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 DevelopmentProvide 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 processesFoster a team-based care model across nursing staffSupport leadership development and succession planningPromote accountability, professionalism, and a positive team cultureClinical Oversight & Quality of CareOversee nursing practices to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care across all service lines.Ensure adherence to nursing standards, policies, and best practicesSupport interdisciplinary care planning and coordinationProvide guidance on complex clinical situationsPerform direct care as needed to support operationsOperations & Program ManagementOwn daily nursing operations across programs, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow efficiency, and service delivery.Ensureappropriate staffing, scheduling, and competency management across programsSupport coverage planning, including call-offs and vacanciesOversee key operational areas such as infection control, medication processes, lab coordination, and supply managementMaintain visibility and responsiveness to 24/7 operational needsCompliance & Risk ManagementEnsure all nursing services meet regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.Ensure compliance with state, federal, CARF, and organizational standardsMaintain readiness for audits and inspectionsSupport development and implementation of policies and proceduresMonitor documentation quality, timeliness, and accuracyStrategic Planning & Continuous ImprovementPartner with the Senior Director of Medical & Nursing Services and clinical leadership to advance nursing practice and support organizational goals.Participatein program developmentIdentifyopportunities for workflow improvement and system efficienciesSupport implementation of new initiatives and care models, including eMAR and EHR workflow enhancementsStay current with industry trends and regulatory changesPerformance Expectations / What Success Looks Like:Nursing leaders across all programs feel supported, coached, and equipped to lead their teams effectivelyClinical quality metrics, documentation standards, and compliance requirements are consistently met across all sitesOperational continuity ismaintained, including staffing coverage, infection control, and medication managementThe Senior Director, executive leadership, and interdisciplinary teams viewthe DONas a reliable, solutions-oriented partnerStaff retention and engagement within nursing teams reflect a positive, accountable team cultureKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Strong knowledge of nursing practices, behavioral health, and healthcare systemsAbility to lead teams, manage change, and drive accountabilityStrong critical thinking and problem-solving skillsExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsAbility to balance operational demands with strategic prioritiesExperience working in a multidisciplinary, team-based environmentProficiencywith electronic health records and Microsoft Office toolsEducation and Experience:Active, unrestricted Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) licenseBachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership roleMaster's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related fieldExperience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, or integrated care settingsCertification 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 presencerequiredacross program and community sitesMay require occasional flexibility in schedule based on operational needsOn-call responsibilities shared among nursing leadershipAbility to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periodsValid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of current auto insurancerequiredTravel required across multiple Heritage program sites and locationsAbility to respond calmly and effectively in crisis or emergency situationsAbility tomaintainCPR CertificationCompensation & Benefits:Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000Sign-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 leaveWellness Benefits: Every other Friday off (paid), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and fitness reimbursementInsurance: Health, dental, vision, flex spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care), andadditionallife insuranceRetirement: 401(k) and Roth optionsProfessional Growth: Tuitionassistanceand continuing education opportunities