Director of Nursing - Behavioral Health
Listed compensation
$120K - $135K
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about nights and shift pattern and time off.
Job Description
Partner with us in making a positive change! Join a team where your work truly matters. We're proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work for 8 years by our own employees. We invite you to partner with us in our mission to improve mental healthcare.
Job Title: Director of Nursing - Behavioral Health Division/Program: (Youth Inpatient) Psychiatric Health Facility Starting Compensation: 120000 - 135000 USD Per Year Working Location: Bakersfield, CA Working Hours/Shift: Schedule will include, 4 weekdays and 1 weekend day, with core hours from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Scheduling may be adjusted as needed to support program operations.
Why Join Our Team? Competitive Compensation: Offering a salary that matches your skills and experience. Generous Time Off: Enjoy ample vacation and holiday pay. Comprehensive
Benefits
Package: Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional voluntary benefits to support your lifestyle. Professional Growth Opportunities: On-the-job training with access to paid CEU opportunities. Career development programs designed to help you grow.
Supervision for BBS hours for AMFT, ACSW, and APCC professionals (where applicable).
Employee Recognition & Rewards: A culture that celebrates and rewards your hard work and dedication This position includes a $10,000 sign-on bonus, distributed in three installments: $2,500 within the first 90 days of employment $2,500 after six months of employment $5,000 upon completion of one year of employment *This position is eligible for a relocation stipend.
What you bring to SBHG: Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing required. Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s Degree, or Master’s Degree in nursing preferred. Associate’s degree: Four (4) years in nursing administration required. Bachelor’s degree: Two (2) years in nursing administration required.
Master’s degree: One (1) year in nursing administration required. Prior experience as Director of Nursing in acute psychiatric setting/skilled preferred. Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California required. Valid CPR certification required within 30 days of hire.
Valid Pro-ACT certification required within 30 days of hire. Valid California Driver’s License required and must meet Agency driver eligibility criteria.
How you will make a difference: Hires, trains, and supervises nursing staff and provides direction to other program staff as needed Supervises the direct nursing care provided by all nursing staff, ensuring alignment with Director of Nursing standards and expectations.
Develops and maintains service objectives, standards of nursing practice, nursing policy and procedure manuals, and written job descriptions for all nursing personnel as part of the Director of Nursing leadership scope.
Oversees physical healthcare services provided by primary care physicians and emergency services provided through local hospitals, fulfilling key Director of Nursing responsibilities. Provides nursing care as described in the Registered Nurse job description, as needed to supplement nursing staffing and services.
In collaboration with the Clinical Director, ensures that the YPHF is in compliance with all Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to nursing care and treatment, clinical mental health services, and Patient’s Rights.
Ensures accurate, complete, and appropriate nursing care plans and other nursing documentation are generated and maintained in a timely manner in the medical record.
Coordinates and is responsible for monthly licensed nursing meetings; attends and participates in Organized Clinical Meeting, Clinical Department Head, and Department Head Meetings.
Participates in the On Call Rotation and may provide coverage for direct care shifts and other shifts within their licensure/certification.
Division/Program Overview: 24/7 inpatient involuntary high acute psychiatric program 16-bed facility for acute youth (ages 5-17) Intensive treatment programs with individualized care plans Available for contracting Central Valley counties Moves clients through five phases: admission; engagement; learning; stabilization and linkage to resources and aftercare Learn more about SBHG at: https://www.starsinc.com/stars-inc/ For Additional Information: CencalJobs@Starsinc.com We are committed to providing a career-enhancing environment for dedicated professionals desiring to improve the lives of people living with mental health and other challenges to their well-being.
SBHG currently employs approximately 1,900 people at more than 45 different sites throughout California. We serve more than 30,000 adults, children, youth and families annually throughout the state.
We strongly value and are committed to having a truly diverse workforce and environment- including LGBTQ, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in our workforce.
Key Responsibilities
The Director of Nursing oversees nursing staff, ensures compliance with clinical regulations, and manages nursing practice standards within a youth inpatient psychiatric facility. They also provide direct nursing care as needed and coordinate clinical meetings to maintain high-quality patient treatment.
Requirements
Candidates must be a Registered Nurse (RN) in California with experience in nursing administration, with the specific years required depending on their degree level. Additional requirements include valid CPR and Pro-ACT certifications and a valid California driver's license.
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Key Skills
Behavioral Health — Registered Nurse Career Context
Of the 47 active Nursing Leadership listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 57% have no call, 77% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$128k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $115k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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