Director of Nursing

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:  Director of Nursing (DON)

Reports to:  Senior Director of Medical & Nursing Services

Location:  Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur, IL, with regular presence across program sites

Schedule:  Monday–Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM), with shared on-call responsibilities. This is a leadership role and carries the expectation of availability and responsiveness outside of standard hours as needed to support staff and operational needs.

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Position Type:  Full-Time

Work Setting:  In-Person

Position Overview:

Heritage Behavioral Health Center (HBHC) is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) providing comprehensive, integrated behavioral health and primary care services to individuals and families across central Illinois. We are seeking an experienced, hands-on nursing leader to serve as our Director of Nursing (DON) and lead nursing practice across Heritage's integrated care system, including behavioral health, primary care, residential recovery, crisis services, and Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR).

The DON owns day-to-day nursing operations across the organization — staffing, scheduling, competencies, and direct leadership of the nursing managers — and provides coaching and development to nursing leaders at every program and site. This role reports to the Senior Director of Medical & Nursing Services and is a core member of a strengthened medical and nursing leadership team, giving the DON both real authority over nursing operations and strong support and advocacy at the leadership table.

This position is ideal for a nurse leader who values collaboration, accountability, and innovation; who thrives on building strong teams and workable systems; and who is passionate about improving outcomes for individuals with behavioral health and substance use needs. If you want your leadership to directly shape how nursing care is delivered — and to see the results in your teams and your patients — this role offers that opportunity.

Why Join Heritage:

• Lead with real scope: full ownership of nursing operations across clinic, crisis, residential, and community settings
• Be part of a newly strengthened medical and nursing leadership structure with a direct line of support and advocacy to executive leadership
• Shape nursing practice in a growing CCBHC that is actively investing in its people, systems, and infrastructure
• Enjoy meaningful work-life balance benefits, including every other Friday off (paid)

Core Responsibilities Include:

Leadership & Team Development

Provide direct supervision and support to nursing leaders, including Program Managers and Coordinators, through regular supervision, coaching, and performance development.

• Lead hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes
• Foster a team-based care model across nursing staff
• Support leadership development and succession planning
• Promote accountability, professionalism, and a positive team culture

Clinical Oversight & Quality of Care

Oversee nursing practices to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care across all service lines.

• Ensure adherence to nursing standards, policies, and best practices
• Support interdisciplinary care planning and coordination
• Provide guidance on complex clinical situations
• Perform direct care as needed to support operations

Operations & Program Management

Own daily nursing operations across programs, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow efficiency, and service delivery.

• Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, and competency management across programs
• Support coverage planning, including call-offs and vacancies
• Oversee key operational areas such as infection control, medication processes, lab coordination, and supply management
• Maintain visibility and responsiveness to 24/7 operational needs

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure all nursing services meet regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.

• Ensure compliance with state, federal, CARF, and organizational standards
• Maintain readiness for audits and inspections
• Support development and implementation of policies and procedures
• Monitor documentation quality, timeliness, and accuracy

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

Partner with the Senior Director of Medical & Nursing Services and clinical leadership to advance nursing practice and support organizational goals.

• Participate in program development
• Identify opportunities for workflow improvement and system efficiencies
• Support implementation of new initiatives and care models, including eMAR and EHR workflow enhancements
• Stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes

 

Performance Expectations / What Success Looks Like:

The Director of Nursing will be successful in this role when:

• Nursing leaders across all programs feel supported, coached, and equipped to lead their teams effectively
• Clinical quality metrics, documentation standards, and compliance requirements are consistently met across all sites
• Operational continuity is maintained, including staffing coverage, infection control, and medication management
• The Senior Director, executive leadership, and interdisciplinary teams view the DON as a reliable, solutions-oriented partner
• Staff retention and engagement within nursing teams reflect a positive, accountable team culture

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of nursing practices, behavioral health, and healthcare systems
• Ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive accountability
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to balance operational demands with strategic priorities
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environment
• Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office tools

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Active, unrestricted Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)
• Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field
• Experience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, or integrated care settings
• Certification in nursing leadership or administration (e.g., NEA-BC, NE-BC)

Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with regular presence required across program and community sites
• May require occasional flexibility in schedule based on operational needs
• On-call responsibilities shared among nursing leadership
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of current auto insurance required
• Travel required across multiple Heritage program sites and locations
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in crisis or emergency situations
• Ability to maintain CPR Certification

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000

Sign-On Bonus:  This position is eligible for a $10,000 sign-on bonus with a 2-year service commitment, paid out in increments within the first year of employment.

Heritage also offers the following with this position:

• Generous Time Off: Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
• Wellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursement
• Insurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), and additional life insurance
• Retirement: 401(k) and Roth options
• Professional Growth: Tuition assistance and continuing education opportunities