Nurse Manager I

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 8/25/2026, 9/8/2026 (Final).

About the Role

Under general direction, the Nurse Manager I directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations for contracted and/or county-operated health or mental health programs and services. This includes program development and implementation, program monitoring and evaluation, nursing activities, and program service coordination. The role also involves coordinating assigned activities with other divisions, departments, outside agencies, and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, assign, and review the work of subordinate staff.
• Investigate and resolve disciplinary issues.
• Work independently, prioritize work, coordinate activities, and meet critical deadlines.
• Develop, monitor, and interpret budgets and other financial documents.
• Plan, manage, and complete complex work assignments.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others.
• Work effectively with diverse populations and workforce.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Apply customer service skills, including identifying customer needs and following up to ensure commitments are met.
• Influence and persuade others to take desired actions.
• Interpret and summarize a variety of data and information.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Perform the duties of all subordinate nursing staff as needed.
• For Mental Health Treatment Center locations:
  • Manage the operations of a 24-hour mental health treatment facility in the absence of higher-level administrators.
  • Ensure the welfare and safety of staff and patients in a high-risk setting.
  • Make effective decisions in crisis situations.
  • Respond to, participate in, and provide leadership oversight during psychiatric and medical emergencies.

Requirements

• Possession of a current valid Registered Nurse license issued by the State of California.
• Four (4) years of full-time paid experience as a Registered Nurse or Public Health Nurse, including two years of supervisory and/or management experience.
• For some assignments, a current valid certification as a Public Health Nurse issued by the State of California.
• For some assignments, a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, or certification based on assignment (a higher degree in a related field may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree).
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association or Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) for professional Rescuers (CPRO) issued by the American Red Cross at the time of appointment.
• Agreement to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child and elder abuse reporting.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of management and organizational theory of health, public health, or mental health programs, including planning, organizational design, business finance, business development, project management, and organizational effectiveness.
• Principles and practices of supervision, discipline, leadership, mentoring, and training.
• Principles and practices of program administration, including budget preparation and monitoring (involving grants, contracted services, and state and federal funding).
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned programs and functions.
• Standard program evaluation methods and report writing procedures.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to the area of assignment.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Professional nursing principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Administrative principles applicable to the organization and functions of the program area to which assigned.
• Processes, principles, and practices of Nursing, including extensive knowledge of the California Board of Nursing Practice Act within the CA Business and Professional Code.
• Medical terminology.
• Clinical systems, research methods, and program planning and evaluation.

Ability to:

• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Develop, monitor, and interpret budgets and other financial documents.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others.
• Work effectively with diverse populations and workforce.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Apply customer service skills, including identifying customer needs and following up to ensure commitments are met.
• Influence and persuade others to take desired actions.
• Interpret and summarize a variety of data and information.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk.
• Normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication.
• Use of audio-visual equipment; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copiers, and FAX.
• Ability to quickly evade potentially aggressive and assaultive patients in a high-risk setting.
• Assist in patient ambulation and restraint, which may involve holding, reaching, grasping, bending, and lifting of 30 lbs or more.
• Perform CPR in a medical emergency.

Working Conditions

• Work weekends, holidays, and non-routine hours.
• Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment and controlled temperature conditions, with extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.
• Travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions, and lifting materials and supplies of moderate weight.
• Work with individuals with communicable illnesses.

The probationary period for this classification is twelve (12) months.