Job Description

Lead Nurse (RN) - Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services

About the Role

Are you an experienced

Registered Nurse (RN)

looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity? Spectrum Juvenile Justice Services is seeking a dedicated and qualified Lead Nurse to oversee and supervise nursing staff while ensuring the highest standards of healthcare for youth in our secure juvenile residential facilities.


The Lead Nurse is a vital role, working closely with the

Medical Director

to uphold established health care standards consistent with

State of Michigan licensing

and

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regulations

. You will be responsible for overseeing LPNs and RNs to ensure the onsite clinic is properly staffed to treat residents and facilitate placement at both centers.


This is a chance to use your comprehensive nursing knowledge in a secure setting, helping to provide continuity of care and support for a vulnerable population.

What You'll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

As the Lead Nurse, you will use your clinical expertise and leadership skills to manage and deliver health services:

Intake & Assessment:

Complete

intake screening and health appraisals

for all newly placed youth. This includes recording vital details like height, weight, surgical/psychiatric history, immunizations, medications, allergies, and psychological status (including the need for immediate psychiatric evaluation due to suicidal or homicidal tendencies) .

Supervision & Oversight:

Provide

oversight and supervision

to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN).

Care Planning:

Develop and implement a

health care plan

based on the youth's medical and nursing needs, often assisting the Medical Director in this process.

Medication Management:

Maintain accurate

inventories and prescription logs

and ensure the accurate dispensing of medication as written by the Medical Director or Psychiatrist.

Staff Training:

Provide

In-service training

to staff and supervisors on topics like communicable diseases, general first aid, performance of treatments (e.g., taking vitals, dressing changes), and the care of neurological and metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hemophilia, seizure disorders).

Documentation & Coordination:

Coordinate and establish individual medical nursing records, complete documentation in patient records via paper and computer software, and research/complete health care summaries for distribution to physicians, staff, and other professionals.

Availability:

Be

available by phone and/or e-mail

after hours or on weekends to take calls from the Medical Director, Psychiatrist, or Supervisory Personnel (excluding scheduled vacations).

Minimum Requirements

Education:

RN, BSN, or MSN

from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

5-10 years of experience

in the nursing field.

Setting Experience:

Previous experience in clinical settings serving the

mental health, child welfare population,

or a

maximum security facility

; or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensure:

Comprehensive knowledge of nursing practices and an ability to maintain patient confidence by keeping information

confidential in accordance with prevailing HIPPA standards

.

General Requirements

Must possess a valid and

unrestricted State of Michigan Driver's License

and an acceptable driving record. Must pass a

physical examination

(indicating satisfactory health status to perform essential functions) and a

pre-employment drug screening

. Must be free from communicable diseases including TB. Must complete an

MDHHS Central Registry Clearance

with no findings and a

criminal history background check

free of felony convictions (meeting the State of Michigan Good Moral Character Standards).

Required Technical Skills

The ideal candidate must be comfortable and familiar with using computers and various software, including:

Microsoft Office Suite (including Microsoft Teams) Google Calendar Scheduling software Medical software such as

e-charting, eClinicalWorks EHR, and MEDITECH

What We Offer

Blue Care Network, Medical Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision

403(b)

with employer match

$25,000 Life Insurance

Paid time off Short-term disability Employee discount program

Why Join Spectrum?

At Spectrum, we believe in

hope, healing, and opportunity

. We're a culturally diverse, mission-driven organization that values innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. You'll receive:

Ongoing training and development A supportive, collaborative work environment The chance to

change lives every single day

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're ready to be a champion for youth and a catalyst for change, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build brighter futures--one young person at a time.