Director, Nursing
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- 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
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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)
- Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- Own daily nursing operations across programs, ensuring appropriate staffing, workflow efficiency, and service delivery.
- Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, and competency management 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
- 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
- Partner with the Senior Director of Medical & Nursing Services 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, including eMAR and EHR workflow enhancements
- Stay current with industry trends and regulatory changes
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
