Sanford Careers

Job Summary 

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is a key leadership role responsible for supporting the Director of Nursing in overseeing clinical operations and ensuring the highest standard of patient care within our facility. The ADON plays a critical role in staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and the development of nursing policies and procedures to promote patient well-being and safety. 

Role and Responsibilities 

• Collaborates closely with RSS leadership to ensure safe unit operations, effective patient supervision, consistent communication and appropriate staffing coverage across all levels of care
• Assists in overseeing the daily nursing operations, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate patient care. 
• Assists with nurse scheduling, staffing coordination and maintaining appropriate nursing coverage to meet patient needs
• Provides day-to-day operational support and guidance to both Nursing and RSS teams, helping to address clinical, staffing and workflow concerns
• Monitors patient progress participates in treatment planning, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to enhance care outcomes. 
• Supports admission intake processes as needed, including nursing assessments, medication reconciliation and coordination of care planning
• Provides direct nursing care as needed, including medication administration and crisis intervention and unit coverage during staffing shortages or high census periods
• Coordinates medication ordering and medical supply procurement to ensure adequate inventory levels across all programs.

• Serves as the primary liaison and support resource for nursing staff regarding pharmacy-related issues, medication concerns, prescription coordination, and medication management processes.
• Conducts routine chart audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, organizational policies, and documentation best practices.

• Serves as a resource for nursing staff by providing guidance on clinical protocols, regulatory compliance, and evidence-based best practices.
• Assists in recruiting, onboarding, training, and supervising nursing staff while supporting ongoing professional development initiatives.
• Helps support nursing-related training requirements, certifications, competencies, and continuing education activities.
• Supports the Director of Nursing with performance evaluations, coaching, corrective action plans, and staff development efforts.
• Participates in the Administrator On-Call rotation and responds to operational, clinical, and staffing issues outside of regular business hours as assigned.
• Fosters a positive work environment that supports teamwork, staff engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
• Ensures compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations, licensing standards, accreditation requirements, and facility policies.
• Supports quality improvement initiatives by monitoring key performance indicators, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN preferred). 
• Active Nurse License in MI. 
• Minimum of 3-5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting. Leadership or supervisory experience preferred. 
• CPR/BLS certification required 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all client records and business-related records, as required under HIPAA guidelines. 
• Attention to detail and efficient time-management skills. 
• Experience with conflict resolution and de-escalation. 
• Ability to effectively communicate, be self-motivated, demonstrate organizational skills, critical thinking, and good decision-making.  
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to HIPAA guidelines. 
• Knowledge of medication administration experience and proficiency.  
• Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR). 
• Ability to identify own strengths and areas of improvement and communicate needs to supervisor. 
• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.  
• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.  
• Ability to work within a team setting and create an environment where all are valued and work together cohesively.  
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment. 
• Strong leadership and problem-solving abilities. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Knowledge of behavioral health conditions, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. 

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds. 
• Must be able to adapt to the physical demands of lifting clients, bending, stooping, and stretching with or without assistance. 
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken words to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations. 
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.  
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands. 
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly. 
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures. 

ADA Disclaimer 

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately.  If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.