ATU Director of Nursing (Acute Treatment Unit) (60541)

DIVERSUS HEALTH INC • Colorado Springs, CO

8h • Onsite

About The Position

At Diversus Health, we’re dedicated to transforming mental and behavioral healthcare to improve lives. Our mission is to provide trusted, affordable, and personalized care that empowers individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. And we’re doing it with a team of passionate professionals who believe in the power of making a difference every day.
When you join our team, you’re not just another employee- you’re part of a community that values your growth, well-being, and success.
We live by our Core Values:
Teamwork: We achieve more together.
Solution Minded: We embrace problems as opportunities.
Impactful: We inspire positive outcomes.
Integrity: We commit to do what is right.
These values guide everything we do- from how we treat each other to how we care for our clients. They reflect our culture and our unwavering dedication to building a truly healthy society.
The ATU Director of Nursing provides strategic, clinical, and operational leadership for the Acute Treatment Unit (ATU), overseeing nursing staff and mental health technicians while ensuring a safe, therapeutic milieu for clients experiencing acute psychiatric and behavioral health crises.
This role is accountable for the overall quality, safety, and effectiveness of care delivered in the ATU. Reporting to the Vice President of Medical Services, the Director partners closely with the Director of Crisis Services and Lighthouse leadership to ensure strong clinical programming, effective utilization management, and seamless discharge planning.
The ATU is in a phase of continuous growth and clinical expansion, with current and future capabilities that include substance use disorder (SUD) services, including detoxification and withdrawal management. The ATU Director of Nursing will play a key role in program development, staff training, and operational readiness to successfully launch and sustain these services.

Requirements

• Active RN license in good standing with no restrictions in the state of Colorado.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a minimum of four (4) years of RN supervisory experience in a behavioral health setting.
• Demonstrated ability to safely perform and oversee de-escalation and physical intervention techniques, including Handle With Care, with the ability to obtain and maintain required certification.
• Experience working in inpatient or acute behavioral health settings, including crisis stabilization and milieu management.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn and effectively utilize electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary treatment teams
• Embodies Diversus Health’s Core Values: Teamwork: We achieve more together. Solution Minded: We embrace problems as opportunities. Impactful: We inspire positive outcomes. Integrity: We commit to do what is right

Nice To Haves

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher.
• Minimum of two (2) years of formal leadership or supervisory experience in a behavioral health or healthcare setting.
• Experience with withdrawal management and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, including detoxification services.
• Working knowledge of Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Colorado BHA regulatory and accreditation standards.
• General understanding of inpatient psychiatric and SUD billing practices.
• Experience utilizing strength-based, trauma-informed treatment modalities with inpatient psychiatric populations.
• Knowledge of managed care principles, evidence-based nursing practices, business and leadership theory, critical thinking, and team building.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for nursing staff and mental health technicians, including onboarding, coaching, performance management, and corrective action when needed.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, psychological safety, and continuous learning.
• Ensure timely completion of competencies, licensure requirements, and mandatory training for all direct reports.
• Serve as a role model for trauma informed, recovery-oriented, and patient centered care.
• Oversee daily ATU operations, including staffing, scheduling, census management, acuity monitoring, and milieu safety.
• Respond to and manage psychiatric crises, collaborating with providers to determine appropriate interventions or transfers to higher or lower levels of care.
• Support psychiatric providers with workflow coordination, including rotating weekend provider coverage and communication of process changes.
• Provide inpatient coverage as needed, including participation in a rotational Administrator On Call (AOC) schedule.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Joint Commission and BHA requirements.
• Serve as the Lighthouse Campus Infection Control Lead, overseeing infection prevention practices and audits.
• Review CODE GREENS, Quality Incident Reports (QIRs), grievances, and denials; identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with Handle With Care standards; become and remain a certified trainer to support ongoing staff education.
• Oversee monthly unit budgets, including pharmacy and supply expenditures; contribute to the annual budgeting process.
• Manage pharmacy and laboratory vendor relationships, including billing reconciliation.
• Oversee medical equipment and serve as the contract owner for HSS services at the Lighthouse campus.
• Ensure adequate supplies and resources are maintained to support safe and effective ATU operations.
• Review prior authorizations and insurance denials for appropriateness; identify trends and drive process improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure effective discharge planning and continuity of care.
• Serve as a liaison to community providers, hospitals, and agencies to support seamless transitions.
• Lead the development and implementation of expanded SUD programming, including detox and withdrawal management services.
• Partner with leadership, medical staff, and training teams to ensure staff readiness and regulatory compliance as the ATU level of care evolves.
• Establish unit goals, performance standards, and quality improvement initiatives aligned with Diversus Health’s strategic priorities
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Diversus Health’s mission and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Exceptional Health Benefits (medical, dental, vision) comprehensive coverage for you and your family’s health needs.
• 401(k) Company Match with 4% fully vested- planning for your future made easier.
• Generous Vacation & Sick Time- because we know work-life balance is essential for your well-being.
• Paid Long-Term Disability Coverage- peace of mind for those unexpected times when you need it.
• Paid Holidays including 3 Floating Holidays- take the time you need to recharge on your terms.
• Employee Assistance Program- including free therapy access to support your mental health.
• Professional Development Funds- we invest in your growth through courses, conferences, and certifications.
• Robust Training Program- get the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees