Nursing Director

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.