Registered Nurse - SUD

Janus of Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan (403b)

Generous paid time off and holidays

Paid sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a compassionate Registered Nurse to provide direct patient care across our recovery-oriented programs. You will perform health assessments, administer medications, monitor withdrawal symptoms, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support safety and dignity for clients.

This role emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and strong documentation in electronic health records.

Qualifications

• Active California RN license in good standing.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Knowledge of medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment practices.
• Strong assessment, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing complex social, behavioral, and medical needs.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented care.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations of client health status.
• Monitor clients for withdrawal symptoms, medication effectiveness, and changes in physical or behavioral health.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, nursing standards, and organizational policies.
• Provide nursing care for clients experiencing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and chronic medical conditions.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in electronic health records.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and provide first aid, crisis intervention, and emergency care as needed.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, counselors, case managers, peer support specialists, and other treatment team members.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and case conferences.
• Coordinate referrals and continuity of care with community healthcare providers and support services.
• Advocate for client healthcare needs and access to services.
• Adhere to all federal, state, county, licensing, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Communication skills

Documentation skills

Trauma-informed care

Cultural competency

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate of accredited nursing program

Job description

Description

Janus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based services to individuals experiencing substance use disorders, behavioral health challenges, homelessness, and related health concerns. The Registered Nurse (RN) plays a vital role in delivering high-quality nursing care, supporting recovery-oriented treatment, promoting wellness, and ensuring the safety and dignity of clients across Janus programs.

The RN provides direct patient care, conducts health assessments, administers medications, supports withdrawal management and recovery services, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, and promotes a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Nursing Care

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments and ongoing evaluations of client health status.
• Monitor clients for withdrawal symptoms, medication effectiveness, and changes in physical or behavioral health.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders, nursing standards, and organizational policies.
• Provide nursing care for clients experiencing substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and chronic medical conditions.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in electronic health records.
• Respond appropriately to medical emergencies and provide first aid, crisis intervention, and emergency care as needed.

Medication Management

• Administer and document prescribed medications.
• Monitor medication compliance, side effects, and adverse reactions.
• Coordinate medication refills and collaborate with prescribing providers.
• Educate clients regarding medications, treatment plans, and self-management strategies.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, counselors, case managers, peer support specialists, and other treatment team members.
• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning and case conferences.
• Coordinate referrals and continuity of care with community healthcare providers and support services.
• Advocate for client healthcare needs and access to services.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Adhere to all federal, state, county, licensing, accreditation, and organizational requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement activities and staff training.
• Support infection control and workplace safety procedures.

Requirements

Required

• Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Knowledge of medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment practices.
• Strong assessment, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing complex social, behavioral, and medical needs.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented care.

Preferred

• Experience in substance use disorder treatment, withdrawal management, behavioral health, community health, homeless services, or public health settings.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR).
• Knowledge of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), including medications such as buprenorphine and naltrexone.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to recognize and respond to medical and behavioral health emergencies.
• Understanding of harm reduction and recovery-oriented models of care.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional boundaries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to operate standard office and medical equipment.

Compensation & Benefits

Janus offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan (403b)
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Employee wellness and mental health support services
• Professional development and training opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity

Janus of Santa Cruz is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on protected characteristics.

Why Join Janus?

• Make a meaningful impact in your community
• Work alongside a mission-driven, collaborative team
• Grow your career in integrated behavioral health services