Nurse Team Leader - WIC/CSU

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!

Centerstone, a trauma-informed organization, endorses an organizational culture built on understanding, recognizing and responding to those affected by trauma to strengthen resilience for our clients, staff and community. Come talk to us about joining the Centerstone team!

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Nurse Team Leader for the Walk-In Center/Crisis Stabilization Unit (WIC/CSU) provides on-shift leadership, clinical supervision, and coordination of patient care in a fast-paced behavioral health environment. This position ensures the consistent delivery of safe, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused care to individuals experiencing psychiatric crises. In addition to clinical leadership, the Nurse Team Lead is responsible for maintaining and updating unit policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Oversee all nursing operations to ensure effective patient flow and quality of care.

- Oversee nurse scheduling, staffing adjustments, and daily operational planning (including coverage of unexpected absences and staffing changes across all shifts).

- Supervise and support nursing staff, providing clinical guidance and direction.
- Conduct nursing assessments, administer medications, and provide direct care as needed.
- Delegate and monitor care assignments to ensure safe staff-to-patient ratios and appropriate skill mix.
- Serve as the primary contact for clinical issues, staff concerns, and coordination with the interdisciplinary team.

- Ensure adherence to crisis stabilization protocols and individualized treatment plans.
- Promote and maintain a therapeutic environment that supports safety, de-escalation, and patient stabilization.
- Respond promptly and effectively to psychiatric or medical emergencies, following established crisis intervention procedures.
- Monitor patient acuity levels, safety checks, and milieu management.
- Document all assessments, interventions, and incidents accurately and in accordance with facility policy.

- Maintain, review, and update nursing policies and procedures to align with best practices, clinical standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with leadership to ensure staff are informed and trained on policy changes and new procedures.
- Conduct periodic audits to verify policy adherence and identify areas for improvement.
- Assist in preparing for surveys and audits by state or accrediting agencies (e.g., CARF).
- Lead or participate in shift handoffs, team meetings, and case reviews.
- Support staff orientation, mentoring, and continuing education initiatives.
- Promote teamwork, professional conduct, and a positive unit culture.

- Ensure compliance with documentation standards, medication administration, and infection control practices.
- Maintain awareness of regulatory updates, safety requirements, and nursing practice standards.
- Participate in performance improvement activities and data tracking for quality initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Effectively communicate via written, verbal, in person and virtual methods.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills in high-acuity, fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency in psychiatric nursing principles, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, policy development, and documentation standards.
• Excellent problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Commitment to ethical, patient-centered care and staff development.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level              

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (BSN required).
 

Years of Experience       

Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in behavioral health, psychiatric, or crisis stabilization settings. Prior charge nurse or supervisory experience preferred.
 

Certification/Licensure 

Basic Life Support (BLS) required. Therapeutic Options required (or within 90 days of hire). Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Standing – 20%

Sitting – 80%

Squatting – Occasional

Kneeling – Occasional

Bending – Occasional