Behavioral Health Nurse
About The Position
The Behavioral Health Nurse (LVN/LPT) provides high-quality nursing care to clients undergoing detoxification, residential treatment, and/or rehabilitation from substance use disorders and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. This position supports client safety, medication services, detox monitoring, health assessments, documentation, and coordination of care in collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team. Behavioral Health Nurses serve as client advocates and provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and recovery-focused care. Duties and level of independence may vary based on licensure, experience, competency, assigned level, and scope of practice.
Requirements
- Current and active LVN/LPT license in good standing in the State of California required.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification required.
- Strong assessment, critical thinking, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, multidisciplinary environment.
- Compassionate, empathetic, and professional approach to working with individuals in recovery.
- Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Ability to follow medication management, safety, infection control, and emergency response protocols.
- Successful completion of background check, drug test, physical, and TB screening.
- Valid driver’s license.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in behavioral health, substance use treatment, detox, residential treatment, or a related healthcare setting preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct nursing care to clients in a residential behavioral health and substance use treatment setting.
- Facilitate self-administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by providers, ensuring accuracy, safety, and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Support detoxification procedures and monitor clients for withdrawal symptoms, changes in condition, and response to treatment.
- Monitor and document client progress, including vital signs, symptoms, behavioral presentation, medication response, and other relevant clinical observations.
- Conduct health assessments and screenings, identifying changes in physical or mental health status and communicating concerns to appropriate clinical or medical leadership.
- Assist with intakes and admissions of new clients, including nursing assessments, medication review, and coordination with providers as needed.
- Support individualized detox treatment planning within scope of practice and in coordination with the medical and clinical team.
- Conduct safety checks in accordance with organizational policy and regulatory expectations.
- Educate clients and, when appropriate, family members regarding medications, withdrawal symptoms, treatment expectations, recovery, wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Encourage clients and family members to develop and use constructive coping strategies and recovery-supportive behaviors.
- Facilitate referrals and communication with healthcare providers, pharmacies, emergency services, and community health resources as appropriate.
- Support the smooth progression of daily client schedules and coordinate with staff to promote client safety and continuity of care.
- Maintain accurate, timely, complete, and confidential client records in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policy, and regulatory requirements.
- Uphold safety, infection control, medication management, and emergency response protocols.
- Safely operate company vehicles, when assigned and authorized, to transport clients to appointments, treatment sessions, and other designated locations.
- Support compliance with applicable DHCS, Joint Commission, CARF, organizational, and nursing standards.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
