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