Director of Nursing – Department of Juvenile Justice Job Description

The Director of Nursing at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is responsible for leading all nursing operations, ensuring high-quality, safe, and compliant care for youth in DJJ facilities, while managing staff, budgets, and clinical standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership & Oversight: Direct and supervise all nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, and contract nurses, ensuring adherence to professional standards and DJJ policies Department of Juvenile Justice+1.
• Clinical Care Management: Oversee delivery of medical services such as daily health screenings, chronic care management, emergency response, mental health nursing care, immunizations, and access to specialized medical services Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Policy & Compliance: Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies in compliance with state regulations, federal laws, and healthcare standards Indeed.
• Quality & Safety: Monitor patient outcomes, ensure safe care practices, and maintain confidentiality of youth medical records Indeed.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Communicate with physicians, behavioral health providers, and other agency staff to coordinate youth care plans Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Budget & Resources: Manage nursing department budgets, staffing levels, and procurement of medical supplies and equipment Indeed.
• Training & Development: Provide ongoing education and professional development for nursing staff Indeed.

Qualifications

• Licensure: Current Florida Registered Nurse (RN) license; advanced practice or other nursing credentials as required Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Experience: Proven experience in correctional or public health nursing; at least one year of clinical experience preferred Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Skills: Crisis intervention, medical emergencies, physical and psychiatric assessments, chronic care planning, and health education Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Knowledge: Understanding of juvenile justice systems, youth development, and healthcare delivery in secure settings Department of Juvenile Justice.

Reporting & Work Environment

• Reports to the DJJ Director of Nursing or designated executive leadership Indeed.
• Works in youth detention centers, youth development campuses, and other DJJ facilities statewide Department of Juvenile Justice.
• May require on-call availability for emergencies and 24-hour medical coverage in certain facilities Department of Juvenile Justice.

Key Performance Areas

• Maintaining high-quality, safe, and compassionate care for youth in custody.
• Ensuring compliance with DJJ’s mission to provide effective prevention, intervention, and treatment services State of Florida Careers - People First.
• Achieving measurable improvements in youth health outcomes and operational efficiency.

In summary: The DJJ Director of Nursing role blends clinical leadership, operational management, and youth-focused care, ensuring that all nursing services meet the highest standards while supporting the agency’s mission to improve public safety and youth rehabilitation Department of Juvenile Justice+2.