Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing (DON) serves as a senior member of the treatment team for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. This leadership role is responsible for directing all nursing operations within the facility, ensuring clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and effective team-based care. The DON manages nursing staff, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, and ensures high standards of safety, infection control, and trauma-informed service delivery.

• Provide day-to-day nursing leadership and foster a therapeutic milieu within the unit.
• Manage nursing staff schedules; ensure adequate shift coverage and provide direct coverage when needed.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards (including Joint Commission where applicable).
• Assess patient medical and behavioral health needs, including high-risk indicators, and document assessments in the EMR.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaboration on care planning and ongoing treatment interventions.
• Oversee Medication Administration Record (MAR) reviews and reconciliation with pharmacy records.
• Deliver direct nursing services including assessments, interventions, and discharge coordination.
• Serve as liaison between the facility, community providers, and family members for continuity of care.
• Supervise and evaluate the competency of all nursing staff; coordinate training and performance development.
• Monitor daily patient documentation for accuracy and compliance with policy and payer requirements.
• Conduct internal audits and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain licensure, certifications, and participate in ongoing professional development and performance reviews.
• Execute other duties and projects as assigned

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.

2

• At least 2 years of clinical experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder (SUD), or acute psychiatric care settings.
• Leadership experience in a healthcare or behavioral health setting, including supervision of nursing staff, performance management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments and monitors high-risk medical indicators related to substance use and withdrawal.
• Applies evidence-based nursing protocols in detoxification, medication administration, infection control, and chronic care management.
• Ensures adherence to physician orders and facilitates safe, effective care transitions.

• Maintains expert knowledge of federal and state regulations governing behavioral health and SUD care (e.g., HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Joint Commission).
• Ensures nursing documentation, medication records, and care plans meet licensing and accreditation standards.
• Actively participates in audits, incident reviews, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

• Effectively leads nursing teams, including supervision, coaching, conflict resolution, and staff development.
• Coordinates staffing to maintain appropriate coverage, acuity-based care delivery, and continuity across shifts.
• Provides direct oversight of nursing competency evaluations and performance reviews.

• Serves as an engaged member of the treatment team, contributing medical insight to care planning and discharge processes.
• Collaborates with physicians, therapists, case managers, and administrative staff to deliver integrated,…