Mental Health LVN/LPN

Discovery Mood; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Mood & Anxiety is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) to provide compassionate, patient-centered nursing care within our behavioral health programs in Stamford, CT. You will support medication administration, patient monitoring, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to promote safety and recovery.

Qualifications include an active LPN/LVN license, CPR certification, and CPI prep within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing program with active state licensure.
• One year experience in mental health, addiction, or behavior health preferred.
• Knowledge of medications, indications, dosages, side effects, and toxicity.
• Maintain Basic Life Support (CPR) certification; CPI certification within 90 days of hire.
• Eating Disorder and Mental Health divisions: Serv Safe certification within 90 days if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to a behavioral health population.
• Support assessments by collecting clinical data within scope.
• Perform vital signs and basic assessments; inform care planning.
• Report changes in patient status promptly to licensed providers.
• Administer medications as prescribed and document administration.
• Maintain MAR and medication counts for safety and compliance.
• Collaborate with RNs, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Document incidents and ensure confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Nursing licensure

CPR certification

Education

LPN/LVN license

Job description

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 escalated 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 9 0 days of hire if applicable.

Employment Status: Full-time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1pm-9pm
Work Location: On-site - Stamford, CT
Compensation: Pay Range: $24.00-35.00 hourly

Reference Number: 10513

Department: Nursing

City, State: Stamford, CT

Employment Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: $24.00 - $35.00

Virtual: No

Company: Discovery Mood & Anxiety

Location: Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program

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