Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing (DON)

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for leading nursing practice across Heritage Behavioral Health Center's integrated care system, including behavioral health, primary care, residential recovery, crisis services, and Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR). This role provides direct oversight and development of nursing leadership, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and patient-centered care across all programs. The DON plays a key role in shaping nursing workflows, strengthening team-based care, and driving operational and clinical excellence in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. This position is ideal for a leader who values collaboration, accountability, and innovation, and who is passionate about improving outcomes for individuals with behavioral health and substance use needs.

Core Responsibilities:

• 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
• Oversee daily nursing operations across programs, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow efficiency, and service delivery.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and scheduling 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 executive 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
• Stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes

Performance Expectations / What Success Looks Like

• 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
• 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) required
• 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)

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/Wage 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

Note: This job description does not constitute an employment contract or agreement. Duties, responsibilities, and reporting relationships may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally. This is not an exclusive list of all job functions; employees are expected to complete all duties as assigned.