17 years of senior placement·500+ leadership hires·Engaged · Contingent · Staffing · Embedded Recruiting
Definitional

Our Search Process

The 5-step sourcing methodology used by Engaged Headhunters to locate, vet, and place passive clinical and operational leaders.

● BY ENGAGED HEADHUNTERS6 MIN READ● PUBLISHED JUL 15, 2026
Our Search Process

We do not float resumes. We run a structured, proactive search campaign to map the local passive candidate pool, vet licensing and survey histories, and deliver a calibrated shortlist.

Here is exactly how our 5-step search process runs.

01. Scoping & client qualification

We begin by qualifying the search with your leadership team. We align on P&L scale, clinical certification requirements (like compact-RN, MSN, or NHA licensing), and the specific regulatory environment (upcoming survey windows, CMS Star targets).

We establish the boundaries of the search and agree on a binding timeline and placement guarantee.

02. Market mapping & passive outreach

Instead of posting ads, we map your local market branch-by-branch. Using our ProHireHQ active sourcing engine, we identify sitting managers and clinical directors currently working in peer operations.

We execute persistent, highly personalized outreach to passive leaders, qualifying their interest and career alignment without disclosing your identity.

03. Vetting, licensing & survey audits

Before any candidate is submitted to your desk, they clear a rigorous technical and clinical screen.

We check their licensing status with state boards, verify BACB or clinical credentials, and audit their historical state survey records (CMS 2567 forms) to ensure they have a history of clean compliance.

04. Operational working sessions

We structure interviews as operational working sessions. Instead of generic behavioral questions, we have candidates reason through real-world clinical and operational scenarios… such as managing a PDPM reimbursement audit, resolving a staffing ratio deficiency, or handling a CMS survey hold. This demonstrates their true operating fluency.

05. Backchannel references & offer close

We run extensive backchannel references through clinical and operations networks to verify candidates' leadership styles and survey outcomes.

We address potential counter-offers early, structure the relocation and bonus parameters, and manage the negotiation process to ensure a successful close.


To schedule a search scoping call with a senior partner, contact us or book a time directly.


From the search desk

Ready to launch a search?

We provide written fee agreements, clear candidate metrics, and written replacement guarantees before starting any search.

Book the Kickoff Call →