Director of Nursing (DON)

Job DetailsLevel: SeniorJob Location: MAIN OFFICE - TORRINGTON, CT 06790Position Type: Full TimeTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: 1st ShiftDirector of Nursing Services Lead with clinical expertise. Build a strong nursing team. Make a meaningful difference. The Arc of Litchfield County (LARC) is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and collaborative Director of Nursing Services to lead nursing and medical services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is an opportunity to step away from the demands of traditional bedside nursing and use your clinical expertise to make a broader impact. You’ll lead and develop our nursing team, strengthen clinical practices, and help the people we support live healthy, safe, self-directed, and fulfilling lives in their communities. Position: Director of Nursing Services Status: Full-time, exempt Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; no regularly scheduled weekends or holidays Location: Litchfield County, Connecticut   Why You’ll Love Working at LARC Leadership-focused nursing: Make an organization-wide impact without carrying a routine direct-care assignment Four weeks of vacation in your first year PLUS twelve paid holidays Work-life balance: Predictable Monday–Friday schedule with no regularly scheduled weekends or holidays Affordable, comprehensive healthcare: Employee plans starting as low as $15.19 per week Professional growth: Paid training and development opportunities Meaningful relationships: Remain connected to the people we support and the staff who serve them Inclusive culture: Join a compassionate team grounded in respect, dignity, and belonging What You’ll Do As Director of Nursing Services, you will provide clinical leadership and oversight across LARC’s programs. You will: Lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate LARC’s nursing team Coordinate nursing and medical services for the individuals we support Establish standards of care and continuously evaluate the quality and outcomes of nursing services Develop and implement clinical policies, procedures, goals, and practices that promote safe, consistent, person-centered care Provide clinical guidance and problem-solving support to nursing, program, and direct-support staff Recruit, onboard, train, and support nursing staff Oversee medication-administration recertification and required health-related training Conduct audits of clinical documentation, medical records, licenses, certifications, and other compliance requirements Ensure compliance with applicable DDS, DPH, DSS, ICF, and LARC standards Serve as a clinical resource during significant medical concerns, hospitalizations, admissions, and transitions back home Collaborate with physicians, consultants, behavioral and psychiatric providers, program leaders, and community healthcare partners Participate in interdisciplinary planning, reviews, and intake and referral processes Represent LARC at DDS Nurse Consultant meetings and stay current on relevant regulations, standards, and nursing practices This is primarily a leadership and clinical-oversight position. Although you will not carry a routine direct-care assignment, you will remain an accessible clinical resource and may provide hands-on guidance when circumstances require it. QualificationsWhat You’ll Bring Required Current Connecticut Registered Nurse license in good standing Associate degree in Nursing At least three years of full-time nursing supervisory experience Demonstrated ability to lead, teach, coach, and develop others Strong clinical judgment, critical-thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining quality and attention to detail Valid Connecticut driver’s license in good standing Ability to travel among LARC programs and residential locations and respond flexibly when unusual circumstances arise Preferred Bachelor of Science in Nursing Experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Knowledge of Connecticut DDS, DSS, DPH, and ICF regulations and procedures Experience with Therap or similar healthcare documentation systems   Who Will Thrive Here? You may be a great fit if you: See the whole person—not simply a diagnosis Enjoy mentoring nurses and frontline professionals Balance compassion with accountability Exercise sound judgment and confidence when making clinical decisions Build productive relationships with individuals, families, staff, physicians, and community partners Look for opportunities to improve systems instead of simply working around them Can translate regulations and clinical expectations into clear, practical guidance Value dignity, independence, choice, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Make an Impact Beyond the Bedside At LARC, we believe people with disabilities should have the support and opportunity to direct their own lives, participate in their communities, and pursue goals that matter to them. As Director of Nursing Services, you won’t simply oversee healthcare. You’ll help create an environment where health, safety, dignity, independence, and quality of life go hand in hand. Bring your nursing expertise to a role offering greater balance, broader influence, and meaningful impact. Apply today and help LARC build a Community for All. LARC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment substance-use testing is required.