LPN Dispensing Nurse – Methadone/MAT

Garfield Counseling Center Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Garfield Counseling Center, Inc. seeks an LPN Dispensing Nurse to administer and dispense methadone and MAT medications in its OTP. You will verify identities, ensure dosing accuracy, and manage take-home eligibility in a high‑compliance setting.

Careful monitoring for adverse effects, emergencies, and accurate documentation in ZooBook is required. Collaboration with physicians, nurses, and counselors supports each client's recovery plan.

Qualifications

• LPN license in IL with active status.
• CPR/BLS certification required.
• Experience with MAT/OTP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and dispense methadone and MAT per physician orders and procedures.
• Verify client identity and dosing accuracy before each dose.
• Monitor for adverse reactions, withdrawal, or intoxication and escalate as needed.
• Manage take-home medication eligibility and documentation per 42 CFR Part 8 and DEA rules.
• Conduct narcotic counts and medication reconciliation on schedule.
• Perform urine drug screens and other point-of-care testing; document results.
• Document client assessments at admission, dose change, and discharge in ZooBook.
• Maintain accurate medication administration records in compliance with regulations.
• Respond to medical emergencies following established protocols.
• Educate clients on adherence, withdrawal symptoms, and safe storage of meds.
• Collaborate with physicians, counselors, and nursing staff on treatment plans.
• Maintain inventory and security of medications per DEA and state rules.

Skills

Medication administration

DEA regulations

HIPAA compliance

Emergency response

EHR proficiency

Documentation

Patient education

Education

Illinois LPN license

CPR/BLS certification

Tools

ZooBook EHR

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 (ZooBook).
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Garfield Counseling Center, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.