Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing

Reports to: Chief Nursing Officer

Location : Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur, IL

Schedule : Full-time, Monday-Friday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) + shared on-call rotation

Position Overview:

The Director of Nursing (DON) provides leadership and oversight of nursing operations across Heritage Behavioral Health Center s integrated care system, including behavioral health, primary care, crisis services, residential recovery, and Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR).

This role is responsible for supporting nursing leaders, strengthening team-based care, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant, and patient-centered services across the organization. The DON plays a key role in advancing clinical excellence, improving workflows, and supporting the continued development of an integrated care model.

Leadership & Culture Expectations

Foster a collaborative, team-based care environment across disciplines

Support, coach, and develop nursing leaders and emerging leaders

Promote accountability, engagement, and professional growth within teams

Model strong communication, professionalism, and problem-solving

Support a culture focused on patient-centered care, safety, and continuous improvement

Core Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

Provide supervisory oversight for Program Managers and Coordinators, including weekly supervision, onboarding, training, and staff development

Lead hiring, onboarding, and performance management processes

Coach and support nursing leaders in day-to-day operations and leadership growth

Communicate expectations related to professional conduct and address performance concerns as needed

Clinical & Operational Oversight

Ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered nursing care across all programs

Oversee and coordinate nursing staff to ensure care is consistent with standard nursing practices

Support staffing models, scheduling, and coverage planning to maintain appropriate service levels

Maintain oversight of timekeeping and staffing workflows

Provide guidance on complex clinical situations and step in to support care delivery when needed

Ensure provision of appropriate medications, treatments, and nursing services according to care plans and provider orders

Quality, Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards (including CARF and applicable regulations)

Maintain audit readiness and support regulatory reviews

Monitor documentation quality, accuracy, and timeliness

Support development, implementation, and adherence to policies and procedures

Ensure timely completion of reporting requirements

Maintain current knowledge of regulatory and clinical practice changes

Strategic & System Improvement

Partner with executive leadership on program development, strategic planning, and system-wide improvements

Identify opportunities to improve workflows, staffing models, and care delivery across integrated services

Support implementation of new initiatives, care models, and organizational priorities

Promote consistency in workflows and reduce operational disruptions across teams

Program & Administrative Oversight

Coordinate key aspects of nursing operations including infection control, pharmacy, laboratory, supplies, quality assurance, and medical records

Lead interdisciplinary collaboration meetings and provide follow up for developing plans of care

Communicate with attending physicians and medical directors regarding patient care needs

Provide direct care or perform clinical procedures when necessary

Complete documentation and tracking requirements in a timely manner

Perform other duties as assigned

Performance Expectations / What Success Looks Like

Nursing leaders are supported, engaged, and effectively managing their teams

Strong collaboration across nursing, providers, and interdisciplinary teams

Consistent workflows and reduced operational disruptions

High-quality, compliant, and patient-centered care across all programs

Nursing staff feel supported, accountable, and aligned with organizational goals

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong leadership and team development skills

Ability to balance day-to-day operations with strategic priorities

Ability to lead through change and support evolving care models

Experience working within multidisciplinary, team-based care environments

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate a high level of activity

Knowledge of nursing principles, behavioral health care, and healthcare operations

Ability to develop and implement strategic plans

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Strong customer service orientation and flexibility

Education and Experience :

Bachelor s Degree in Nursing required (Master s preferred)

Active, unrestricted Illinois RN license

Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership role

Experience in behavioral health, addiction medicine, or integrated care settings preferred

Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage clinical operations effectively

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team

Valid driver s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance required

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range : $100,000-$130,000 annually (based on experience)

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