Joe Kephart

Healthcare operations and behavioral health leader with experience directing interdisciplinary teams, care coordination services, hospice support programs, and community-based behavioral health operations across hospital, hospice, nonprofit, and healthcare environments.

Licensed Clinical Social

Worker (LCSW) with a proven record of leading complex service operations, improving care transitions, supporting organizational compliance, and driving patient-centered outcomes. Recognized for operational leadership, workforce development, crisis management, and cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced healthcare systems. Combines executive operational experience with deep clinical expertise to strengthen team performance, streamline workflows, and improve service delivery across multidisciplinary settings.

Experienced leading teams through organizational change, complex patient needs, regulatory demands, and high-volume healthcare environments while maintaining a strong focus on quality, accountability, and compassionate care.

Support Services Coordinator - Hospice Care Plus - Richmond, Kentucky

(2025-01)

Provide operational leadership for hospice support service departments including social work, chaplaincy, and bereavement services across interdisciplinary care teams.

• Direct daily operations and workflow management for psychosocial support services
• Supervise interdisciplinary staff, including performance management, coaching, scheduling, and operational oversight
• Lead initiatives focused on continuity of care, patient-centered outcomes, and service quality improvement
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards
• Collaborate with executive and clinical leadership to improve efficiency, compliance, and interdisciplinary coordination
• Support staff managing crisis intervention, grief counseling, and complex family systems
• Participate in quality improvement and organizational planning initiatives

Drop-In Center Manager - New Vista - Lexington, Kentucky

(2024-06 - 2025-01)

Managed behavioral health and community support operations serving individuals experiencing mental health challenges, housing instability, and complex psychosocial needs.

• Directed daily behavioral health operations and service delivery
• Supervised multidisciplinary staff including clinicians, peer support specialists, and case managers
• Implemented operational improvements to strengthen accountability, workflow efficiency, and patient engagement
• Coordinated crisis response services, referrals, and community partnerships
• Maintained trauma-informed and recovery-oriented operational culture
• Collaborated with healthcare providers, community agencies, and social service organizations to improve service integration

Manager, Care Coordination Department / Medical Social Worker - CHI St. Joseph Hospital - Lexington, Kentucky

(2022-09 - 2024-06)

Led hospital care coordination and discharge planning operations within a multidisciplinary acute care environment.

• Supervised care coordination staff including nurses and social workers
• Led interdisciplinary rounds with physicians, nursing leadership, and clinical teams
• Directed complex discharge planning involving rehabilitation, behavioral health, hospice, long-term care, and community-based services
• Supported utilization management and transitions-of-care initiatives
• Reduced discharge barriers through collaborative problem-solving across internal and external healthcare systems
• Ensured regulatory compliance and documentation accuracy across care coordination processes
• Strengthened patient and family engagement throughout hospitalization and discharge planning

Social Worker II - Bluegrass Care Navigators - Lexington, Kentucky

(2020-07 - 2022-09)

Delivered hospice psychosocial care and care coordination services across interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

• Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments and individualized care planning
• Provided counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to patients and families
• Coordinated care with hospitals, physicians, nursing staff, and community providers
• Assisted with advance care planning and resource coordination
• Maintained accurate and compliant clinical documentation within EHR systems

Associate Director - Build Inclusion, Inc. - Lexington, Kentucky

(2017-11 - 2019-12)

Supported nonprofit program operations serving individuals with disabilities through workforce development and community integration services.

• Assisted with operational oversight and program administration
• Coordinated supported employment and workforce readiness initiatives
• Maintained state and federal compliance documentation
• Developed collaborative relationships with employers and community agencies
• Supported program development and community engagement efforts

Owner | Executive Operator | Director of Operations - White Tablecloth Restaurants, Catering & Multi-Site Operations

Directed multi-site hospitality and food service operations with responsibility for staffing, budgeting, operational systems, customer experience, and organizational performance.

• Managed large-scale daily operations in fast-paced, high-demand environments
• Oversaw workforce management, hiring, scheduling, and staff development
• Directed budgeting, purchasing, vendor management, and operational planning
• Led process improvement and systems optimization initiatives
• Maintained compliance with operational and regulatory standards
• Developed high-performing teams and customer-focused service cultures

Master of Social Work (MSW) - University of Kentucky (2020)

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work - University of Kentucky (2019)

Additional Studies - Social Welfare Studies – Dublin & Belfast, Ireland