Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing (DON) is a critical leader responsible for overseeing all nursing and clinical support operations within Ava Health's behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) programs. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care across all levels of service, including residential and outpatient programs. The DON provides strategic leadership, clinical supervision, and operational oversight to the nursing department, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards, organizational goals, and client-focused care. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Nursing collaborates across departments to drive excellence, improve outcomes, and promote a culture of safety, respect, and innovation.

Essential Responsibilities

Nursing Leadership and Oversight

• Direct and oversee all nursing operations, ensuring the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based care for clients with mental health and SUD needs.
• Supervise and mentor nursing staff, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and other clinical support personnel.
• Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and protocols that align with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Lead efforts to recruit, train, and retain skilled nursing professionals, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Clinical Operations Management

• Collaborate with the Medical Director and clinical leadership to ensure integration and continuity of care across all programs.
• Monitor nursing staff performance, conducting regular evaluations and addressing any performance or compliance issues.
• Oversee medication management protocols, including administration, storage, and disposal, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Ensure effective infection control practices and adherence to safety protocols in all clinical settings.

Program Development and Quality Improvement

• Participate in the design and implementation of new programs and services, with a focus on enhancing client outcomes.
• Develop and monitor quality assurance (QA) and continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives within the nursing department.
• Analyze data on client outcomes, staff performance, and program effectiveness to inform decision-making and drive improvements.
• Implement training programs to enhance nursing competencies and ensure ongoing professional development.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and accreditation standards (e.g., CARF, Joint Commission).
• Lead nursing audits and prepare for inspections by regulatory bodies.
• Address and mitigate risks related to client care, medication administration, and infection control.
• Maintain documentation and records in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational development.
• Act as a liaison between nursing staff and other departments, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Represent the nursing department in internal and external meetings, including community partnerships and professional forums.
• Advocate for client-centered care and nursing excellence within the organization.

Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master's degree in Nursing (MSN), Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Current RN license in the state of Colorado, in good standing.
• Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMHN) or Addiction Nursing preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of nursing experience in behavioral health and/or substance use disorder settings.
• At least 3 years of leadership or management experience in a clinical setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing nursing programs and quality improvement initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in managing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and data analysis.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Nursing staff retention and satisfaction rates.
• Compliance with medication management and infection control protocols.
• Client satisfaction and treatment outcomes.
• Performance on internal and external audits.
• Achievement of strategic goals for program growth and quality improvement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to travel between Ava Health locations and attend external meetings as required.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours to address program needs.
• Work environment includes standard office, clinical, and residential settings, with adherence to infection control protocols.

Additional Requirements

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining licensure and certifications.
• If in recovery, a minimum of 2 years of sobriety is required.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Spanish is a plus.