Director of Nursing (Adolescent/Specialty Populations)

The Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the Adolescent Continuing Care Units (ACCU). In this essential role, you will shape nursing practice and professional development, focusing on adolescent and specialty populations. Your leadership will be central to implementing evidence-based practices while maintaining strict compliance with Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH), Joint Commission, and CMS standards. With a commitment to a Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Oriented approach, you will play a key role in reducing the use of seclusion and restraint, ensuring compassionate, high-quality care.

Collaborating closely with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), you will drive recruitment and staffing efforts, addressing workforce development and labor-related challenges in line with Bargaining Unit contracts. Your guidance will be critical during acute patient care events, providing staff with the necessary support and debriefing. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to make a lasting impact on both patient care and nursing team development within a leading mental health facility.

"Salary may be adjusted above the range for qualified applicants"

Please Note (requirements): This position requires the selected candidate to be a Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Oversee the administration and management of the Adolescent/Specialty nursing practice, setting and monitoring professional standards.
• Supervise and evaluate nursing staff, ensuring professional implementation of nursing practice at all levels.
• Collaborate with department heads, coordinating efforts with DMH Adolescent Services and Department of Secondary Education, Department of Youth Services, and Department of Children & Families.
• Coordinate with key committees and medical management structures, including pharmacy & therapeutics, medical records, infection control, Quality Management Patient Care Assessment, Environment of Care, and other required hospital committees.
• Manage staff to ensure patient safety and direct overtime effectively.
• Lead recruitment efforts for nursing in conjunction with CNO, maintaining adequate staffing levels.
• Address workforce development and labor-related issues in collaboration with the CNO, interfacing with EOHHS human resources for fair application of Bargaining Unit contracts.
• Provide oversight of acute patient care events, facilitating staff debriefing.
• Develop and recommend policies to ensure nursing practice meets Joint Commission, CMS, and DMH standards.
• Foster a Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed, Recovery-Oriented approach in care delivery, minimizing the use of seclusion and restraint.
• Implement evidence-based practices and maintain compliance with DMH, Joint Commission, and CMS standards.
• Partner with the CNO in protocol development, including hiring and conducting comprehensive performance evaluations for the Nursing Department.
• Contribute to staff development through engagement in ongoing educational initiatives and professional growth opportunities.                             

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in clinical nursing practice, particularly in specialized areas such as Adolescent/Specialty Populations and psychiatric settings.
• Ability to organize, manage and supervise others in the provision of quality patient care across several psychiatric patient care units.
• Proven track record of successful leadership in a healthcare s