Description
Job Title: 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)
Sign-On Bonus: RNs are eligible for a $10,000 sign-on bonus with a 2 year service commitment. Bonuses are paid out in increments within the first 6 months 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
Requirements
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
