Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Substance Abuse Program

The Licensed Practical Nurse in the (SAP) Substance Abuse Program will work under the direction of the Program Coordinator and the APRN or MD, provide routine care, observe patients’ health, and communicate with patients and their families to provide optimal ambulatory healthcare to patients. Provides direct patient contact and is performed in accordance with prescribed methods, techniques, and procedures. Works with all areas of the Substance Abuse Program. SAP holds the following Levels of care and Medication assistance: Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Outpatient services, Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), and Continuing Care (CC).  

• Monday (6:00am-2:00pm).
• Tuesday - Friday (8:00am - 4:00pm). 
• Saturday coverage as needed (6:00am - 11:00am).
• Provide methadone coverage on Saturdays in case of vacations.

• Checks patients’ medical records for pertinent data.
• Greets and escorts patients to exam rooms; prepares for the provider by obtaining initial information and vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, height, weights, BMI, and head circumference as specified by program). 
• Documents chief complaints of patients and notifies the nurse/provider of unusual symptoms or complaints. 
• Assists in telephone follow-up with the patient as directed by the program. 
• Under the direction of the provider and/or Registered Nurse, assists with basic patient health education. 
• Inspects exam rooms for cleanliness and equipment condition. 
• Maintains ordered supplies and keeps area stocked. Checks for medical supplies that are outdated. 
• Performs tasks including filing, chart documentation, and telephone follow-up as assigned. 
• Administers medications and immunizations for patients ordered by the provider. 
• Dispenses Methadone under the direction of the provider/physician.  
• Develops and maintains a working knowledge of individual Emergency Preparedness roles. 
• Demonstrates adherence to National Patient Safety Goals. 
• Reports all unusual occurrences that may involve the safety and well-being of the patients and co-workers directly to the supervisor and/or safety officer.  

• Requires an Illinois License as a Practical Nurse (LPN).
• Successful completion of LCHDCHC competencies within 6 months of hire. 
• Ability to work on weekends, holidays, and overtime if necessary,  and maintain and keep records. 
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos 
• Knowledge of medical terminology; experience with computers and electronic health records.
• Ability to operate various office and medical equipment 

As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community. 

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at https://lakecountyil.attract.neogov.com/health-department.

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4515/Salary-Grades. For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2686/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.. This position is represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.