LVN/LPN (On-Call)

Discovery Behavioral Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Behavioral Health in Chicago, IL is seeking an LVN/LPN to provide compassionate nursing care in a behavioral health setting. Working under supervision of RN or licensed provider, you will support safe medication administration, monitor patient status, and contribute to a multidisciplinary treatment team.

The role emphasizes patient safety and dignity, with responsibilities including direct nursing care, vital signs, assisting with assessments, medication administration, documentation

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing program with active state licensure.
• Experience in behavioral health or addiction care preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification.
• CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
• Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to a behavioral health population.
• Assist with patient assessments and vital signs.
• Administer medications and document administration and responses.
• Collaborate with RN, physicians, psychiatrists and the team; educate patients on meds.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Deliver care under supervision using the nursing process; uphold professionalism.

Skills

Nursing license

CPR certification

Detox knowledge

Behavioral health experience

Medication administration

Education

Nursing degree/diploma

Tools

EMR documentation

Medication administration records (MAR)

Job description

Center for Discovery.

At Discovery, we offer career opportunities nationwide in residential, day treatment, and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment. Discovery is currently seeking Program Directors, Primary Therapists, Facility Managers, Counselors/Mental Health Specialists, Dietitians, Diet Techs, and Nurses. Discovery is specifically seeking individuals who consistently strive to provide exemplary care and are passionate about transforming the lives of others.

If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the behavioral health field, the first step is to look for Open job positions that match your skills, qualifications and interest. Each posting includes a description and minimum required qualifications.

When we review candidate information, we are looking for the best matches for the position based on the qualifications listed in the job posting. If your skills and experience appear to match an open position, a recruitment services professional or hiring manager may contact you to further discuss your qualifications.

Position Summary:

The LVN/LPN provides compassionate, patient-centered nursing care to individuals experiencing addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed provider, the LVN/LPN supports safe medication administration, monitors patient health status, and contributes to a collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment environment. This role is essential in promoting patient safety, dignity, and recovery across the continuum of care.

Essential Job Functions:

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment.
• Support patient assessments by collecting relevant clinical data within LVN/LPN scope of practice.
• Perform vital signs, basic assessments, and approved procedures to monitor patient health and inform care planning.
• Observe, document, and promptly report changes in mental status, physical condition, or safety risks.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and elevate concerns to licensed providers as needed.

Medication Administration & Management

• Administer medications as prescribed, including PRNs, in accordance with scope of practice and organizational policy.
• Document medication administration, patient response, and effectiveness within required timelines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Medication Administration Records (MAR).
• Perform medication counts, reconciliation, and auditing processes to ensure compliance and safety.
• Enter medication orders into the electronic medical record (as directed) with accuracy and timeliness.
• Verify and secure medications brought in by patients, families, or providers in accordance with policy.

Collaboration & Patient Education

• Collaborate with Registered Nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated care.
• Communicate key updates, including new admissions and changes in patient status, to appropriate team members.
• Reinforce patient education related to medication adherence and safe medication use within LVN/LPN scope.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation using approved terminology and standards.
• Document incidents, medication errors, and safety concerns in alignment with organizational protocols.
• Adhere to all state, federal, and organizational regulations, including privacy and confidentiality requirements.
• Follow all policies, procedures, and compliance standards, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Policy.

Professional Practice

• Deliver care using the nursing process (data collection, planning, implementation, evaluation) under RN or provider supervision.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations, best practices, and clinical standards.
• Participate in required trainings, competency validations, and ongoing professional development.
• Support program needs and perform additional duties as assigned.

Residential Treatment Only:

• Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, medical appointments, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle)

Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division:

• Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols.
• Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox.
• Provide assistance to Utilization Review in communicating pertinent nursing information

Eating Disorder Division:

• Sits with patients for a minimum of one meal or snack per week but as needed to cover the program schedule
• Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patients.
• Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model.
• Full adherence to the Center for Discovery policies and procedures.
• Maintains NG Tube and administration of bolus feeds, where applicable

Knowledge, Education, Experience:

• Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure from an appropriate state licensing board in good standing.
• Preferred: Experience as a staff nurse, preferably in the field of chemical dependency and/or behavioral health.
• Knowledge of industry standards: organization, theory, principles, and research processes, accreditation and regulatory standards, ability to assess clinical care requirements based on nursing principles, scope of practice.
• Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity.
• One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field.
• Possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid) certification.
• Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
• Eating Disorder and Mental Health Division: Obtain Serv Safe certification within 90 days of hire if applicable.

Employment Status: On-Call PRN

Work Location: Onsite- Chicago, IL

Compensation: Pay Range: $27 - $38 hourly

Discovery Behavioral Health seeks to build a diverse staff that is reflective of the patients we serve and the communities where we work. DBH encourages multiple perspectives, experiences, and strives to hire and retain a diverse workforce.

We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V.

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.