LPN Dispensing Nurse – Methadone​/MAT

The LPN Dispensing Nurse administers and dispenses methadone and other medication-assisted treatment (MAT) medications to clients enrolled in Garfield Counseling Center, Inc.'s (GCC) Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), in accordance with physician orders, DEA regulations, and 42 CFR Part 8 federal opioid treatment standards. This position performs client identity verification, dosing accuracy checks, and take-home medication management, while maintaining strict compliance with DEA diversion control requirements, IDHS/DBHR OTP standards, and CARF accreditation standards.

The LPN Dispensing Nurse works closely with the Medical Director, Nurse Supervisor, and clinical team to support each client's overall treatment and recovery plan.

• Administer and dispense methadone and other MAT medications in accordance with physician orders, GCC's standard operating procedures, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Verify client identity and dosing accuracy prior to every dose administered, following GCC's identity verification protocol.
• Monitor clients for adverse reactions, signs of intoxication, or withdrawal, and respond appropriately, escalating to the Medical Director or Nurse Supervisor as needed.
• Manage take-home medication eligibility, dispensing, and documentation in accordance with 42 CFR Part 8 take-home criteria and DEA requirements.
• Conduct and document narcotic counts and medication reconciliation at required intervals, maintaining strict diversion control standards.
• Administer and collect urine drug screens and other required point-of-care testing, and document results accurately.
• Conduct client assessments at admission, dose changes, and discharge, documenting all clinical observations in GCC's EHR system (Zoo Book).
• Maintain accurate, timely, and audit-ready medication administration records in compliance with 42 CFR Part 2, 42 CFR Part 8, and HIPAA.
• Respond to medical emergencies, including overdose or adverse reaction events, following GCC's emergency response protocols.
• Educate clients on medication compliance, withdrawal symptom awareness, and safe medication storage/handling.
• Collaborate with physicians, counselors, case managers, and other nursing staff to support each client's integrated treatment plan.
• Maintain and monitor medication inventory, storage, and security in accordance with DEA and IDHS/DBHR requirements.
• Support GCC's compliance during SAMHSA, DEA, IDHS/DBHR, and CARF site visits, audits, and inspections related to medication dispensing.
• Perform other clinical duties as assigned by the Nurse Supervisor or Medical Director.

• Current, active, unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Illinois required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience required; experience in substance use disorder treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or an Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) strongly preferred.
• CPR/BLS certification required.

• Working knowledge of 42 CFR Part 8 federal OTP regulations, DEA diversion control requirements, and medication-assisted treatment protocols.
• Strong medication administration skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to signs of overdose, withdrawal, or adverse medication reactions.
• Understanding of confidentiality requirements under 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.
• Non-judgmental, compassionate, recovery-oriented approach to working with clients with substance use disorder.
• Comfort working within EHR and medication dispensing systems for documentation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage high-volume dosing lines and maintain accurate records under time pressure.
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in medical emergencies.

This position is primarily performed in a clinical dispensing/dosing environment, often involving early morning hours to accommodate client dosing schedules. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks (medication preparation and dispensing) for extended periods. The role involves exposure to clients who may be in medical distress or crisis. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being…