About This Position
StarCare Specialty Health System (StarCare) is seeking a full-time Associate Director of Nursing to join its outstanding Inpatient Hospital team. The Associate Director of Nursing (ADON) collaborates closely with the Director of Nursing and Hospital Leadership Team to provide clinical and operational leadership for Sunrise Canyon Hospital, a 60-bed acute inpatient psychiatric facility. This role supports the oversight, coordination, and evaluation of nursing services and Mental Health Specialist (MHS) operations to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. Exercising a high level of independent judgment, the ADON is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring nursing and MHS services to support effective daily operations. In partnership with the MHS Manager, the ADON promotes appropriate staffing, professional development, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and performance improvement initiatives that advance organizational objectives and maintain Joint Commission accreditation standards. Serving as a key clinical and operational leader, the ADON provides guidance and support to nursing and clinical staff, assumes responsibility for nursing operations in the absence of the Director of Nursing, and fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed practice, and continuous quality improvement throughout the organization.
Responsibilities:
Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and oversight of Nursing and Mental Health Specialist (MHS) operations, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care services.
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented environment that promotes effective communication and partnership among internal departments and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with the Nurse Practice Act, Joint Commission standards, federal and state regulations, and all hospital policies and procedures.
Monitor, assess, intervene, and evaluate all aspects of patient care to promote positive clinical outcomes and patient safety.
Demonstrate effective leadership through supervision, coaching, mentoring, and professional development of direct reports.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee recognition initiatives to support staff engagement and retention.
Support and participate in key organizational and clinical activities, including Peer Review, Quality Assurance audits, staff orientation and competency assessment, continuing education, incident and injury reporting, patient assessments, and medication management processes.
Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated, high-quality patient care and treatment planning.
Serve as an active member of hospital committees and workgroups as assigned.
Provide clinical and operational support to nursing staff as needed to ensure continuity of care and safe patient outcomes.
Serve as Administrator On-Call on a rotating basis in partnership with other members of the leadership team.
Promote a culture of accountability, quality, safety, regulatory compliance, recovery-oriented care, and continuous performance improvement throughout the organization.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours.
Ensure all required training and credentials are current and compliant with Center, federal, state, and local regulations, and in addition to StarCare policies and procedures.
Complete special projects and additional duties requiring similar skill and responsibility, as assigned.
Support and promote the mission, values, and goals of StarCare Specialty Health Systems through all supervisory and position activities.
Schedule:
This is a full-time, on-site position scheduled Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, with flexibility to meet the needs of the department. Participation in an on-call rotation is required.
Benefit Package:
StarCare offers Benefit eligible employees an expansive benefit package including but not limited to: Company-paid medical coverage, fully funded employer contribution to HSA, company-paid life insurance, company paid hospital indemnity plan, retirement plan with up to 12% employer match, front loaded paid time off (PTO), thirteen (13) paid holidays, sabbatical leave, longevity augmentations, and employee referral augmentations.
Qualifications:
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Minimum of one (1) year of leadership, administrative, or management experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years of direct patient care experience in an acute care hospital environment; inpatient behavioral health or psychiatric experience preferred.
Demonstrated supervisory or management experience overseeing services for individuals with psychiatric and behavioral health conditions.
Experience working in and leading teams within highly regulated healthcare environments, including compliance with standards established by organizations such as The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Proven ability to lead, implement, and sustain programmatic, operational, and performance improvement initiatives.
Strong leadership, communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and be insurable under the Center’s vehicle insurance.
Must pass all required pre-employment and annual screenings applicable to the position or services provided, as required by law, regulation, or agency policy, which may include criminal background, nursing registry, MVR, and drug screening based on applicable requirements.
Skills & Abilities:
Problem Solving: Ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions.
Communication: Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills to convey information clearly and professionally.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
Exhibiting Corporate Values: Demonstrates behaviors and decision-making aligned with the organization’s core values and mission.
Documentation: Proficient in accurately recording, organizing, and maintaining information in various formats.
Project and Outcome Management: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor tasks and projects to achieve desired outcomes within established timelines.
People Management: Ability to lead, support, and develop team members through effective supervision, coaching, and performance management.
WHY CHOOSE STARCARE?
Welcome to StarCare Specialty Health System, where your passion for making a difference thrives! At StarCare, we imagine a community where all people have hope and the opportunity to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing. Here's why you should choose StarCare:
Impactful Purpose: Contribute to meaningful change as the state-designated Local Authority for mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. Be a catalyst for positive empowerment.
Comprehensive Care: StarCare offers a broad array of specialty healthcare services that support and empower people as valued members of the community.
Collaborative Environment: StarCare is proud to work with a network of community stakeholders to ensure all people have access to the healthcare they need.
Professional Growth: StarCare offers many different opportunities for growth in the fields of mental health, substance use disorders, aging, intellectual & developmental disabilities, veterans, and healthcare administration. Come grow your career with us!
Legacy of Service: Since 1967, StarCare has provided hope and health to Lubbock, Hockley, Lynn, Crosby, and Cochran counties.
At StarCare Specialty Health System, your work is not a job. It's a fulfilling journey of providing hope and supporting and empowering people as valued members of the community. Ready to get started? We’ve been waiting for you!
EEO Statement: StarCare Specialty Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Responsibilities:
Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, and oversight of Nursing and Mental Health Specialist (MHS) operations, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care services.
Foster a collaborative, service-oriented environment that promotes effective communication and partnership among internal departments and external stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with the Nurse Practice Act, Joint Commission standards, federal and state regulations, and all hospital policies and procedures.
Monitor, assess, intervene, and evaluate all aspects of patient care to promote positive clinical outcomes and patient safety.
Demonstrate effective leadership through supervision, coaching, mentoring, and professional development of direct reports.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee recognition initiatives to support staff engagement and retention.
Support and participate in key organizational and clinical activities, including Peer Review, Quality Assurance audits, staff orientation and competency assessment, continuing education, incident and injury reporting, patient assessments, and medication management processes.
Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure coordinated, high-quality patient care and treatment planning.
Serve as an active member of hospital committees and workgroups as assigned.
Provide clinical and operational support to nursing staff as needed to ensure continuity of care and safe patient outcomes.
Serve as Administrator On-Call on a rotating basis in partnership with other members of the leadership team.
Promote a culture of accountability, quality, safety, regulatory compliance, recovery-oriented care, and continuous performance improvement throughout the organization.
Maintain regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours.
Ensure all required training and credentials are current and compliant with Center, federal, state, and local regulations, and in addition to StarCare policies and procedures.
Complete special projects and additional duties requiring similar skill and responsibility, as assigned.
Support and promote the mission, values, and goals of StarCare Specialty Health Systems through all supervisory and position activities.
Schedule:
This is a full-time, on-site position scheduled Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, with flexibility to meet the needs of the department. Participation in an on-call rotation is required.
Benefit Package:
StarCare offers Benefit eligible employees an expansive benefit package including but not limited to: Company-paid medical coverage, fully funded employer contribution to HSA, company-paid life insurance, company paid hospital indemnity plan, retirement plan with up to 12% employer match, front loaded paid time off (PTO), thirteen (13) paid holidays, sabbatical leave, longevity augmentations, and employee referral augmentations.
Qualifications:
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Minimum of one (1) year of leadership, administrative, or management experience in an inpatient psychiatric setting preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years of direct patient care experience in an acute care hospital environment; inpatient behavioral health or psychiatric experience preferred.
Demonstrated supervisory or management experience overseeing services for individuals with psychiatric and behavioral health conditions.
Experience working in and leading teams within highly regulated healthcare environments, including compliance with standards established by organizations such as The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Proven ability to lead, implement, and sustain programmatic, operational, and performance improvement initiatives.
Strong leadership, communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and be insurable under the Center’s vehicle insurance.
Must pass all required pre-employment and annual screenings applicable to the position or services provided, as required by law, regulation, or agency policy, which may include criminal background, nursing registry, MVR, and drug screening based on applicable requirements.
Skills & Abilities:
Problem Solving: Ability to analyze situations, identify challenges, and develop effective solutions.
Communication: Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills to convey information clearly and professionally.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with others across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.
Exhibiting Corporate Values: Demonstrates behaviors and decision-making aligned with the organization’s core values and mission.
Documentation: Proficient in accurately recording, organizing, and maintaining information in various formats.
Project and Outcome Management: Ability to plan, execute, and monitor tasks and projects to achieve desired outcomes within established timelines.
People Management: Ability to lead, support, and develop team members through effective supervision, coaching, and performance management.
WHY CHOOSE STARCARE?
Welcome to StarCare Specialty Health System, where your passion for making a difference thrives! At StarCare, we imagine a community where all people have hope and the opportunity to achieve their full potential for health and wellbeing. Here's why you should choose StarCare:
Impactful Purpose: Contribute to meaningful change as the state-designated Local Authority for mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders. Be a catalyst for positive empowerment.
Comprehensive Care: StarCare offers a broad array of specialty healthcare services that support and empower people as valued members of the community.
Collaborative Environment: StarCare is proud to work with a network of community stakeholders to ensure all people have access to the healthcare they need.
Professional Growth: StarCare offers many different opportunities for growth in the fields of mental health, substance use disorders, aging, intellectual & developmental disabilities, veterans, and healthcare administration. Come grow your career with us!
Legacy of Service: Since 1967, StarCare has provided hope and health to Lubbock, Hockley, Lynn, Crosby, and Cochran counties.
At StarCare Specialty Health System, your work is not a job. It's a fulfilling journey of providing hope and supporting and empowering people as valued members of the community. Ready to get started? We’ve been waiting for you!
EEO Statement: StarCare Specialty Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
