Job Title: Director of Nursing - Behavioral Health
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Program: Youth Inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility
Schedule may be adjusted based on program and operational needs.
About the Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Director of Nursing - Behavioral Health to lead nursing operations within a youth inpatient psychiatric health facility in Bakersfield, CA.
This is an excellent opportunity for a nursing leader who is passionate about behavioral health, patient care, team development, and creating a safe, supportive environment for young people receiving psychiatric treatment.
As Director of Nursing, you will provide clinical leadership, oversee nursing staff and patient-care delivery, ensure compliance with applicable standards, and collaborate with the broader clinical and administrative teams to support high-quality outcomes.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Compensation
- $10,000 sign-on bonus, paid in three installments:
- $2,500 within the first 90 days
- $5,000 upon completion of one year
- Relocation expense reimbursement may be available.
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Additional voluntary benefits
- Generous vacation and holiday time off
Professional Growth
- Access to paid CEU opportunities
- BBS supervision hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals, where applicable
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and direction for nursing services within the youth inpatient behavioral health program.
- Oversee, supervise, and support RNs and nursing staff in delivering safe, high-quality patient care.
- Ensure nursing practices comply with applicable clinical, regulatory, and organizational standards.
- Partner with physicians, therapists, social workers, and other clinical leaders to coordinate patient care.
- Support staff development, training, performance management, and ongoing competency.
- Monitor nursing operations, quality of care, documentation, and patient safety.
- Help maintain a therapeutic and safe environment for youth receiving psychiatric treatment.
- Participate in program planning, quality improvement initiatives, and operational decision-making.
Licensure & Certifications
- Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in California.
- Valid CPR and Pro-ACT certifications. Both certifications must be obtained within 30 days of employment.
- Valid California Driver's License and ability to meet agency driver eligibility requirements.
Education & Nursing Administration Experience:
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing is required. Required nursing administration experience is based on your highest level of education:
- Associate Degree: Minimum of 4 years of nursing administration experience
- Bachelor's Degree: Minimum of 2 years of nursing administration experience
- Master's Degree: Minimum of 1 year of nursing administration experience
Behavioral Health & Supervisory Experience
Candidates must also have:
- At least 1 year of psychiatric nursing supervisory experience within the past 6 years.
- At least 1 year of experience managing and supervising RNs providing patient care in a behavioral health setting within the past 6 years.
- Previous experience as a Director of Nursing in an acute psychiatric or skilled nursing setting is preferred.