Director of Nursing at Heritage Behavioral Health Center – Decatur, Illinois

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