Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Job Description

Job Description

Division: Medical Services
Department: Medical Services
Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly
Compensation: $30.00 – $34.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Reports To: Director of Nursing (or designee)

Position Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Night Shift provides direct nursing care and medical monitoring to clients receiving substance use disorder (SUD) detoxification services at Butte Horizon Detox. Working under the supervision of the Medical Director and Director of Nursing, the LVN is responsible for monitoring withdrawal symptoms, administering medications, supporting safe detoxification protocols, and responding to medical concerns that arise during overnight hours.

The night shift LVN plays a critical role in ensuring client safety and stability during detox, when withdrawal symptoms may intensify. This position requires experience or familiarity with substance use disorder treatment, withdrawal management, and medical observation in a residential detox environment. This role is specific to overnights, weekend, and holiday shifts based on program needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Monitoring & Client Care

• Monitor clients for signs and symptoms of substance withdrawal, medical distress, or changes in condition.
• Perform nursing assessments, vital signs monitoring, and withdrawal monitoring in accordance with detox protocols.
• Administer medications as ordered by the Medical Director or prescribing provider.
• Document medication administration and client responses in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Provide ongoing observation of clients experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
• Communicate changes in client condition promptly to the Medical Director or on-call provider.

Detox & Withdrawal Management

• Monitor and document withdrawal symptoms using approved clinical tools and facility protocols.
• Support implementation of detoxification protocols and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as ordered.
• Observe and report adverse reactions to medications or changes in withdrawal severity.
• Ensure clients receive appropriate hydration, comfort measures, and supportive care during detox.
• Collaborate with Behavioral Health Technicians and other staff to maintain client safety overnight.

Emergency Response

• Respond to medical emergencies in accordance with nursing scope of practice and facility protocols.
• Initiate emergency response procedures and coordinate with emergency medical services (EMS) when necessary.
• Provide immediate care and stabilization for clients experiencing medical complications related to withdrawal.
• Complete required documentation related to medical incidents.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Record vital signs, medication administration, and clinical observations.
• Communicate effectively with day shift nursing staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team communication and shift handoff reporting.

Facility & Safety Support

• Ensure medications are stored, secured, and administered in compliance with facility policies and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the medication room and medical equipment.
• Support infection control procedures and safety protocols.
• Ensure emergency medical equipment is operational and available.

Flexibility & Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support medical and program operations.
• Assist with monitoring of facility safety during overnight hours.
• Adapt to changing needs within a residential detox startup environment.
• Collaborate with clinical, medical, and support staff to maintain client safety and program integrity.

Work Environment

• Residential detox and treatment setting.
• Exposure to individuals experiencing active withdrawal or early recovery from substance use disorders.
• Night shift position requiring overnight, weekend, and holiday availability.
• Requires ability to respond quickly to medical emergencies.
• Must be able to stand, walk, lift up to 50 pounds, and assist with emergency response duties if required.

Qualifications

• Active California LVN license required.
• Experience in detox, substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, or correctional healthcare preferred.
• Experience monitoring withdrawal symptoms or administering detox protocols strongly preferred.
• Strong clinical assessment skills and ability to work independently during overnight hours.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound clinical judgment in urgent situations.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and client confidentiality.

Licensure / Certification Requirements

• Current, active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license required and must be maintained in good standing.
• Current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers preferred).
• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance required in accordance with public health guidelines.
• DOJ Live Scan background clearance required prior to unsupervised client contact.
• Valid California driver’s license (if transportation duties required).

Compliance Requirements

• Completion of required onboarding and annual compliance training.
• Adherence to DHCS, Title 9, and facility policies and procedures.
• Compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirement

Employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening conducted in accordance with applicable California and federal laws.

As a safety-sensitive position, employees may be subject to drug and alcohol testing under reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or as otherwise permitted by law.

Refusal to submit to required testing or confirmed violation of facility policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, consistent with applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be adjusted as operational needs evolve.