Director of Nursing

About the role

The Director of Nursing at the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Facility plays a critical leadership role in overseeing and coordinating all aspects of nursing care across detox and inpatient levels of care. This individual ensures the delivery of safe, compassionate, and evidence-based nursing services to support individuals on their recovery journey. The Director will be responsible for staff supervision, clinical oversight, regulatory compliance, and the integration of nursing within a multidisciplinary treatment model.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Oversight: Oversee the delivery of nursing care for patients undergoing detoxification and inpatient treatment; Ensure proper assessment, documentation, and implementation of individualized nursing care plans; Monitor patient acuity and ensure appropriate nurse-to-patient staffing ratios; Guide the management of medical emergencies and the administration of medications, including MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment); Ensure continuity of care through effective nursing handoffs and shift reporting; Oversee infection control protocols and adherence to patient safety standards.
• Leadership and Staff Management: Recruit, train, and supervise nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, and medical technicians; Facilitate ongoing staff education, mentorship, and performance evaluations; Foster a culture of accountability, respect, and professional growth; Develop and manage nursing schedules to ensure adequate coverage for 24/7 operations; Lead daily nursing huddles and interdisciplinary meetings to coordinate patient care.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work in partnership with physicians, behavioral health providers, and case managers to support comprehensive treatment planning; Participate in leadership team meetings to support program development and clinical strategy; Facilitate communication between nursing and other departments to ensure coordinated care; Serve as a liaison between nursing staff and executive leadership.
• Documentation and Compliance: Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) system; Maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, including NJ Department of Health, Joint Commission, and SAMHSA guidelines; Conduct regular audits of charts, medication records, and nursing documentation; Oversee the implementation and adherence to all clinical policies and procedures.
• Professional Development: Promote a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based practice among the nursing team; Remain current with advances in nursing care, addiction treatment, and detox protocols; Attend conferences, trainings, and professional development activities as appropriate; Support clinical education partnerships and student training programs if applicable.
• Quality Improvement: Monitor clinical indicators and participate in facility-wide performance improvement initiatives; Implement protocols to improve patient outcomes, reduce adverse events, and enhance efficiency; Lead incident reviews and root cause analyses to drive system improvements; Contribute to strategic planning related to clinical services and patient care quality.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree (MSN or MHA) preferred.
• Licensure & Certification: Valid RN license in the State of New Jersey; BLS/CPR certification (current); ACLS preferred; Certification in addiction nursing (CARN or CARN-AP) preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Experience: Minimum 3‑5 years of nursing leadership experience, preferably in a behavioral health or SUD setting; Strong knowledge of detox protocols, medication management, and trauma-informed care; Experience managing multi‑disciplinary teams and working in 24/7 clinical environments.

Skills

• Strong clinical judgment and ability to oversee nursing care in high‑acuity situations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Organizational ability to manage scheduling, staffing, and performance.
• Proficiency with EMR systems and clinical documentation.
• Familiarity with Office 360 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, etc.).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Mission‑driven, collaborative, and inclusive work culture