Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Compassionate, skilled, and highly motivated Licensed Nurse Practitioner (LNP) with a desire to join a multidisciplinary team at a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center. The LNP will play a critical role in providing comprehensive medical care to individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. This position involves assessment, medication management (including Medication-Assisted Treatment - MAT), and collaboration with a diverse team of professionals to ensure holistic patient care.

Qualifications:

· Education: Completion of an approved Practical Nursing Program.

· Licensure: Current, unencumbered Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license

· Certification: Certification in Basic Life Support

· Experience: Minimum of [X] years of experience as an LNP, with preferred experience in addiction medicine, behavioral health, emergency medicine, or primary care settings working with complex patient populations. Experience with MAT strongly preferred.

Knowledge:

a. Thorough understanding of substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health disorders, and evidence-based treatment modalities.

Skills:

a. Excellent assessment, diagnostic, and clinical reasoning skills.

b. Superior communication, interpersonal, and empathy skills.

c. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

d. Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems.

e. Strong organizational and time management skills.

Attributes:

a. Compassionate, non-judgmental, and patient-centered approach to care.

b. Commitment to ethical practice and patient confidentiality.

c. Ability to manage stressful situations calmly and effectively.

Physical Demands:

· Ability to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally lift up to [X] pounds.

· Manual dexterity to operate medical equipment and perform vital signs, blood glucose tests, and various other tests.

· Ability to perform duties in an often fast-paced environment.

Professional Development:

a. Stay current with best practices, research, and advancements in SUD treatment and general healthcare through continuing education and professional development activities.

Key Responsibilities:

Medication Management:

a) Train staff on medication monitor practices to assure compliance with policy and procedure.

b) . Manage and dispense medications, including psychotropic medications and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) such as buprenorphine/naloxone, naltrexone, and disulfiram, in accordance with state and federal regulations and best practice guidelines.

c) Dispense meds at specified times to all 3 departments (IRT, MEC, WEC)

d) Package evening and weekend medications for clients as indicated following the appropriate protocol.

e) Accurately complete medication administration records (MAR) upon admission and any time there is a medication change throughout client’s course of treatment.

f) Monitor all med sheets for compliance.

g) Assist staff and clients in obtaining medications.

h) Conduct medication education for individuals on all medications they are taking as indicated.

i) Monitor patients' response to treatment and manage side effects and notifying APRN of such side effects.

Opioid Overdose Education and Prevention:

a. Together with the Executive and Clinical Directors maintain updated opioid overdose education and prevention policies and procedures.

b. Provide Drug Overdose Prevention training for new clinical staff at orientation and refresher training annually.

c. Document training on the new employee Orientation Checklist, the Overdose Responder Training Log, and Standing Order to Dispense and Administer Naloxone.

d. Issue certificate of completion.

Medical Management:

a. Provide routine primary care services within the scope of practice, addressing general health needs.

b. Offer health education and counseling on topics such as harm reduction, healthy lifestyle choices, and disease prevention.

Collaboration and Coordination of Care:

a. Work collaboratively with APRN, medical director, primary care physicians, primary psychiatrists, therapists, case managers, and other treatment team members.

b. Participate in regular treatment team meetings to discuss patient progress, challenges, and treatment plan adjustments.

c. Consult with APRN and/or medical director regarding referral of patients to specialists or higher levels of care when appropriate .

Documentation and Compliance:

a. Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough electronic health records (EHR) in compliance with all organizational policies, state, and federal regulations (e.g., HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2).

b. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and peer reviews.

Crisis Intervention:

a. Respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies, providing crisis intervention and stabilization.

Quality Improvement:

a. Assure compliance with policies and procedures related to medical services as well as safety and infection control.

b. Participate on Safety and Infection Control Committee.

c. Evaluate and provide reports on TB testing, medication monitoring, and other medical services.

d. Compile data on consulting psychiatrist prescriptions for monthly utilization review by Medical Director and submit to Utilization Review Committee.

Other:

a. Provide and document the orientation and training of staff on infection control, medical protocols, first aid, and medication control procedures.

1. 1. Coordinate CPR training.
   2. Conduct medication monitoring and medical services meetings.
   3. Participate in client treatment planning, update reviews, and other care coordination meetings as necessary.
   4. Review hepatitis information with staff in at-risk positions and refer to the Will County Health Department for those who elect to have the vaccination.
   5. Provide crisis intervention services as needed according to policy and procedure.
   6. Coordinate nursing student internships with St Francis, College of DuPage, or other schools.
   7. Participate in Policy and Procedure committee and maintaining SUPR license and CARF accreditation.
   8. Other duties as assigned

Psychiatric Services:

1. 1. Coordinate consulting psychiatrist visits and appointments.
   2. Coordinate psychiatrist review of client substance abuse diagnosis, initial placement and treatment plan documentation.
   3. Conduct TB tests for staff and document results in individual employee record.
   4. Together with the Clinical and Medical Directors, maintain updated medical service policies and procedures.

Stepping Stones has provided services in the community for 54 years and has created strong, lasting community partnerships as an innovator and cornerstone of social services in Will County and the south suburban area. We believe every person deserves compassionate, evidence-based care to overcome substance use and cooccurring mental health disorders regardless of their ability to pay for services and are deeply committed to removing any barriers to recovery. We are a non-profit, Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening our community. We provide a supportive, inclusive environment where our clients can heal and our staff can thrive.