Nurse Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Skid Row, Downtown, Los Angeles CA 

Position Purpose:  

The Nurse Manager is responsible for the overall clinical and programmatic oversight of two nurse-led community respite programs operating within multi-service Harm Reduction Health Hubs located in Skid Row, Los Angeles. These programs provide low-barrier, compassionate, and evidence-based care to individuals experiencing homelessness and people dealing with substance abuse. 

This Nurse Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day clinical operations of the community respite programs and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, harm reduction–focused care. This position provides direct clinical supervision to RNs, LVNs, EMTs, and CNAs, and is responsible for staff onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management. Additional duties include medication and clinical supply inventory management, coordination of staffing coverage, and oversight of quality improvement and quality assurance (QI/QA) activities to ensure compliance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based standards of care. 

This position requires a strong commitment to providing patient-centered, non-judgmental care to individuals from marginalized communities, including people experiencing homelessness, individuals with substance use disorders, individuals engaged in sex work, and those with current or prior involvement in the carceral system.

About the Crocker Care Campus & Harm Reduction Model:

The Harm Reduction Health Hubs located in Skid Row operate through a collaborative partnership among three agencies and provide integrated, low-barrier health and supportive services. The Hubs offer a range of resources, including outdoor rest and programming spaces, shower and laundry facilities, drop-in services, harm reduction and overdose prevention counseling, safe supply distribution, an opioid treatment program (methadone), a low-barrier medical clinic, and community respite services.

The community respite programs provide short-term, non-congregate shelter with on-site clinical support for individuals experiencing acute physical or behavioral health needs that can be safely managed in a community-based setting. Services support individuals recovering from acute intoxication or overdose, initiating medication-assisted treatment, seeking post-assault care, and managing acute illnesses or injuries that do not require emergency department or inpatient hospital care.

Principal Responsibilities: 

1. Provide compassionate, low-barrier nursing care in alignment with harm reduction principles.
2. Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and support to nursing staff (RNs, LVNs, EMTs, CNAs) in day-to-day operations.
3. Monitor and assess patient acuity levels daily to ensure appropriate care assignments and workload distribution across the nursing team.
4. Utilize clinical judgment to identify high-risk or medically complex clients requiring escalated oversight or RN-level intervention.
5. Collaborate with staff to adjust assignments based on real-time changes in acuity and client needs.
6. Maintain clear documentation of acuity assessments and incorporate into shift handoffs, huddles, and care planning.
7. Escalate concerns to the Clinical Director when acuity patterns indicate the need for staffing adjustments or additional clinical support.
8. Develop, manage, and adjust nursing team schedules to ensure adequate staffing coverage that aligns with patient care needs and acuity levels.
9. Coordinate shift assignments based on staff competencies, and workload balance, promoting fairness and efficiency.
10. Anticipate and address staffing gaps by collaborating with Program Directors to arrange supplemental coverage, including agency or float staff as needed.
11. Provide clear, concise, and respectful communication regarding clinical directives, protocols, and organizational expectations.
12. Model accountability and professionalism, setting clear expectations and holding staff accountable while offering constructive feedback and support.
13. Perform triage, patient assessments, and develop individualized care plans.
14. Conduct nurse-only visits, including wound care (for complex chronic wounds), medication reconciliation/management, phlebotomy (for patients with challenging venous access), and complex care coordination.
15. Administer medications and provide essential nursing services per established protocols and standards.
16. Monitor patients in observation beds, responding promptly to changes in condition and ensuring appropriate interventions.
17. Offer health education and risk reduction counseling, including safe drug use practices and overdose prevention.
18. Administer Narcan and train participants/staff in overdose response and harm reduction strategies.
19. Act as a clinical lead during medical emergencies or crisis response in the field or facility setting.
20. Participate in quality improvement, data tracking, and compliance activities.
21. Oversee supply management for clinical and provide finding to Program Director (clinical only)
22. Assist with the onboarding, training, and evaluation of new clinical team members.
23. Oversee and Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
24. Periodical chart Auditing of team documentation
25. Will be exposed high demand situations including overdose response and behavioral health crises
26. Participate in quality improvement, data tracking, and compliance activities.
27. Assist with the onboarding, training, and evaluation of new clinical team members.
28. Implement and monitor infection control practice and handlings
29. Work collaboratively with social workers, case managers, and harm reduction specialists to address physical health, mental health, and substance use needs.
30. Support participants in navigating the healthcare system, including referrals to specialty care, housing, and social services.
31. Recognize and respond to signs of intoxication, withdrawal, and overdose, ensuring timely intervention and support.
32. Ensure patient care is accessible in non-traditional settings, including drop-in environments and outdoor areas.
33. Provide guidance and support to Medical Assistants.
34. Assist in the orientation and development of new staff members.
35. Conduct training sessions, including Narcan administration and harm reduction best practices.
36. Oversee patient intake and discharge processes, ensuring all procedures are clearly understood and followed.
37. Maintain precise and up-to-date documentation of patient interactions and care provided.
38. Maintain accurate and comprehensive site logs, ensuring smooth workflow and program efficiency.
39. Work closely with the Program Director to support daily operations and quality improvement initiatives.
40. Partner with the RN Auditor/Compliance team to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and internal protocols.
41. Due to the 24-hour nature of our facility, managers must remain reachable and may be required to respond to urgent work-related calls outside their scheduled shifts.
42. Perform additional duties as required by the program.

Requirements:

1. Active and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of California.
2. Current CPR certification from the American Heart Association.
3. Master’s degree preferred but equivalent professional experience also considered.
4. At least five (5) years of supervisory or managerial experience in a hospital medical setting, preferably in the ICU, Med-Surg, or Emergency Room.
5. Prior leadership experience (e.g., supervisor, manager, charge nurse, preceptor)
6. Strong understanding of health conditions prevalent among people experiencing homelessness, including chronic wounds, infectious diseases, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders.
7. Ability to work in non-traditional clinical settings, including outdoor spaces and drop-in centers.
8. Experience with or willingness to learn harm reduction strategies, including safe drug use education, syringe services, and overdose prevention.
9. Cultural humility and commitment to providing non-judgmental, trauma-informed care.
10. Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

1. Wound care (including complex chronic wounds).
2. Medication reconciliation and management.
3. Patient education on health and harm reduction strategies.
4. Complex care coordination across multiple providers.

Disclaimer:  Salary offered will be based on the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications, and in accordance with applicable laws and internal pay equity policies.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.