DIRECTOR OF NURSING & CLINICAL SERVICES
Job Description
Job Description
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.
Values
Innovation – We encourage creativity and innovation because we believe that by striving for more efficient and effective ways of doing things, we can achieve exceptional results. Our drive for success is shared by all. Our organization focuses on solutions and refuses to maintain the status quo. We challenge our team to be ahead of industry trends as we strive to lead and not follow.
Collaboration – We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. This belief is central to every part of our business, both internally and externally, and strengthens our community.
Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and for delivering on our commitments. We believe that by being transparent and accountable, we build trust and maintain the respect of our stakeholders.
Respect – We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We value inclusivity and believe that by upholding a culture of respect, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment. We treat others as we would want to be treated.
Empathy – We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions. We seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to meet them with kindness and compassion.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Home of Guiding Hands is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
About HGH
Home of Guiding Hands is a non-profit organization that was established in 1967 by a small group of dedicated and ambitious community members. The Mission of HGH is "to improve the lives of those we serve". We support children and adults in San Diego and Imperial Counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. We provide a full continuum of care including residential care in specialized group homes, independent living support, respite care, and adult foster home services. Additionally, we provide early childhood assessments and services, tailored day support, Life Planning workshops, county-wide transportation services, and on-site activities at our resource center.
To see all our available career opportunities please visit: https://www.guidinghands.org/careers/