Chief Nursing Officer

Chief Nursing Officer

Job no: 5111042

Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia

Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Chief Nursing Officer

State Role Title: Registered Nurse Manager II

Hiring Range: $135,616 -$150,000

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Southeastern VA Training Ctr

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Are you an experienced nursing leader ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

Southeastern Virginia Training Center (SEVTC) is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) to provide executive leadership and strategic direction for our Nursing Department. This position is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered nursing services while maintaining compliance with professional standards of care, CMS regulations, facility policies, and applicable regulatory requirements

The Chief Nursing Officer serves as a key member of the facility's executive leadership team and provides overall direction for nursing operations, staffing, quality improvement, clinical practice, workforce development, and nursing administration.

About Us

At Southeastern Virginia Training Center (SEVTC) we serve citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are an intermediate care facility operated by the Department of Behavioral health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) where we support individuals in state-of-the-art homes with accommodations unique to their specific needs. At SEVTC, we take pride in providing our individuals with a person-centered approach, fostering their independence, and ensuring their life is fully realized to their potential. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we take time to invest in their health, wellness, and happiness.

Job Duties

The Chief Nursing Officer provides direct nursing care to individuals residing at SEVTC. This role includes providers and conditions, administering treatments, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, and ensuring the highest level of support to meet individuals' unique needs.

Nursing Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide executive leadership, direction, and overall supervision for the Department of Nursing.
• Establish and communicate a clear vision for nursing services that aligns with SEVTC's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Develop an annual departmental strategic plan with measurable goals and objectives.
• Direct the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of quality nursing services.
• Maintain current knowledge of nursing trends, evidence-based practices, regulatory requirements, and developments within the nursing profession.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to nursing management and nursing staff, including the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
• Direct the recruitment, selection, orientation, training, development, and supervision of nursing personnel.
• Establish job expectations and performance standards to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of nursing services.
• Promote effective communication throughout the Nursing Department and between nursing, administration, clinical departments, and other facility programs.

Performance Management

• Establish clear performance expectations that support departmental and organizational goals.
• Provide ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, training, and professional development to direct reports.
• Ensure nursing staff possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and training necessary to successfully perform assigned responsibilities.
• Complete performance evaluations, probationary reviews, and Employee job descriptions within established timeframes.
• Address and document performance concerns promptly and consistently in accordance with facility and state policies.
• Utilize appropriate corrective and disciplinary processes when necessary.
• Meet individually with direct reports throughout the performance evaluation cycle and appropriately document feedback.
• Review and communicate safety concerns to support a safe and healthy workplace.

Quality Nursing Practice & Standards of Care

• Provide leadership in developing, reviewing, implementing, and revising nursing policies, procedures, organizational instructions, and standards of care.
• Ensure nursing policies and procedures clearly define how individuals' nursing care needs are assessed, planned, provided, monitored, and documented.
• Develop, implement, and monitor patient-care systems that support safe and high-quality nursing care, including patient assignments, medication management, and medical record documentation.
• Ensure nursing standards of care are consistently implemented across all residential units.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control, risk management, medication management, and other applicable clinical standards.
• Ensure nursing services comply with applicable CMS requirements and professional standards of nursing practice.
• Collaborate with clinical, residential, administrative, and other departments to ensure appropriate services are provided.
• Coordinate and evaluate nursing participation in interdisciplinary treatment and person-centered planning.
• Provide oversight of the Nursing Department's quality management and performance improvement activities.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and implement strategies to enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of nursing services.

Staffing & Workforce Development

• Develop and maintain a nursing staffing model that ensures appropriate staffing levels and skill mix across all shifts based on the number, needs, and acuity of individuals served.
• Ensure the effective deployment and scheduling of nursing staff to meet clinical and treatment needs.
• Monitor staffing levels, vacancies, overtime, scheduling practices, and FTE utilization.
• Assess nursing staff educational and professional development needs.
• Provide guidance in developing and implementing educational programs for nursing staff.
• Develop and maintain relationships with nursing schools and educational institutions to promote clinical learning opportunities and strengthen nursing recruitment pipelines.
• Ensure nursing personnel complete all required facility and professional training.

Administrative & Resource Management

• Participate in executive-level decision-making related to nursing operations and facility initiatives.
• Attend and actively participate in executive staff meetings, committees, and other meetings as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO, COO, CFO, and other leadership staff in developing and managing facility staffing and budget priorities.
• Provide leadership and accountability for the Nursing Department's budget, staffing levels, and FTE management.
• Manage nursing resources effectively and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Participate in the facility's return-to-work/light-duty program and ensure compliance with established work restrictions and physical limitations.

Collaboration & Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate professionally with peers and other facility leaders to accomplish SEVTC's mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
• Coordinate Nursing Department activities with other departments to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Promote effective interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.
• Serve as Administrator-on-Call after hours and on weekends according to the established rotation.
• Attend statewide Chief Nursing Officer meetings as required.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education related to nursing practice or management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Assist SEVTC, DBHDS, or the Commonwealth of Virginia as necessary in response to an emergency declaration or other operational need.

This position is considered essential personnel and would be required to work in the event of an emergency or facility need. All SEVTC positions are required to work different shifts and/or overtime as requested.

All new hires must successfully complete the facility's pre-service training program. Preservice training class is 10 days long from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

The successful candidate will possess:

• Comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, standards, techniques, and functions.
• Knowledge and clinical experience related to psychiatric nursing and the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).
• Strong clinical nursing skills, including the ability to assess and manage individuals with psychiatric, behavioral, intellectual, developmental, and complex healthcare needs.
• Knowledge of inpatient treatment methodologies and the care of adults with serious and chronic mental health conditions.
• Strong executive leadership skills with demonstrated ability in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and management.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in professional nursing administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nursing workforce management, including staffing models, scheduling, supervision, and employee development.
• Knowledge and experience with budget management, resource allocation, and FTE management.
• Knowledge of CMS requirements, nursing standards of care, quality management, and performance improvement processes.
• Ability to develop, implement, evaluate, and maintain nursing policies, procedures, standards, and clinical programs.
• Strong performance management, coaching, teaching, and staff development skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise and lead nursing professionals at multiple organizational levels.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals receiving services, families, employees, healthcare professionals, leadership, regulatory representatives, and community partners.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, confidence, and cooperation.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, critical-thinking, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary and executive leadership team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, email, databases, and electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to effectively utilize computers and electronic systems required to perform assigned responsibilities.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, shifts, days, weekends, and additional hours based on facility needs.

Education and Experience

The successful candidate should have:

• Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Extensive professional nursing experience demonstrates progressively responsible clinical and leadership responsibilities.
• Extensive experience in professional nursing administration and nursing operations.
• Significant supervisory and management experience involving professional nursing staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing nursing staffing, scheduling, workforce utilization, and performance.
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating nursing policies, procedures, standards of care, and clinical programs.
• Experience implementing and monitoring nursing standards associated with CMS requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with quality management, performance improvement, infection prevention, risk management, and patient safety practices.
• Experience providing education, training, coaching, and professional development to nursing staff.
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary clinical and administrative teams.
• Must possess a current, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Commonwealth of Virginia or be eligible to obtain current Virginia RN licensure.
• Must possess and maintain current CPE/ED certification.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Bonus points if you have:

• A master's degree in nursing, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Management, or a closely related field.
• Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or other relevant advanced nursing certification.
• Extensive supervisory and executive-level nursing leadership experience.
• Significant experience leading nursing services within an intellectual/developmental disability, behavioral health, psychiatric, long-term care, residential, or similar healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated experience successfully leading nursing operations through CMS surveys, regulatory reviews, accreditation activities, or other compliance initiatives.
• Experience developing strategic nursing initiatives and implementing measurable quality and performance improvement programs.

What we offer:

We offer an array of benefits to help you take care of you and your family:

• Health, vision and dental; multiple plan choices!
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Paid time off to include sick leave, family personal leave, annual leave, parental leave and more!
• Life and long-term care insurance.
• Retirement and savings to include - membership in the Virginia Retirement System (401(a) defined benefit plan) and the commonwealth's deferred compensation plan.
• Short term and long-term disability benefits.
• Employee assistance program, wellness, employee discounts and so much more!

Person Centered. Community Based.

SEVTC's mission is to provide quality, person-centered services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in partnership with a community-based system of supports.

We envision SEVTC as a center of excellence providing specialized supports that enable successful community living for individuals with intellectual, developmental and behavioral challenges across the state of Virginia.

Our values reflect an environment where: individuals lead self-determined lives that focus on empowerment, dignity and respect, employees are valued and appreciated as out most import asset, individuals and employees live, work and play in an environment that is safe and free from harm, collaboration with DBHDS, community partners, and family members is welcomed and fostered, and resources are utilized in a thoughtful and efficient manner.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Application Requirements : Applications and résumés for this position are accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Electronic Recruitment System only. Interview decisions will be based solely on the information provided in your electronic application and/or résumé. Please ensure you detail all relevant work experience clearly and specifically; we will not make assumptions about your qualifications.
You will receive a confirmation of receipt once your application and/or résumé has been successfully submitted. To check the status of your application, refer to "Your Application" in your account.

Applications/résumés will begin to be reviewed within five (5) days of the posting date.

Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre-employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers' individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preferences to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

Contact Information

Name: Sarita Jordan

Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io

Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note : Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 24 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 18 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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