SUD LVN (Substance Use Disorder)

Job Title:
SUD Licensed Vocational Nurse
Department:
Substance Abuse Disorder
Reports To:
SUD Program Director

Job Summary:


The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the Substance Abuse Disorder focuses on delivering compassionate, high-quality medical care to individuals. The LVN will address a range of conditions, including chronic substance abuse management via administration of Medicated Assisted Treatment, acute care, and preventive services including administrating drug and alcohol screenings.


Key Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician

• Document all service contacts on a timely basis including face-to-face assessment, physical screenings.

• Oversee Medicated Assisted Treatment Program

• Work with Mental Health Department to screen mental health referrals and act as a liaison for SUD and behavioral health collaboration.

• Administer medications, treatments, and wound care as prescribed.

• Assist in assessing patient substance abuse health needs, performing vital sign checks, and documenting findings accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).

• Administers urine and breathalyzer drug and alcohol screenings for enrolled patients as part of the SUD program.

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary Clinica teams

• Educate patients on medication adherence, chronic disease management, and preventative substance abuse health practices.

• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation in challenging situations.

• Ensure proper infection control practices while delivering care

• Establish and maintain trust with patients, fostering a safe environment.

• Participate in outreach work to connect patients in the community to our SUD Services

• Meets with Program Director and Medical Director as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing and processing the provision of case management, and dealing with appropriate clinical, and administrative issues

• Coordinate care and referrals with community organizations and social service providers to address holistic patient needs (e.g., housing, food security, mental health services).

• Maintain and ensure proper inventory of medical supplies and equipment for mobile operations.

• Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards in delivering care.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the program director, which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures

• Ensures all drug and alcohol tests are properly completed, documented, and compliant with regulatory standards

• Reports positive test results to assigned counselors or case managers and mandated agencies when required

• Uploads and files drug and alcohol test results appropriately in patient records and communicates results to medical director

• Verifies patient eligibility for program benefits and assists eligible patients in obtaining them

• Conducts follow-ups and communicates appointment information to SUD Staff.

Qualifications:

• Lived experience or significant experience working with unhoused or vulnerable.

• Active and unrestricted California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license.

• Minimum of 1-2 years of nursing experience, preferably in community health, urgent care, SUD, or working with underserved populations.

• Current BLS/CPR certification.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in challenging environments.

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or behavioral health challenges preferred.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Comfortable delivering care in clinical settings.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods while providing care in various environments

• Capacity to lift, carry, and transport equipment or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds.

• Comfort working with the Substance Abuse and transient population

• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel as needed during patient care or outreach activities.

• Adequate manual dexterity to perform medical procedures, operate equipment, and manage electronic health records