Nurse Manager

Description

About Wellness Equity Alliance
Wellness Equity Alliance is a national multidisciplinary health organization that designs and delivers integrated, community-based care for populations most impacted by health inequities. We do this through mobile and field-based models, providing medical care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and care coordination in nontraditional settings such as encampments, schools, reentry sites, and rural communities, as well as with sovereign tribal nations. Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and data-driven practices, WEA combines clinical expertise, lived experience, and advanced population health analytics to reduce barriers to care, improve continuity, and strengthen local systems. We have partnered with more than 60 public agencies, managed care plans, and community-based organizations across the U.S. to implement scalable, sustainable programs that are advancing health equity and improving outcomes for historically marginalized populations.
We are known as Renegades, Rebels, Disruptors, and Dreamers. If that sounds like you, we want you on our team.
Position Summary
The Nurse Manager provides clinical and administrative leadership for the Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-In Center, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, trauma-informed nursing care to individuals experiencing psychiatric and behavioral health crises. This role oversees daily nursing operations, supervises nursing staff, ensures regulatory compliance, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, therapists, peer support specialists, case managers, and law enforcement/EMS liaisons, to maintain a therapeutic, safe, and efficient crisis care environment operating on a 24/7 walk-in basis.
Key Responsibilities
Staff Supervision & Development
Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate nursing staff (RNs and LVNs) across all shifts
Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and competency validation for the nursing team
Conduct regular staff meetings, performance reviews, and corrective action as needed
Coordinate ongoing training in de-escalation, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and crisis intervention (e.g., CPI, Mental Health First Aid)
Foster a supportive, low-burnout work environment given the high-acuity nature of crisis care
Operations & Quality Management
Ensure 24/7 staffing coverage and manage call-offs, overtime, and shift coverage
Develop and maintain nursing policies and procedures aligned with California Code of Regulations Titles 9 and 22, Joint Commission, and Riverside County behavioral health standards
Monitor quality metrics (wait times, restraint/seclusion use, medication errors, patient satisfaction) and lead performance improvement initiatives
Ensure accurate, timely clinical documentation in the EHR system
Participate in incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning
Clinical Leadership & Patient Care Oversight
Oversee triage, assessment, and stabilization of clients presenting with acute psychiatric crises, co-occurring substance use, and behavioral emergencies
Ensure nursing staff conduct timely risk assessments (suicide/homicide risk, medical clearance needs) per established protocols
Monitor patient flow to minimize wait times while maintaining safety and quality of care
Serve as a clinical resource for de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention
Ensure medication administration, monitoring, and documentation comply with scope of practice and facility policy
Respond to and manage critical incidents, including escalations, elopements, and medical emergencies
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Maintain compliance with California Title 22, Welfare and Institutions Code §5150/§5585 involuntary hold procedures, HIPAA, and Riverside County Behavioral Health guidelines
Ensure environment of care standards are met, including safety checks, contraband protocols, and ligature risk mitigation
Prepare for and participate in licensing surveys, audits, and accreditation reviews
Maintain infection control and safety standards throughout the unit
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Partner with psychiatrists, clinicians, peer support staff, and administrative leadership to coordinate care
Liaise with local hospitals, law enforcement and mobile crisis teams, EMS, and community mental health agencies for care coordination and transfers
Participate in leadership meetings, quality committees, and community stakeholder engagement
Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
Master's degree (MSN, MHA, or related field) preferred
Licensure & Certification
Active, unencumbered California Registered Nurse (RN) license required
Current BLS certification required
CPI or equivalent crisis de-escalation certification required within 90 days of hire
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) preferred
ACLS preferred
Experience
Minimum of 3 years of RN experience in psychiatric/behavioral health, emergency, or crisis settings
Minimum of 2 years of supervisory or management experience
Experience with involuntary hold procedures (§5150/§5585) strongly preferred
Experience in a fast-paced, high-acuity walk-in or emergency department environment preferred
Skills & Competencies
Strong clinical judgment in crisis assessment and risk stratification
Proven leadership, conflict resolution, and staff development skills
Knowledge of California behavioral health regulatory requirements
Proficiency with EHR systems (e.g., Netsmart, Epic, Cerner)
Excellent communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish a plus
Ability to remain calm and effective under high-stress, unpredictable conditions
Working Conditions
On-site position at the Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-In Center in Indio, CA
May require rotating on-call availability and occasional off-hours response to critical incidents
Regular exposure to individuals in acute psychiatric distress; requires strict adherence to safety protocols
Must be able to respond quickly to emergent situations and assist with safe patient handling as needed
Compensation & Benefits
Pay range: $99,840 – $115,000 annually, based on experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and sick leave
Continuing education reimbursement
Bilingual differential (if applicable)
Third-Party Recruiting Notice:
Wellness Equity Alliance does not currently accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters, staffing agencies, search firms, or other external recruiting vendors. Please do not contact hiring managers or members of our People & Culture team regarding recruitment services unless you have an existing agreement with WEA.
Any unsolicited resumes or candidate information submitted without a current, authorized agreement will be considered the property of Wellness Equity Alliance, and no placement fee or other compensation will be owed in connection with any resulting hire.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.