Crisis Center Nurse (RN or LPN)

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $88,000$115,000 annually (RN) | $68,000$82,000 Annually (LPN)

About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensivebehavioral health organizationon a mission to positively impact individuals and families throughcompassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Throughcommunity based or in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they areboth physically and emotionallyto provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliverequitable and creative one-stop behavioral health servicesproviding in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration.

Our vision is toempower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, includingstep-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facingdepression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs.

Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming,Assertive Community Treatment(ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness,Child Firstfor young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders.

Why Work With Paragon

• Statewide Reach -Deliver care where its needed most. Were not region-limitedserve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care.
• Flexibility & WorkLife Balance -Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorados trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours.
• Clinical Leadership & Support -Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We providelicensure supervisionand regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician.
• Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits -We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurancecompany-paidso there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind.
• Career Growth Opportunities -Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide.

Position Overview

Paragon is seeking a compassionate and skilled Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to serve as a frontline crisis care provider at our 24/7 Walk-In Crisis Center (WIC). This position plays a central role in our mission to function as a 'no wrong door' access point for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.

You will deliver immediate triage, medical screening, stabilization, and coordinated care to adults, youth, and families presenting in crisis including those with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring conditions. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team operating across three 12-hour shifts per week, with one shift falling on a weekend day.

This role is primarily in-person to ensure the highest quality of direct client care, though remote/telehealth options are available for a portion of your workweek. When scheduled for after-hours on-call, you must be reachable and ready to provide telehealth consultation or evaluation within 510 minutes of contact.

Key Responsibilities

Crisis Assessment & Triage

Provide immediate walk-in access triage for individuals experiencing self-defined behavioral health crises

Complete crisis screening and assessment within required timeframes per Colorado BHA Chapter 6 standards

Conduct suicide and homicide risk assessments and administer validated tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5, Columbia Protocol)

Facilitate crisis intervention, de-escalation, and brief stabilization services

Develop and document safety plans; provide lethal means counseling and restriction planning

Engage family members and caregivers as appropriate to support stabilization

After completing required Colorado training, initiate M-1/27-65 emergency mental health holds when clinically necessary to ensure client safety

Medical Services & Nursing Care

Conduct comprehensive health assessments and ongoing monitoring for individuals receiving crisis services

Monitor and document vital signs, perform basic health screenings, and administer point-of-care testing (urine drug screens, pregnancy tests, glucose monitoring)

Administer medications including those used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT/MOUD); monitor for side effects and treatment effectiveness

Administer and track long-acting injectable medications as directed by prescribing provider

Perform withdrawal assessment and monitoring using validated tools (CIWA, COWS); escalate appropriately

Administer naloxone; support harm reduction interventions and naloxone distribution

Under provider direction, enter laboratory and toxicology orders; track completion and follow up on results

Coordinate with pharmacies; complete prior authorizations and support PDMP compliance

Initiate emergency medical response and facilitate transfer when acute medical needs exceed WIC capacity

Substance Use Crisis Services

Screen and assess individuals for substance use disorders using evidence-based tools

Conduct intoxication assessment and management per clinical protocols

Evaluate for MAT/MOUD initiation and continuation; coordinate bridge prescriptions when clinically indicated

Support Emergency Commitment (EC) evaluations and processing

Coordinate warm handoffs to detoxification, withdrawal management, and substance use treatment providers

Care Coordination & Disposition

Determine appropriate level of care in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team

Provide warm handoffs and referrals to outpatient behavioral health, community stabilization, Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs), Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (BHCCs), inpatient psychiatric services and, via Provider support, to ER

Coordinate transportation to appropriate levels of care

Connect individuals to housing, food, case management, peer recovery, and social service resources

Coordinate with school systems, criminal justice, and law enforcement as appropriate

Follow-Up & Ongoing Coordination

Conduct or support follow-up contact within 24 hours of crisis service delivery

Confirm successful linkage to ongoing services; support appointment scheduling and referral follow-through

Provide MAT continuity support and bridge services as needed

Documentation & Team Participation

Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation in the electronic health record per agency and regulatory standards

Participate in daily team meetings and contribute to individualized crisis and treatment planning

Facilitate or co-facilitate psychoeducational groups focused on wellness, recovery, and harm reduction

Triage client needs to appropriate team members; support provider scheduling

Promote trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and culturally responsive practices in all interactions

Qualifications

Required

Active Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Colorado

Valid Colorado driver's license and access to reliable transportation

Current CPR/BLS certification

Up-to-date vaccinations in accordance with agency and public health guidelines

Minimum one to two years of experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or in crisis/emergency settings

Ability to respond within 510 minutes when scheduled for after-hours on-call telehealth duty

Preferred

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for RN applicants

Experience in community-based, psychiatric, crisis, emergency, or integrated care settings

Familiarity with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction principles

Experience with MAT/MOUD administration and monitoring

Familiarity with Colorado 27-65 emergency mental health hold procedures

National certification such as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-BC) or Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN)

Core Competencies

Strong clinical assessment, decision-making, and critical thinking skills in high-acuity environments

Compassionate, nonjudgmental, and client-centered approach particularly with individuals in acute distress

Ability to de-escalate and stabilize individuals experiencing psychiatric and/or substance use crises

Comfortable working both independently and as part of a fast-paced multidisciplinary team

Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in clinical documentation

Cultural humility and demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice

Ability to navigate ambiguous or rapidly evolving situations with composure

Reliable availability during scheduled on-call periods; professional response time standards

Schedule & Work Structure

Three 12-hour shifts per week (days/evenings/nights as assigned by team lead)

One scheduled shift must include Saturday or Sunday

After-hours on-call availability via phone and telehealth when scheduled must be accessible within 510 minutes for telehealth consultation and evaluation (Two or three 12-hour on call overnight shifts per week)

Preferred: in-person at the Walk-In Crisis Center for all or most shifts

Remote/telehealth work available for a portion of the workweek, per operational guidelines

Part of a rotating team supporting 24/7/365 coverage

Benefits

• Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible work hours
• Discretionary Time Off (DTO)
• 401(k)retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development support
• Referral bonuses

Salary Range

RN: $88,000$115,000/year

LPN: $68,000$82,000/year

Commensurate with experience and licensure

Diversity & Inclusion

Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.