Psychiatric/DD Nurse Director - Central Ohio Behavioral Healthcare (PN 20041621)

Effective October 1, 2025, the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services has transitioned to its new name—the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. This change reflects our continued commitment to providing comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses the full range of behavioral health needs for Ohioans.

About the Role

Organizes, administers, and directs clinical and administrative activities for the Department of Nursing Services, Staff Education & Training, CSN, and the Medical Clinic. Develops and oversees the implementation of nursing department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures. Ensures compliance with standards, rules, and regulations set by COBH, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and accrediting body agencies (e.g., The Joint Commission [TJC], Medicare [CMS]). Conducts clinical evaluations and reviews to ensure appropriateness of patient care and services. Develops and oversees nursing department competency programs, directs Performance Improvement (PI) initiatives for nursing, and aligns those activities with the organization’s PI program. Develops and ensures consistent compliance with nursing staffing models and patterns. Supervises Assistant Director of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Managers, and Nurse Supervisors. Attends and functions as chairperson to hospital committees and meetings as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Organize, administer, and direct clinical and administrative activities for nursing services, staff education, and training.
• Develop and implement nursing department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations from COBH, DBH, TJC, and CMS.
• Conduct clinical evaluations and reviews to ensure appropriate patient care and services.
• Develop and oversee nursing competency programs and Performance Improvement (PI) initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with nursing staffing models and patterns.
• Supervise Assistant Director of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Managers, and Nurse Supervisors.
• Serve as chairperson for assigned hospital committees and meetings.

Requirements

• Current license as a registered professional nurse in the state of Ohio, issued by the Board of Nursing, and nursing registration per Section 4723.03 of the Revised Code.
• 36 months of experience in psychiatric nursing or delivery of nursing services to persons with developmental disabilities.
• Completion of an undergraduate core program in nursing.
• 30 months of training or experience in management.
• 30 months of training or experience in supervision.
• 18 months of training or experience in public relations.
• 18 months of training or experience in counseling.

Equivalent of the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment may be substituted for the experience requirements, but not for the mandated licensure.

Qualifications

• Primary Job Skill: Executive Nursing Leadership
• Technical Skills: Behavioral Health, Executive Leadership, Health Administration, Nursing, Medical Terminology
• Professional Skills: Adaptability, Coaching, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Delegation, Flexibility, Organizing and Planning, Verbal Communication, Visionary Thinking, Written Communication

Pay

$53.91 - $74.56 per hour, based on the E1 Exempt Pay Range Schedule. Unless required by any applicable union contract and/or Ohio Revised Code, the selected candidate will begin at Step 1 of the pay range, with an opportunity for a pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance and yearly raises thereafter.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm (Flexible Schedule).

Additional Information

Official transcripts are required for all post-secondary education, coursework, or degrees listed on the application. Applicants must submit an official transcript before receiving a formal employment offer. Transcripts printed from an institution’s website will not be accepted. DBH reserves the right to evaluate the academic validity of the degree-granting institution.

About the Organization

At the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), we strive to exemplify The Heart of Hope for individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders. We employ over 2,800 dedicated professionals across six inpatient behavioral health hospitals, Ohio Pharmacy Services, Ohio's prison systems, and our central office in Columbus, OH.

• DBH Values: Service-Oriented (Person-Centered, Solution-Oriented, Customer Service Focused), Collaborative (Approachable, Reasonable, Transparent), Value-Driven, Innovative (Yes Before No), Strong Sense of Urgency.

Our team advances a critical system of behavioral healthcare in Ohio that helps people be well, get well, and stay well. DBH is proud to be an Ohio Recovery Friendly Workplace, committed to supporting the well-being of all employees, including those in recovery. We foster an inclusive, stigma-free environment where individuals impacted by mental health and substance use challenges are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.