DIRECTOR OF NURSING

Director of Nursing – Department of Juvenile Justice Job Description

The Director of Nursing at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is responsible for leading all nursing operations, ensuring high-quality, safe, and compliant care for youth in DJJ facilities, while managing staff, budgets, and clinical standards.

Core Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight: Direct and supervise all nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, and contract nurses, ensuring adherence to professional standards and DJJ policies Department of Juvenile Justice+1.

Clinical Care Management: Oversee delivery of medical services such as daily health screenings, chronic care management, emergency response, mental health nursing care, immunizations, and access to specialized medical services Department of Juvenile Justice.

Policy & Compliance: Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies in compliance with state regulations, federal laws, and healthcare standards Indeed.

Quality & Safety: Monitor patient outcomes, ensure safe care practices, and maintain confidentiality of youth medical records Indeed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Communicate with physicians, behavioral health providers, and other agency staff to coordinate youth care plans Department of Juvenile Justice.

Budget & Resources: Manage nursing department budgets, staffing levels, and procurement of medical supplies and equipment Indeed.

Training & Development: Provide ongoing education and professional development for nursing staff Indeed.

Qualifications

Licensure

Current Florida Registered Nurse (RN) license; advanced practice or other nursing credentials as required Department of Juvenile Justice.

Experience

Proven experience in correctional or public health nursing; at least one year of clinical experience preferred Department of Juvenile Justice.

Skills

Crisis intervention, medical emergencies, physical and psychiatric assessments, chronic care planning, and health education Department of Juvenile Justice.

Knowledge: Understanding of juvenile justice systems, youth development, and healthcare delivery in secure settings Department of Juvenile Justice.

Reporting & Work Environment

Reports to the DJJ Director of Nursing or designated executive leadership Indeed.

Works in youth detention centers, youth development campuses, and other DJJ facilities statewide Department of Juvenile Justice.

May require on-call availability for emergencies and 24-hour medical coverage in certain facilities Department of Juvenile Justice.

Key Performance Areas

• Maintaining high-quality, safe, and compassionate care for youth in custody.
• Ensuring compliance with DJJ’s mission to provide effective prevention, intervention, and treatment services State of Florida Careers - People First.
• Achieving measurable improvements in youth health outcomes and operational efficiency.

In summary: The DJJ Director of Nursing role blends clinical leadership, operational management, and youth-focused care, ensuring that all nursing services meet the highest standards while supporting the agency’s mission to improve public safety and youth rehabilitation Department of Juvenile Justice+2.