Job Summary

The Director of Nursing & Clinical Services provides strategic leadership, management, and oversight of all clinical services supporting individuals served within Residential Programs. This position is responsible for ensuring high-quality, person-centered healthcare and behavioral support services while developing the systems, standards, and accountability structures necessary to achieve positive health outcomes, regulatory compliance, and service excellence.

The Director oversees nursing services, behavioral services, and clinical consultants, including psychologists, psychiatrists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), dietitians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, pharmacists, and other contracted clinical providers. The Director serves as the organization's primary clinical leader, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring effective integration of medical, behavioral, and therapeutic services.

This role supports Residential Operations, and partners closely with Quality Assurance, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership to strengthen clinical systems, improve communication, enhance staff competency, and drive continuous quality improvement across all residential programs.

Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Leadership and Department Management

• Lead and manage the Clinical Services Department, including nursing staff, behavioral services personnel, and clinical consultants.
• Oversee clinical training, competency development, and professional growth of nursing and clinical staff.
• Collaborate with organizational training resources to ensure staff maintain required clinical knowledge and skills.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, accountability measures, and quality standards.
• Participate in Residential Leadership Team meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
• Foster collaboration among Clinical Services, Residential Operations, Quality Assurance, and external providers.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and support coordinated planning for individuals with complex medical or behavioral needs.
• Serve as a resource to staff, families, conservators, and community partners regarding clinical matters.

Clinical & Behavioral Services

• Ensure effective coordination of medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, therapy, and specialty care services.
• Develop and maintain systems related to healthcare planning, appointments, medication management, hospitalizations, behavioral supports, and clinical documentation.
• Provide consultation and support regarding complex medical, behavioral, and interdisciplinary situations.
• Establish performance expectations, communication standards, documentation requirements, and accountability measures.
• Ensure consultant recommendations are effectively implemented and integrated into service delivery.
• Monitor service effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

Systems, Quality, & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve clinical systems, workflows, policies, and procedures.
• Monitor clinical outcomes, incident trends, and quality indicators.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives that strengthen accountability, consistency, compliance, and service outcomes.
• Utilize data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Quality Assurance and Residential Operations to ensure compliance with applicable healthcare, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Support audits, licensing reviews, surveys, and corrective action processes.
• Monitor clinical risks and implement strategies that promote safety, quality, and continuity of care.

Knowledge, Skills, and Education

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of California
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 5+ years of nursing experience, preferably in IDD or community-based healthcare settings
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, psychiatric/mental health, residential or complex support needs strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare, clinical services, behavioral health, or human services, including responsibility for staff supervision, program oversight, performance management, and operational improvement
• Experience supervising, coordinating, or evaluating the work of clinical consultants, contracted providers, or interdisciplinary healthcare professionals preferred
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations and compliance requirements, including Medi-Cal/DHCS funded programs, Title 22 and 42, HIPAA standards, and interdisciplinary systems of care
• Demonstrated ability to establish performance expectations, hold staff and consultants accountable, and address performance concerns effectively
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing systems, workflows, and accountability structures that improve service quality, compliance, and operational effectiveness
• Demonstrated experience utilizing data, performance metrics, and quality indicators to drive operational and clinical improvements
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and influence outcomes across departments and professional disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, build staff engagement, and implement new processes and expectations
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English
• Must possess a valid California driver's license, proof of insurance, and reliable personal transportation
• Must pass a pre-employment screening/TB test and annual updates thereafter
• Must clear Live Scan (DHS/DSS) background requirements
• Must be approved as a driver through HGH insurance carrier
• Must be available as part of an on-call rotation for escalated situations
• Must comply with all mandated reporter requirements, including the immediate reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation in accordance with applicable federal and California state laws and Home of Guiding Hands policies

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

This job operates in a caregiving environment. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to engage in: walking, sitting, standing, reaching, carrying, lifting, bending, twisting, stooping, and kneeling. The employee may frequently move to interact with fellow employees and/or clients. Additionally, the individual may be required to assist with lifting, moving, and transferring residents to/from beds, chairs, and wheelchairs. This person may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, viruses, and/or infections.