Nursing Director

## Description

**About Health Solutions West**

Health Solutions West is the Western Slope’s largest behavioral health provider, serving more than 23,000 square miles across 10 counties. Our mission is rooted in accountability, compassion, partnership, and outcome-driven practice as we expand access to behavioral health and substance use treatment for our region.

We are looking for a Director of Nursing who brings strong clinical leadership, operational steadiness, and a genuine commitment to the behavioral health and SUD community. This is a key leadership role that requires clarity, consistency, and the ability to build and support a professional nursing culture.

**This is an On-Site Position Only, and is not able to work remotely.**

**Location:** Grand Junction

**Position:** Nursing Director

**Role Overview**

The Director of Nursing provides leadership and oversight for all nursing operations across outpatient psychiatric services, withdrawal management and residential programs. This position ensures the delivery of safe, consistent, trauma-informed, and clinically sound care by both licensed and unlicensed nursing staff.

The role supports system development, workflow improvement, regulatory alignment, and operational reliability, while reinforcing a nursing culture grounded in accountability, compassion, professionalism, and teamwork.

This position reports to the SVP of Psychiatric Services.

**Position Qualifications**

**Required**

• Registered Nurse, licensed in Colorado
• Minimum 2 years of nursing leadership **or** MSN with 3 years of clinical nursing experience
• Strong grounding in nursing practice, clinical judgment, and team leadership
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and maintain program stability
• ANCB certification required within 2 years

**Preferred**

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Leadership experience in substance use disorder (SUD), residential programs, or behavioral health
• Experience with trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and integrated health models

• **Key Responsibilities**
• **1. Leadership & Clinical Oversight**

• Provide direct leadership for RNs, LPNs, MAs, and EMTs across SUD programs and outpatient psychiatric services.
• Set and maintain clear expectations, performance standards, and clinical workflows.
• Ensure nursing practice aligns with regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and clinical best practices.
• Serve as a consultative clinical leader for complex cases and high-acuity concerns.
• Oversee safe and timely intake/admission processes.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, emotional steadiness, and consistent follow-through.

**2. System & Program Development**

• Participate in program strategy, workflow design, and operational improvement activities.
• Identify system gaps and work collaboratively to implement process improvements.
• Ensure nursing practices are aligned with quality metrics, risk management processes, and organizational goals.
• Support readiness for licensure reviews, audits, and external regulatory assessments.
• Contribute to the development of training, protocols, and standardized procedures that strengthen quality and safety.

**3. Workforce Management**

• Lead hiring, onboarding, scheduling, competency evaluation, and performance management of nursing staff.
• Build a reliable, cohesive nursing team grounded in professionalism, accountability, and compassion.
• Identify workforce needs and advocate for sustainable staffing models.
• Support nurse development, mentorship, and continuing education opportunities.
• Address performance concerns with clarity, fairness, and consistency.

**4. Quality, Safety & Compliance**

• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant nursing documentation.
• Promote and model trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and de-escalation practices.
• Oversee medication processes, including storage, documentation, and auditing requirements.
• Participate in incident review, trend analysis, and corrective action planning in collaboration with Risk Management.
• Maintain infection control practices and contribute to surveillance, reporting, and prevention efforts.
• Conduct regular rounds to assess unit functioning, staff performance, and client safety.
• Support a safe environment for clients and staff, with attention to acuity, risk, and crisis response.

**5. Direct Support & Collaboration**

• Work closely with the Medical Director, behavioral health clinicians, and residential leadership to ensure coordinated and integrated care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings to review client needs, reassess plans, and coordinate services.
• Provide hands-on support during high-acuity periods or staffing shortages when clinically necessary.
• Maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external partners, including hospitals and community agencies.

**Knowledge, Skills & Abilities**

• CPR/BLS or ability to obtain
• Ability to obtain verbal de-escalation certification (provided by employer)
• Strong assessment skills for individuals experiencing mental health or substance use symptoms
• Ability to quickly build rapport while maintaining professional boundaries
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage independent judgment, initiative, and competing demands
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and EHR systems
• Ability to supervise, assign, and direct nursing work effectively and consistently

**Working Conditions**

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and computer work
• Travel between HSW sites as needed
• Exposure to high-stress situations involving individuals in crisis or intoxication
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases
• Reasonable accommodations can be provided

***Must already be authorized to work in the US; sponsorships not available***.