POSITION SUMMARY  

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the nursing assessment plan and overseeing the medical and/or psychiatric management of program Participants. The DON works closely with the Medical Director and Physician Assistants (PAs) who provide care to program Participants. This position also provides input in the development and implementation of the Participant Master Treatment Plan. The DON functions under the guidance of their State Licensure within the organization in accordance with State and Federal regulations. The DON will assist in the development of staff training and resources to provide best practices and evidence-based treatment to our participants. The DON is responsible for providing supervision, direction and feedback to all nursing & medication tech staff that oversees the medical care of participants and will be responsible for performance improvement activities. The DON will participate in activities during and in preparation for all accreditation, licensing, or other audits and surveys. The DON must have an understanding of poly substance abuse, insurance documentation, and utilization review management. As well as maintaining an active current state license and have in-depth knowledge of the residential concept of substance abuse treatment programs.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Accountable and responsible for administering treatment for and overseeing participants medical needs and ensuring they receive quality care in a safe and compassionate environment.
• Oversight of the Detox level of care in a substance-use disorder treatment setting.
• Collaborates with the Medical Director and PAs ensuring workflows and standing orders are adequately adhered to.
• Accountable for the overall operations of the nursing department, including the development of nursing policies and procedures, and monitoring the self-administration of medications process.
• Ensures clear and accurate documentation of significant medical events.
• Ensures CARF and Industry standards are met by the nursing department and supports quality improvement initiatives.
• May facilitate participant lectures on health-related topics.
• Maintains and ensures that a clear understanding of DHCS standards in relation to medication storage and destruction and other medical requirements in a substance-use disorder treatment setting are followed and complied with at all times.
• Accountable for the overall operations of the nursing department, including the development of nursing policies and procedures, department goals, and leading and mentoring the nursing staff, exhibiting the highest standards of professional conduct, and staying up to date on current trends and best practices.
• Accountable for monitoring the budget and spending of medical needs and supplies, ensuring the department runs efficiently and effectively.
• Knowledge and ability to use EHR and other research and diagnosis software. 
• Knowledge and general understanding of the process for quality metrics, incident reporting, and investigations of participant complaints.
• Ensure adequate oversight and design of nursing schedules and coverage for all organization shifts.
• Responsible for conducting regular performance reviews of nursing staff and addressing any issues that arise.
• Other duties as assigned. 

COMPETENCIES

• Strong clinical/medical skills and excellent multitasking, organization, and attention to details skills.
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines as well as be flexible and dependable.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills.
• Principles and processes for providing Participants services. This includes Participants needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of Participants satisfaction.
• Structure and content of the English language including meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of DHCS, Accreditation, and Drug Medi-Cal standards of care.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent interpersonal communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills.
• Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work.
• Being aware of others' reactions, understanding why they react as they do, and adjusting one’s own actions in relation to others.
• Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
• Promote a positive response to change, with clients as well as other staff members.

ABILITIES

• Ability to lead and develop personnel.
• Ability to use popular software, including Electronic health records, databases, and research and ICD diagnosis software.
• Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through verbal and written words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas verbally and written so others will understand.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions, including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events.
• Ability to identify/recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and know who to involve for resolution.
• Ability to generate various ideas about a given topic.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Must have acquired the required state licensure, at minimum an LVN, preferred RN.
• RN must have a minimum of four (4) years’ experience in the medical field, preferably in behavioral health.       
• LVN must have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a substance-use disorder treatment setting.
• Minimum of 3 years’ management experience.
• Must have working knowledge of evidence-based practices, and experience leading and managing teams.

RN Pay Range: $89,440 to $120,640                     LVN Pay Range: $68,640 to $99,840

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• LVN Degree in lieu of a bachelor's degree or nursing license/certificate and nursing experience in a residential substance-use setting may be considered.  
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• DMV License.