What are the responsibilities and job description for the LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE position at Buckelew Programs Inc?
Work with great people doing great things! Join Buckelew Programs' Helen Vine Recovery Center and play a pivotal role in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in Marin County.
We are hiring a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to join our team. In this role, you will provide direct client care in a residential detox and substance use treatment program for individuals with alcohol and drug addiction issues, as well as co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Under the supervision of a licensed provider, you will support safe withdrawal management, medication services, and ongoing health monitoring in compliance with California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) standards. This role is critical in ensuring client safety, comfort, and stabilization while in residential treatment and potentially undergoing detoxification.
Responsibilities
Detox & Clinical Care
- Monitor and document withdrawal symptoms using standardized tools (e.g., CIWA-Ar, COWS)
- Perform intake nursing assessments and ongoing reassessments
- Obtain and monitor vital signs per detox protocol and physician orders
- Identify and promptly report signs of medical or psychiatric instability
Medication Administration
- Administer medications as ordered, including those used in withdrawal management and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Monitor for side effects, adverse reactions, and effectiveness of medications
- Maintain accurate medication administration records (MAR) in compliance with California regulations
Client Monitoring & Safety
- Conduct regular wellness checks and ensure appropriate observation levels
- Respond to medical emergencies, including overdose, severe withdrawal, or co-occurring conditions
- Support infection control, universal precautions, and medication storage standards
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation in accordance with DHCS Title 9 and facility policies
- Assist with audits, incident reporting, and quality assurance activities
- Maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2
Collaboration & Support
- Communicate effectively with physicians, RNs, counselors, and case managers
- Participate in shift reports and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Provide client education on detox, medications, and health stabilization
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Active, unrestricted California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license
- Minimum 1 year of nursing experience required; detox, SUD, or behavioral health experience strongly preferred
- Current CPR/BLS certification (required)
- Familiarity with withdrawal management protocols (alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines preferred)
- Knowledge of DHCS licensing standards for residential SUD programs
- Strong assessment, documentation, and crisis response skills
Skills & Abilities
- Experience with CIWA-Ar / COWS protocols
- Experience with electronic health records (EHR)
- Training in trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques
- Experience with co-occurring mental health disorders
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use hands repetitively for documentation and patient care tasks.
- Manual dexterity to operate medical and office equipment.
- Clear verbal and auditory communication with patients and staff.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Travel may be required between sites.
Great Benefits! Medical, dental, vision and life and long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts for health, dependent and transit costs, retirement savings plan with company match, paid meal breaks, eligibility for loan forgiveness, continuing education credits available through our learning management system, discount program and generous paid time off.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and fosters inclusion. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.