Director of Health Services (RN)

About the role

The Director of Health Services provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization's nursing services and Health Services Department across the residential and day school, and adult residential programs. The Director is responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centered nursing services while maintaining compliance with applicable clinical standards and state and federal regulatory requirements. Working collaboratively with program leadership, clinical staff, families, and external healthcare providers, the Director develops systems that promote quality care, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and positive health outcomes for individuals supported by The Guild.

Responsibilities

• Nursing Leadership
  • Provide leadership and operational oversight of nursing services across the day and residential school and adult residential programs.
  • Ensure the delivery of safe, effective, person-centered healthcare consistent with professional nursing standards and organizational values.
  • Establish nursing standards, clinical priorities, and operational practices that support quality healthcare delivery.
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and agency requirements, including those of DPH, DDS, DESE, DEEC, DCF, and other regulatory bodies.
  • Oversee implementation and ongoing compliance with the Medication Administration Program (MAP) and medication delegation requirements.
  • Maintain systems that support accurate clinical documentation, regulatory reporting, and audit readiness.
• Health Services Operations
  • Direct the daily operations of the Health Services Department, ensuring appropriate staffing, workload distribution, and continuity of nursing services.
  • Oversee and participate in nursing on-call operations ensuring appropriate clinical coverage across programs.
  • Develop and maintain systems supporting medication management, health assessments, specialized healthcare planning, and coordination of medical services.
  • Oversee the coordination of ancillary health services, including nutrition services and the on-site dental clinic.
• Leadership and Staff Development
  • Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate Health Services staff.
  • Foster professional growth through coaching, performance management, continuing education, and competency development.
  • Ensure staff receive required orientation, annual training, and ongoing education related to healthcare practices and regulatory requirements.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Partner with program leadership, education, residential services, families, and external healthcare providers to coordinate comprehensive healthcare services.
  • Promote effective communication regarding individuals' healthcare needs across departments and service settings.
  • Support coordinated responses during hospitalizations, medical emergencies, and significant healthcare events.
• Quality and Risk Management
  • Develop and monitor quality assurance measures related to clinical outcomes, documentation quality, medication practices, and regulatory compliance.
  • Identify operational and clinical risks and implement corrective actions when necessary.
  • Participate in organizational committees responsible for incident review, abuse prevention, and risk management.
• Program Administration
  • Recommend and implement improvements to Health Services operations, clinical processes, and regulatory compliance.
  • Support organizational initiatives that enhance the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services.
  • Perform other duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of the position as assigned.

Requirements

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Current Massachusetts MAP Trainer certification or eligibility to obtain certification.
• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible nursing leadership experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of healthcare regulations applicable to human services organizations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, multidisciplinary environment.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to multiple Massachusetts locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN) or comparable specialty certification.
• Experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and complex medical or behavioral needs.
• Experience with DESE, DDS, DPH, DEEC, and DCF regulatory environments.

Benefits

• Excellent health benefits: medical, dental, vision.
• Employer contribution to retirement plan after 2 years of employment.
• Generous paid time off.
• Collaborative work environment that values new insight and personal contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.