SUD LVN (Substance Use Disorder)

Job Title: 

SUD Licensed Vocational Nurse 
Department: 

Substance Abuse Disorder  
Reports To: 

SUD Medical Director & 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