Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) (Crisis Walk-In) (Nights, 12 Hour Shifts)

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a key member of the care team within WEA's Indio Crisis Walk-In Center (CWI), providing direct, compassionate support to youth, adults, and families experiencing behavioral health crises.

Working in a fast-paced, walk-in crisis setting, the LVN supports emotional regulation, symptom stabilization, and patient safety through observation, therapeutic engagement, and collaboration with clinical staff. This role contributes to maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive care environment while assisting with clinical interventions and medication-related support.

The LVN works closely with RNs and LPTs, behavioral health providers, peer support specialists, and prescribers to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care. This role is ideal for individuals who are calm under pressure, skilled in de-escalation, and committed to supporting individuals through moments of acute distress.

Key Highlights

• Compensation: The compensation range for this role is $37.3/hr - $53.30/hr, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and role scope.
• Work Location & Expectations: This role requires daily in-person engagement at Indio Crisis Walk-in Center location.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage, paid time off, and shareholder/equity options.
• Professional Development: Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Behavioral Health, Medical, Street Medicine, Public Health, Rural Health, and Tribal Health initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client Support & Crisis Stabilization

• Provide direct care and continuous support to individuals experiencing acute behavioral health symptoms.
• Assist in de-escalation, emotional regulation, and behavior management in collaboration with clinical staff.
• Monitor patient safety and well-being, including behavioral observations, vital signs, and comfort needs.
• Support implementation of stabilization interventions and therapeutic activities.
• Engage youth, adults, and families in supportive, recovery-oriented interactions.
• Encourage family involvement when appropriate to support care and transitions.

2. Medication & Health Support

• Administer prescribed medications in accordance with scope of practice and program protocols.
• Observe and document medication responses, side effects, and changes in condition.
• Collaborate with RNs and prescribers to support safe medication management.
• Support individuals experiencing substance use challenges, including monitoring early withdrawal symptoms and promoting harm-reduction approaches.

3. Milieu & Safety Management

• Help maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment within the crisis setting.
• Conduct routine safety checks and support environmental safety protocols.
• Respond to behavioral escalations using approved de-escalation techniques.
• Assist with crisis interventions and safety planning as directed by clinical staff.

4. Team Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Work closely with RNs, behavioral health providers, peer support specialists, and case managers.
• Participate in team huddles, care planning discussions, and shift coordination.
• Communicate patient status changes and safety concerns promptly to the care team.
• Support transitions of care, including warm handoffs to community providers.

5. Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of observations, interventions, medications, and safety checks.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and team members.
• Support continuity of care through consistent and professional information sharing.

6. Continuous Improvement & Professional Practice

• Participate in ongoing training related to crisis care, de-escalation, and behavioral health support.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support site operations.

Requirements

Key Competencies

• Therapeutic communication and de-escalation.
• Strong observation and situational awareness.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Team collaboration and adaptability.
• Cultural humility and respect for diverse populations.
• Commitment to safety, dignity, and recovery-focused care.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Vocational Nursing program.
• Current and unrestricted California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
• Experience providing direct care in behavioral health, psychiatric, or related settings.
• Strong observation, de-escalation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
• Commitment to patient-centered, recovery-oriented care.
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in crisis settings, CWIC, CSU, inpatient psychiatry, ED, or community behavioral health programs.
• Experience working with youth and/or family systems.
• Experience supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.
• CPI, MAB, SAMA, or equivalent certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred).
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs).
• IV therapy and blood draw certification and documented experience.