice Plus, New Century Hospice, Regency SouthernCare, SouthernCare Hospice Services, SouthernCare New Beacon
Palliative care: Empatia Palliative Care, Emerald Coast Palliative Care
Home health care: Heartland Home Health
Advanced illness management: Illumia Health
With corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and providers delivering care across the U.S., we are proud to offer rewarding careers in a collaborative e