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Job Description
DON Confidential Lakewood, CA Job Details Full-time $135,000•$155,000 a year 14 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Vision insurance 401(k) matching Pet insurance Qualifications Behavioral health hospital experience Clinical program budget management Nursing department supervision Inpatient experience Case assessment Psychiatry RN License Hospital quality control Payroll management Crisis intervention risk assessment Clinical audit and monitoring Hospital accreditation Budget planning Clinical performance metrics Working with individuals with psychotic disorders Staffing management Quality assurance experience within healthcare Psychiatric hospital experience
Full Job Description Title:
Director of Nursing (DON)•
Behavioral Health Status:
Full-Time, Exempt Reports To:
Executive Director/Administrator Pay Range:
$135k•155k annually
THE ROLE
You will lead with both heart and discipline. That means keeping every patient's clinical and behavioral outcomes at the center of decisions, staying ahead of state and federal psychiatric regulations, and creating a workplace where psychiatric nurses and mental health techs want to stay. Patients, families, and surveyors will see a well‑run clinical operation•and you will be the reason.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE FACILITY THE FOUNDATION
Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State . License in good standing with no active probation or substantiated violations. Graduate of an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred). Certification in Psychiatric‑Mental Health Nursing (RN‑BC)
THE JOURNEY
Minimum 3 years of nursing experience in a behavioral health, psychiatric, or mental health inpatient setting. Minimum 2 years as a Director of Nursing (or Assistant DON / Nurse Manager) in a behavioral health setting. Proven track record of improving clinical quality measures (reducing seclusion/restraint use, improving patient outcomes). Experience managing a nursing department budget, staffing, and payroll. Successfully led state, federal, or Joint Commission survey processes with minimal deficiencies.
THE CRAFT
Deep fluency in CMS Conditions of Participation , applicable state regulations , and Joint Commission standards for behavioral health. Strong understanding of psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention, and de‑escalation techniques. Ability to implement evidence‑based practices for mood disorders, substance use, and psychotic disorders.
Staff development:
train, mentor, and retain RNs, LPNs, and Mental Health Technicians. Proficiency with electronic health records and behavioral health documentation systems.
THE CHARACTER
Calm, authoritative presence during a behavioral crisis, survey, or regulatory audit. Treats all clinical and non‑clinical staff as equal partners in patient care. Handles family and patient concerns with empathy, sound judgment, and trauma‑informed communication. Passion for building a culture of safety, recovery, and respect for every patient and staff member.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Oversee all clinical departments: nursing, psychiatric services, medication management, and medical records. Lead and mentor unit managers, charge nurses, and mental health technicians. Manage state, federal, and Joint Commission surveys; implement Plans of Correction as needed. Collaborate with the CEO and Medical Director on budgets, staffing, and quality improvement initiatives. Monitor clinical metrics (seclusion/restraint rates, patient falls, medication errors, readmissions) and drive improvement. Ensure timely and accurate documentation for all psychiatric evaluations, treatment plans, and discharge summaries. Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with recovery‑oriented, trauma‑informed care. Coordinate with community providers, crisis teams, and case management for continuity of care.
BENEFITS & BEYOND
We offer a competitive package, including: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Pet insurance And much more (details provided upon offer)
WORK-LIFE SEPARATION
As the Director of Nursing in a behavioral health inpatient setting, you are the clinical leader and must be available to respond to urgent matters at any time. That is the nature of the role. At the same time, we believe in a healthy boundary between your personal pursuits and professional responsibilities. You will receive a dedicated work phone and laptop•so you never have to use your personal devices for work. When an issue arises, you use the work phone. When there is no active issue, you are not expected to monitor your personal devices for work. This separation allows you to be fully responsive when needed, without work bleeding into your personal space or privacy.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
The expected pay range for this role is as stated above. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
