Senior Level Mental Health Nurse Jobs
Senior level mental health nurse jobs place experienced clinicians in charge of complex caseloads, care team direction, and the clinical outcomes that define a program's effectiveness. The majority of openings are 33% remote or hybrid, concentrated across Education, Government & Public Sector, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like Connections Health Solutions, Vinfen, and Neura Health hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Senior Level Mental Health Nurse jobs
- See the benefits we offer by visiting our State Employee Benefits Overview page.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
- The opportunity to:
- Join a vibrant professional learning community of Board‑Certified Psychiatrists
- Support an agency deeply committed to improving the lives of those we serve
- Make a meaningful difference in the public sector
- Provide continuous clinical oversight to ensure high‑quality patient care
- Lead, guide, and support clinical staff in medical decision‑making
- Oversee program integrity and ensure adherence to clinical protocols
- Maintain compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements
- Conduct mandated clinical reviews and quality assurance activities
- Supervise and mentor medical staff to uphold standards of practice
- Ensure timely clinical decisions that support operational stability
- Safeguard public health and safety through effective medical governance
- Monitor and ensure the facility meets statutory requirements for medical oversight
- Mitigate risks related to compliance lapses, regulatory penalties, and patient care outcomes
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.
Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) is a community mental health agency operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Its primary goal is to provide high quality behavioral health services to those in our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns. Services, which include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis intervention, respite care, and forensic services, are recovery oriented and offered in a trauma informed and culturally sensitive manner. We support individuals to identify and achieve their own goals in recovery, fostering independence, dignity, and ability.
Start with us! Stay with us! Grow with us!
- A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
- All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Local Mental Health Authority this class is accountable for administering designated agency medical, clinical and behavioral health services programs and operations.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Administers staff and operations of a designated hospital, facility, regional medical area or behavioral health services program;
- Develops, implements and evaluates policies, goals and objectives;
- Assists in development of programs and activities including development of medical service standards and criteria;
- Implements new procedures and procedural revisions;
- Determines or assists in determination of appropriate staffing levels and directs or assists in management and coordination of staff;
- Implements performance review standards for staff;
- Maintains contact with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact programs and services;
- Administers state and federal regulations pertaining to medical and psychiatric health care programs, services and operations;
- Participates on various committees and boards;
- Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
- May testify in court as needed;
- May conduct training;
- May be responsible for coordination of accreditation activities;
- May serve as agency liaison with external medical, behavioral health planning, advisory groups, courts and other state medical and service agencies;
- May monitor contracts with medical services vendors;
- May participate in quality assurance studies and investigations;
- May develop processes and practices to improve quality and cost of patient care;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Considerable knowledge of
- and ability to apply management principles and practices;
- principles, practices and issues of medicine and psychiatry with particular reference to diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health patients;
- recent developments in field of psychiatry and medicine;
- Knowledge of administration and clinical operations, functions and systems involving medical service delivery;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- organizational skills;
- analytical skills;
- Ability to teach and provide clinical supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing clinical leadership in a healthcare or public health setting
- Experience supervising medical or clinical staff
- Experience ensuring compliance with state and federal medical regulations
- Experience with quality assurance, clinical policy development, and medical oversight
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Experience providing medical oversight in a facility, program, or agency setting
- Strong ability to manage clinical operations and support complex decision-making
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must possess a license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut.
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
- Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a faculty appointment at either the Yale School of Medicine or the UConn School of Medicine.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses, certifications or permits.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual.
- See the benefits we offer by visiting our State Employee Benefits Overview page.
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
- The opportunity to:
- Join a vibrant professional learning community of Board‑Certified Psychiatrists
- Support an agency deeply committed to improving the lives of those we serve
- Make a meaningful difference in the public sector
- Provide continuous clinical oversight to ensure high‑quality patient care
- Lead, guide, and support clinical staff in medical decision‑making
- Oversee program integrity and ensure adherence to clinical protocols
- Maintain compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements
- Conduct mandated clinical reviews and quality assurance activities
- Supervise and mentor medical staff to uphold standards of practice
- Ensure timely clinical decisions that support operational stability
- Safeguard public health and safety through effective medical governance
- Monitor and ensure the facility meets statutory requirements for medical oversight
- Mitigate risks related to compliance lapses, regulatory penalties, and patient care outcomes
The State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is a health care agency whose mission is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.
Southeastern Mental Health Authority (SMHA) is a community mental health agency operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Its primary goal is to provide high quality behavioral health services to those in our community with mental health and substance use disorders who are 18 years or older and reside in New London County and its surrounding towns. Services, which include case management, outpatient behavioral health, crisis intervention, respite care, and forensic services, are recovery oriented and offered in a trauma informed and culturally sensitive manner. We support individuals to identify and achieve their own goals in recovery, fostering independence, dignity, and ability.
Start with us! Stay with us! Grow with us!
- A comprehensive medical examination, including a drug screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.
- All state employees must adhere to Connecticut's Policy for a Drug Free Workplace.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
- This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Joseph K. Fried at Joseph.Fried@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Local Mental Health Authority this class is accountable for administering designated agency medical, clinical and behavioral health services programs and operations.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Administers staff and operations of a designated hospital, facility, regional medical area or behavioral health services program;
- Develops, implements and evaluates policies, goals and objectives;
- Assists in development of programs and activities including development of medical service standards and criteria;
- Implements new procedures and procedural revisions;
- Determines or assists in determination of appropriate staffing levels and directs or assists in management and coordination of staff;
- Implements performance review standards for staff;
- Maintains contact with individuals within and outside of agency who might impact programs and services;
- Administers state and federal regulations pertaining to medical and psychiatric health care programs, services and operations;
- Participates on various committees and boards;
- Leads the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;
- May testify in court as needed;
- May conduct training;
- May be responsible for coordination of accreditation activities;
- May serve as agency liaison with external medical, behavioral health planning, advisory groups, courts and other state medical and service agencies;
- May monitor contracts with medical services vendors;
- May participate in quality assurance studies and investigations;
- May develop processes and practices to improve quality and cost of patient care;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Considerable knowledge of
- and ability to apply management principles and practices;
- principles, practices and issues of medicine and psychiatry with particular reference to diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health patients;
- recent developments in field of psychiatry and medicine;
- Knowledge of administration and clinical operations, functions and systems involving medical service delivery;
- Considerable
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- organizational skills;
- analytical skills;
- Ability to teach and provide clinical supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience providing clinical leadership in a healthcare or public health setting
- Experience supervising medical or clinical staff
- Experience ensuring compliance with state and federal medical regulations
- Experience with quality assurance, clinical policy development, and medical oversight
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Experience providing medical oversight in a facility, program, or agency setting
- Strong ability to manage clinical operations and support complex decision-making
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must possess a license to practice medicine and surgery in Connecticut.
- Incumbents in this class must possess and retain certification as a specialist in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
- Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain eligibility for participation in federal health care programs as defined in 42 U.S. 1320a-7b(f).
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain certification as a specialist in an area such as geriatrics, ABI/TBI, forensics, substance abuse, etc.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a faculty appointment at either the Yale School of Medicine or the UConn School of Medicine.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to possess appropriate current licenses, certifications or permits.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual.
See All 8 Senior Level Mental Health Nurse Jobs
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Find JobsSenior Level Mental Health Nurse Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Senior Level Mental Health Nurse Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level mental health nurse job?
Employers at this level look for demonstrated clinical leadership, not just tenure. Candidates who stand out typically hold an advanced psychiatric nursing credential, can point to specific outcomes they owned, and show experience mentoring junior staff or leading care coordination across disciplines. Tailoring your application to the population and setting each employer serves makes a measurable difference at this stage.
Which companies hire senior level mental health nurses?
Companies hiring senior level mental health nurses right now include Connections Health Solutions, Vinfen, and Neura Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes primarily from integrated health systems, behavioral health networks, and inpatient psychiatric facilities that need experienced clinicians to lead units and manage complex patient populations.
Are there remote senior level mental health nurse jobs?
Yes, though most remote opportunities at this level involve telehealth triage, utilization review, or care management rather than direct inpatient care. About 33% of senior level mental health nurse openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid roles most common in outpatient and community mental health settings that balance direct care with administrative responsibilities.
What makes a mental health nurse role senior level?
Senior level mental health nurse roles carry ownership over clinical outcomes, not just task execution. Expectations typically include leading treatment planning, exercising independent clinical judgment on high-acuity cases, serving as a resource for less experienced staff, and contributing to program development or quality improvement. The scope extends beyond individual patients to the functioning of the broader care team.
Which industries hire the most senior level mental health nurses?
Senior Level mental health nurse roles concentrate in Education, Government & Public Sector, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive the most demand because they operate high-acuity or high-volume behavioral health programs that require experienced clinicians capable of leading care delivery independently and supporting less seasoned team members.