SUD LVN (Substance Use Disorder)

Clínica Romero; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Clínica Romero in Los Angeles seeks a SUD Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to deliver compassionate medical care within the Substance Use Disorder program. The LVN will administer medications, perform screenings, and support recovery through MACT protocols and preventive services.

This role requires strong collaboration with medical and behavioral health teams, accurate EHR documentation, and outreach to connect patients with community resources.

Qualifications

• Active California LVN license required.
• BLS/CPR certification required.
• Experience with vulnerable populations preferred.
• Ability to document care accurately and timely in EHR.

Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care under physician supervision.
• Document all service contacts in a timely manner.
• Oversee Medicated Assisted Treatment program participation.
• Screen patients for substance use and mental health needs.
• Administer medications and wound care as prescribed.
• Perform vital signs and document findings in EHR.
• Educate patients on medication adherence and health practices.
• Collaborate with behavioral health teams.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Compassionate care

Team collaboration

Education

California LVN license

BLS/CPR certification

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Job Title: SUD Licensed Vocational Nurse | Department: Substance Abuse Disorder | Reports To: SUD Program Director

Job Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in the Substance Abuse Disorder focuses on delivering compassionate, high‑quality medical care to individuals. The LVN will address a range of conditions, including chronic substance abuse management via administration of Medicated Assisted Treatment, acute care, and preventive services including administrating drug and alcohol screenings.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician
• Document all service contacts on a timely basis including face‑to‑face assessment, physical screenings
• Oversee Medicated Assisted Treatment Program
• Work with Mental Health Department to screen mental health referrals and act as a liaison for SUD and behavioral health collaboration
• Administer medications, treatments, and wound care as prescribed
• Assist in assessing patient substance abuse health needs, performing vital sign checks, and documenting findings accurately in the electronic health record (EHR)
• Administers urine and breathalyzer drug and alcohol screenings for enrolled patients as part of the SUD program
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary clinical teams
• Educate patients on medication adherence, chronic disease management, and preventative substance abuse health practices
• Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation in challenging situations
• Ensure proper infection control practices while delivering care
• Establish and maintain trust with patients, fostering a safe environment
• Participate in outreach work to connect patients in the community to our SUD Services
• Meet with Program Director and Medical Director as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing and processing the provision of case management, and dealing with appropriate clinical, and administrative issues
• Coordinate care and referrals with community organizations and social service providers to address holistic patient needs (e.g., housing, food security, mental health services)
• Maintain and ensure proper inventory of medical supplies and equipment for mobile operations
• Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and ethical standards in delivering care
• Perform other duties as assigned by the program director, which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures
• Ensure all drug and alcohol tests are properly completed, documented, and compliant with regulatory standards
• Report positive test results to assigned counselors or case managers and mandated agencies when required
• Upload and file drug and alcohol test results appropriately in patient records and communicate results to the medical director
• Verify patient eligibility for program benefits and assist eligible patients in obtaining them
• Conduct follow‑ups and communicate appointment information to SUD Staff

Qualifications

• Lived experience or significant experience working with unhoused or vulnerable individuals
• Active and unrestricted California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license
• Minimum of 1–2 years of nursing experience, preferably in community health, urgent care, SUD, or working with underserved populations
• Current BLS/CPR certification
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in challenging environments
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or behavioral health challenges preferred
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Comfortable delivering care in clinical settings
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods while providing care in various environments
• Capacity to lift, carry, and transport equipment or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds
• Comfort working with the Substance Abuse and transient population
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel as needed during patient care or outreach activities
• Adequate manual dexterity to perform medical procedures, operate equipment, and manage electronic health records