Licensed Vocational Nurse; LVN

Licensed Vocational Nurse

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community. We are seeking a Licensed Vocational Nurse for our newest initiative - Incidental Medical Services (IMS) - who will provide essential support and nursing care for individuals with acute alcohol and/or drug intoxication in an environment designed for safe recovery at one of our residential treatment centers. In collaboration with substance use disorder counselors and others, the LVN monitors client safety from initial assessment and triage through discharge.

The LVN provides basic nursing care under protocols developed by the Associate Director of IMS (Incidental Medical Services). They will provide critical support and professional nursing care to individuals accessing detoxification and substance use treatment services in a welcoming, non-medical residential treatment environment. The LVN is responsible for monitoring participant safety, performing health assessments, administering basic care, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support participant stabilization, treatment, and recovery services.

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Perform health screenings, including Alcohol Withdrawal (CIWA), Opiate Withdrawal (COWS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and ASAM assessments, within the scope of practice.
• Monitor participants' withdrawal symptoms according to established protocols, their physical and emotional well-being, and identify potential risks or concerns.
• Assist in the development and implementation of individualized care plans.
• Document all care activities and patient responses accurately and timely in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Assist in coordinating care transitions, including contacting nursing or medical backup as needed and arranging transfers for higher levels of care.
• Educate patients and families about relevant health conditions and facilitate access to needed medically assisted treatment (MAT) and psychotropic medications as appropriate.
• Participate in care coordination activities and interdisciplinary team meetings to ensure comprehensive participant care.

Requirements:

• Graduated from an accredited Vocational Nursing program, with an active LVN license in California, and current CPR/BLS certification.
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and other complex needs.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to behavioral crises and infectious diseases.
• Proficiency in health assessments, including withdrawal screenings (CIWA, COWS) and ASAM evaluations.
• Strong documentation skills, particularly in the electronic health record, Welligent.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage crisis situations calmly and effectively.
• Experience in community-based clinics and/or emergency settings preferred.
• Maintains knowledge of legal guidelines pertaining to EMTALA/COBRA and abuse/neglect reporting.
• Knowledgeable about harm reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered care, and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including the impoverished, unhoused, and those suffering from chronic substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, adaptability, and professionalism.
• Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.
• Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or Smartcare).
• Maintains…