Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Join McAlister Institute, a 49-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community. We are seeking a Licensed Vocational Nurse for our newest initiative - Incidental Medical Services (IMS) - who will provide essential support and nursing care for individuals with acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication in an environment designed for safe recovery at one of our residential treatment centers. In collaboration with substance use disorder counselors and others, the LVN monitors client safety from initial assessment and triage through discharge. The LVN provides basic nursing care under protocols developed by the Associate Director of IMS (Incidental Medical Services). They will provide critical support and professional nursing care to individuals accessing detoxification and substance use treatment services in a welcoming, non-medical residential treatment environment. The LVN is responsible for monitoring participant safety, performing health assessments, administering basic care, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support participant stabilization, treatment, and recovery services.

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Perform health screenings, including Alcohol Withdrawal (CIWA), Opiate Withdrawal (COWS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and ASAM assessments, within the scope of practice.
• Monitor participants' withdrawal symptoms according to established protocols, their physical and emotional well-being, and identify potential risks or concerns.
• Assist in the development and implementation of individualized care plans.
• Document all care activities and patient responses accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Assist in coordinating care transitions, including contacting nursing or medical backup as needed and arranging transfers for higher levels of care.
• Educate patients and families about relevant health conditions and facilitate access to needed medically assisted treatment (MAT) and psychotropic medications as appropriate.
• Participate in care coordination activities and interdisciplinary team meetings to ensure comprehensive participant care.

Requirements:

• Graduated from an accredited Vocational Nursing program, with an active LVN license in California, and current CPR/BLS certification.
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other complex needs.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to behavioral crises and infectious diseases.
• Proficiency in health assessments, including withdrawal screenings (CIWA, COWS) and ASAM evaluations.
• Strong documentation skills, particularly in the electronic health record, Welligent.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Experience in community-based clinics and/or emergency settings preferred.
• Maintains knowledge of legal guidelines pertaining to EMTALA/COBRA and abuse/neglect reporting.
• Knowledgeable about harm reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered care, and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including the impoverished, unhoused, and those suffering from chronic substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, adaptability, and professionalism.
• Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.
• Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or Smartcare).
• Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• On-site position.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the View email address on click.appcast.io., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

Work Authorization Requirement:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Pre-Employment:

All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:

We do not solicit staffing or agency contacts for our recruitment needs. Our careers site is only for individuals seeking a job at McAlister. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited and will be ignored to prioritize our own process. We are sure you do amazing work and can give us data to support your sell. We, however, are a non-profit, and are mindful agents of our resources. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to us, or email us individually. McAlister Institute is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.