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