Nursing Project Manager

About the role

The Nursing Project Manager provides leadership and operational oversight for all program functions at DESC’s Crisis Diversion Facility (CDF) and Crisis Diversion Interim Services (CDIS), focusing on integrating medical, nursing, and case management services into cohesive and effective daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct clinical and administrative supervision of the Nurse Supervisor, and as assigned, Registered Nurses and Clinical Supervisors as needed.
• Share oversight of case management services in collaboration with the Clinical Project Manager to ensure that client support plans are fully integrated with nursing and medical services.
• Maintain strong presence on program floors to monitor daily operations, client flow, and staff performance, intervening as needed to support safe and effective service delivery.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing ratios, and coverage to ensure continuous nursing, medical, and integrated case management support across both units.
• Provide on-call support as part of a rotating leadership schedule to ensure continuous after-hours coverage for emergent operational and clinical issues.
• Conduct performance evaluations and maintain supporting documentation in confidential personnel files.
• Train, coach, and mentor nursing and case management staff in crisis intervention, engagement, and integrated care practices.
• Ensure DESC and CSC program values are fully incorporated into all aspects of floor operations, including harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Oversee medication management systems, including monitoring and administration of psychiatric medications in a manner consistent with client needs and safety.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Project Manager to align case management and medical interventions.
• Conduct regular assessments of client medical and psychiatric needs, ensuring appropriate linkage to primary and specialty care.
• Provide client education on medical and psychiatric conditions, treatment options, and recovery strategies.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, DEA, and DOH regulations relevant to medication management and clinical care.
• Participate in clinical reviews, psychiatric consultations, and multidisciplinary case conferences.
• Monitor adherence to all contract, regulatory, and licensing requirements (HCA, WAC, DOH, King County).
• Lead quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives related to nursing and medical services.
• Coordinate data collection and reporting requirements with DESC’s Information Systems team and funders.
• Implement best practices in integrated behavioral health and medical care.
• Participate in agency-wide Nursing Department trainings, retreats, and initiatives to ensure program alignment with DESC nursing standards.
• Serve as point person for coordination with external healthcare providers, hospitals, urgent care, and specialty care.
• Represent DESC in community healthcare collaborations, advocating for integrated medical/behavioral health care for CSC clients.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with referral sources, detox facilities, shelters, and emergency medical providers.
• Promote positive relationships with the surrounding neighborhood.
• Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions during client crises, modeling calm and confident leadership.
• Ensure nursing and medical staff are trained and competent in crisis response.
• Provide building security as needed and support staff in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Respond to medical emergencies as needed, including performing CPR or administering basic first aid until additional medical assistance arrives.
• Participate in staff recruitment, hiring, training, and retention efforts.
• Ensure nursing protocols, policies, and workflows are updated and consistently applied.
• Manage operational needs including supply chain, vendor coordination, and medical equipment.
• Maintain compliance with DESC policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of CSC.

Qualifications

• RN, ARNP, or other licensed healthcare professional in Washington State, in good standing.
• 2 years of progressive nursing/medical leadership in behavioral health, crisis, or residential care settings.
• Strong knowledge of psychiatric medications, stabilization practices, and crisis intervention.
• Experience supervising nursing staff and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of Recovery Principles, Harm Reduction strategies, and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Experience working with adults experiencing homelessness, severe mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as program needs dictate.
• Ability to pass Washington State Criminal background check.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of integrated behavioral health and medical care.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.

Benefits

• Medical (no premiums/payroll deductions for employee coverage)
• Dental
• Life
• Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• ORCA card subsidy
• Paid Time Off (34 days per year)
• Retirement Plan

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm with some variable/on-call hours required.