Director of Nursing (DON) - Behavioral Health

Pierce County, Washington
Telecare Corporation - Pierce County Evaluation & Treatment Center (E&T) #250
Full-Time, Salaried | 100% In-Person (No Remote/Hybrid)

Telecare is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to lead nursing services at our Pierce County Evaluation & Treatment Center (E&T) #250 in Washington.

Pierce County E&T is an inpatient behavioral health program serving adults experiencing acute psychiatric needs who require a secure, structured environment for evaluation, stabilization, treatment, and recovery support.

This is a fully onsite leadership position requiring a strong and visible presence within the program. The DON partners closely with the Administrator, Clinical Director, and multidisciplinary leadership team to ensure safe, high-quality, recovery-focused care.

The DON also participates in the Administrator-On-Call (AOC) rotation, sharing after-hours leadership responsibilities with other program leaders.

Compensation

Realistic starting salary: $153,000 - $169,000 annually, based on relevant experience above minimum qualifications and internal equity.

Full salary range: $136,906.57 - $201,333.04

Telecare applies geographic differentials to its pay ranges. The pay range assigned to this role will be based on the geographic location from which the role is performed. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements.

Schedule

• Full-Time, Salaried, 40 hours per week
• Primarily Monday-Friday, Day Shift
• 100% in-person, no remote or hybrid option
• Participation in the Administrator-On-Call (AOC) rotation
• Weekend, overnight, or additional onsite support may be required based on program needs

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience pathways:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with four (4) years of nursing experience, including two years of psychiatric nursing experience and two years of supervisory experience

OR

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or a related field with two years of psychiatric nursing experience and one year of supervisory experience

Additionally:

• At least one year of nursing supervision experience within the last five years
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of operation
• CPR, BLS through the American Heart Association, and CPI hands-on certification by start date
• Must successfully complete all post-offer requirements, including applicable physical examination, TB testing, and background screening
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and automobile insurance when driving is required for the position

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing provides leadership and oversight for all nursing services within the program. This role is responsible for nursing operations, staffing, clinical quality, regulatory compliance, medication management, infection control, and the ongoing development of the nursing team.

The DON works closely with program and regional leadership to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment while ensuring nursing practices support Telecare's recovery-focused model of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, organize, and oversee all nursing services and clinical nursing operations
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain a strong nursing team
• Establish and maintain nursing policies, procedures, standards, and performance expectations
• Oversee nursing staffing and workforce planning to support safe program operations
• Partner with interdisciplinary leadership on quality, safety, and operational initiatives
• Ensure compliance with applicable state, federal, and local regulatory requirements
• Oversee medication management, infection prevention, and nursing quality standards
• Maintain robust QA/QI processes focused on continuous improvement and member safety
• Manage departmental resources and budgets responsibly
• Participate in committees related to nursing practice, clinical operations, and safety
• Support crisis intervention and member care needs within the inpatient setting
• Participate in the Administrator-On-Call rotation, remaining reachable and responsive during assigned coverage
• Provide support to other Telecare programs when needed, which may include occasional travel

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a nursing leader who brings:

• Strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate nursing teams
• Excellent communication and interdisciplinary partnership skills
• Confidence operating in a fast-paced inpatient behavioral health environment
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and process-improvement capabilities
• Adaptability, accountability, and a visible leadership presence
• Commitment to recovery-focused, trauma-informed behavioral healthcare

Benefits

Telecare offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Nine paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Free CEUs and applicable BBS supervision
• Leadership development and mentorship opportunities
• Tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities

Learn more about Telecare benefits