Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing (DON)

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.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Team Development
• Clinical Oversight & Quality of Care
• Operations & Program Management
• Compliance & Risk Management
• Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

Performance expectations include:

• 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 include:

• 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

Physical requirements and working conditions include:

• 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