Benefits:
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Wellness resources
The Director of Nursing (DON) is a key member of the leadership team responsible for overseeing and managing the clinical nursing operations of a mental health and addiction treatment center. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and compassionate care for patients across all levels of care, including medical detoxification, residential treatment, and outpatient services (if applicable). The DON will lead and manage nursing staff, implement policies and procedures, coordinate with medical and clinical teams, and uphold the highest standards of regulatory compliance, safety, and clinical excellence.
Leadership & Management
Lead, supervise, and support the nursing department, including RNs, LPNs, MHTs/BHTs, and other clinical support staff.
Collaborate with the Executive Director, Medical Director, Clinical Director, and interdisciplinary teams to promote a cohesive care environment.
Provide strategic input into clinical operations and policy development.
Establish staffing patterns, daily assignments, and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage and quality care 24/7.
Conduct routine leadership and nursing team meetings, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
Clinical Oversight
Ensure accurate assessment, monitoring, and documentation of patients' medical and psychiatric needs.
Supervise detox protocols and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including administration and patient response monitoring.
Review and co-sign nursing assessments, progress notes, medication administration records (MARs), and incident reports.
Respond to critical incidents, medical emergencies, and safety concerns with clinical judgment and urgency.
Monitor patient care outcomes and continuously improve quality of care.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Joint Commission, CARF, CMS, and licensing boards.
Lead internal audits and readiness preparations for regulatory and accreditation surveys.
Develop and implement nursing policies, infection control measures, and safety protocols.
Track, analyze, and report nursing-related metrics (incident rates, med errors, documentation compliance, etc.).
Ensure HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and ethical practices are upheld.
Training & Development
Onboard, train, and mentor nursing staff in clinical best practices, trauma-informed care, documentation standards, and crisis intervention.
Facilitate ongoing professional development, licensure compliance, and CEU tracking for nursing staff.
Promote a culture of empathy, accountability, and evidence-based practice.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
Participate in treatment planning meetings, case reviews, utilization reviews, and discharge planning.
Coordinate with the pharmacy, lab, and external providers to ensure continuity of care.
Serve as a liaison between the medical team and clinical/administrative staff.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
Licensure:
Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of [insert state].
CPR/BLS certification required.
ACLS and CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certifications preferred or willingness to obtain.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a behavioral health or addiction treatment setting.
Minimum of 2 years in a leadership or management role.
Experience working with detox protocols, psychotropic medications, and co-occurring disorders is strongly preferred.
Key Skills & Competencies:
Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking.
Leadership and conflict resolution abilities.
In-depth understanding of detox, mental health, and dual-diagnosis treatment protocols.
Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
Excellent communication, organizational, and team-building skills.
Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure and during crisis situations.
Working Conditions:
This is an on-site leadership role requiring daily presence at the facility.
May involve occasional weekend or after-hours support depending on emergencies or staffing needs.
Exposure to stressful situations, psychiatric patients in acute distress, and potentially aggressive behavior.