Director of Nursing - $10,000 Sign-on Bonus

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Job Title: Director of Nursing

Division/Program: (Youth Inpatient) Psychiatric Health Facility

Starting Compensation: 120,000 – 145,000/150,000 USD. Final salary offer will be based on experience

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 reimbursement of relocation expenses, including out-of-state applicants who are willing to relocate or are in the process of obtaining their CA license.

What you bring to SBHG

• Licensure & Certifications: Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California. Valid CPR and Pro-ACT certifications (both must be obtained within 30 days of employment).
• Education & Experience: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing is required. Your required nursing administration experience is determined by your highest degree:
  Associate’s degree: Minimum of four (4) years in nursing administration.
  Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum of two (2) years in nursing administration.
  Master’s Degree: Minimum of one (1) year in nursing administration.
• Specialized & Supervisory Experience: At least one (1) year of psychiatric nursing supervisory experience within the past six years. At least one (1) year of experience managing and supervising RNs delivering patient care in a behavioral health setting within the past six years. Prior experience as a Director of Nursing in an acute psychiatric or skilled nursing setting is preferred.
• Requirements: A valid California Driver’s License and the ability to meet agency driver eligibility criteria.

How you will make a difference

• The Director of Nursing has a primary responsibility for the overall leadership, administration, and coordination of nursing services within the program.
• This position oversees the recruitment, training, supervision, performance management, and development of nursing staff while ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.
• The role is responsible for maintaining nursing standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance; overseeing direct nursing care and healthcare services; collaborating with clinical leadership to support patient rights and treatment standards; and ensuring accurate, timely, and complete nursing documentation.

Division/Program Overview

Population Served (Capacity): Children/Youth (ages 5-17), dealing with acute psychiatric symptoms.

Facility & Setting: 16 bed facility, inpatient Psychiatric Health Facility.

Clinical Services (Core): Moves clients through five phases: admission; engagement; learning; stabilization and linkage to resources and aftercare.

Length of stay: Length of stay is typically up to 72 hours. Stay may be extended, if additional evaluation or treatment is needed.

Skills & Services: Intensive treatment programs with individualized care plans.

Learn more about SBHG at:

For Additional Information:

Join an organization dedicated to improving lives and supporting those facing mental health and behavioral challenges. At Stars Behavioral Health Group, we are seeking passionate professionals ready to make a lasting, positive impact on children, youth, families, and adults across California. As a leading statewide provider, SBHG brings together over 2,000 professionals across 70+ specialized programs and 60+ locations, delivering compassionate care to more than 40,000 individuals each year.

We are committed to diversity as we believe exceptional care begins with a diverse team. SBHG is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates LGBTQ+, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity across every level of our organization.