Director, Nursing

About the role

The Director of Nursing (DON) oversees nursing operations across Heritage Behavioral Health Center, including behavioral health, primary care, residential recovery, crisis services, and Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR). This role is a leadership position with shared on-call responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to nursing leaders, including Program Managers and Coordinators, through regular supervision, coaching, and performance development.
• Foster a team-based care model across nursing staff.
• Support leadership development and succession planning.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, and a positive team culture.
• Oversee nursing practices to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care across all service lines.
• Ensure adherence to nursing standards, policies, and best practices.
• Support interdisciplinary care planning and coordination.
• Perform direct care as needed to support operations.
• Own daily nursing operations across programs, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow efficiency, and service delivery.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, and competency management across programs.
• Support coverage planning, including call-offs and vacancies.
• Oversee key operational areas such as infection control, medication processes, lab coordination, and supply management.
• Maintain visibility and responsiveness to 24/7 operational needs.
• Ensure all nursing services meet regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.
• Maintain readiness for audits and inspections.
• Support development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Maintain documentation quality, timeliness, and accuracy.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Medical & Nursing Services and clinical leadership to advance nursing practice and support organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities for workflow improvement and system efficiencies.
• Support implementation of new initiatives and care models, including eMAR and EHR workflow enhancements.
• Stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of nursing practices, behavioral health, and healthcare systems.
• Ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive accountability.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office tools.

Skills

• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, or integrated care settings.
• Certification in nursing leadership or administration (e.g., NEA-BC, NE-BC).

Qualifications

• Active, unrestricted Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
• Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave.
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement.
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance.
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options.
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities.

Pay

$100,000 – $130,000

Schedule

Monday–Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with shared on-call responsibilities.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular presencerequiredacross program and community sites.
• May require occasional flexibility in schedule based on operational needs.
• On-call responsibilities shared among nursing leadership.
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of current auto insurancerequired.
• Travel required across multiple Heritage program sites and locations.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in crisis or emergency situations.
• To maintainCPR Certification.