Director of Behavioral Health (DON Behavioral Health)

About the Opportunity:

Lake Charles Memorial Health is seeking an experienced Director of Behavioral Health (Director of Nursing) to provide strategic and operational leadership across its Behavioral Health Service Line. This leadership role oversees Adult, Adolescent, and Geriatric Behavioral Health programs, ensuring exceptional patient care, regulatory compliance, staff development, and operational excellence.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned Behavioral Health Nursing Leader looking for a long-term leadership assignment with the potential to transition into a two-year engagement while receiving relocation benefits.

Position Summary:

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the 24-hour leadership, management, and accountability of the Behavioral Health Department. The Director serves as a key member of the hospital leadership team, driving departmental operations, quality initiatives, staff engagement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance while supporting the organization's mission and vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide operational and clinical leadership for Adult, Adolescent, and Geriatric Behavioral Health programs.
• Maintain 24-hour accountability for nursing operations, patient outcomes, staffing, and departmental performance.
• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and clinical standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on strategic planning, operational initiatives, and organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, Client, state, and hospital regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Evaluate staffing needs, ensure appropriate scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop nursing leadership and staff.
• Promote patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based nursing practice.
• Lead performance improvement initiatives and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
• Foster a positive work environment focused on teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
• Resolve operational issues while maintaining efficient patient care delivery.
• Participate in hospital committees, leadership meetings, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) License in Louisiana or Compact State.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred.
• Associate degree may be considered with extensive leadership experience.
• Minimum 3 years of leadership experience as a Charge Nurse, Unit Coordinator, Manager, or Director in an acute care hospital.
• Strong Behavioral Health leadership experience highly preferred.
• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications (as required by hospital policy).
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Computer proficiency with healthcare information systems.

Preferred Experience:

• Director-level Behavioral Health leadership experience.
• Experience overseeing multiple Behavioral Health populations.
• Budget management and financial oversight.
• Staff development, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Regulatory survey readiness and accreditation compliance.
• Quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Schedule:

• Monday – Friday
• 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• 40 Hours per Week

Contract Information:

• Tentative Start Date: August 24, 2026
• Initial Assignment: 13 Weeks
• Long-Term Opportunity: 2-Year Commitment Available
• Relocation Package: Available for candidates who commit to the full two-year assignment.

Compensation:

• Compensation is based on leadership experience and qualifications.
• Relocation assistance available for long-term commitment candidates.

Ideal Candidate:

We're seeking a highly experienced Behavioral Health Nursing Leader who:

• Has Director-level leadership experience.
• Can successfully oversee Adult, Adolescent, and Geriatric Behavioral Health services.
• Excels in staff leadership, operational management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
• Is passionate about improving patient outcomes while building a strong nursing culture.
• Is interested in a long-term leadership opportunity with relocation support.

If you're an experienced Behavioral Health nursing leader ready to make a significant impact, we'd love to hear from you.
 At Encode, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Our flexible work arrangements and emphasis on work-life balance ensure that our employees can achieve their professional goals while maintaining a healthy personal life. Additionally, we provide opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement, including professional development programs and access to cutting-edge technologies.

As a cleared facility, we have a particular need for individuals with active Secret or Top Secret clearances. Your expertise and security clearance would be invaluable in supporting our mission-critical projects and ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance.

We would love to discuss how your experience and skills align with our needs and explore potential opportunities with Encode. If you are interested in learning more, please reply to this email with your updated resume and a convenient time for a brief conversation.

Thank you for considering this opportunity. We look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to your professional journey.