Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Mental Health Association - Western MA•Chicopee, MA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The LPN position provides support for both the GRIT co-occurring programs and the DCF young adult supported living programs, as needed. The LPN works in collaboration with the Nurse Manager, Medication Specialist, Prescriber, the multi-disciplinary team and program participants and acts as a liaison for support and communication. This is a unique, recovery-focused role that blends clinical care with meaningful, person-centered support in community residential settings. This position ensures the safe, effective, and compassionate oversight of medications, while promoting recovery-oriented care and support for the psychiatric and medical needs of participants in the program. This position includes direct work with individuals rebuilding their lives after mental health and substance use challenges including hands-on nursing care, medication support and care coordination. The GRIT program at MHA provides residential rehabilitation for individuals with substance use challenges and co-occurring mental health conditions. Residents participate in individualized counseling, recovery-focused programming, and community activities such as education, job training, or employment, all within a structured and supportive environment. With locations in Springfield (men’s programs) and Holyoke (LGBTQIA+ program), GRIT combines the comforts of home with access to vital resources. A skilled, multidisciplinary team works closely with each resident to support recovery, personal growth, and long-term stability, while creating personalized aftercare plans for a successful return to the community.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of psychotropic medications, common medical conditions and wellness principles.
Ability to coordinate care and advocate effectively within the healthcare system.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
Must be at least 18 years old.
LPN license in Massachusetts is required.
Willingness to learn is required.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of applicable experience in a relevant environment is preferred.
Experience with individuals with substance use and/or mental health challenges preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess the physical health needs of program participants and help shape individualized care plans.
Monitor medications, observe side effects, and provide clear education to participants about their treatment.
Monitor incoming paperwork from external appointments.
Communicate regularly with outside providers, physicians, and VNAs to coordinate care.
Support a culture of wellness through participant engagement and informal health coaching.
Partner with staff on BSAS med training and compliance.
Provide oversight and training for staff needing extra support with medication-related tasks and procedures.
Be part of the team that ensures participants get timely, quality healthcare- including advocating for follow-up care and second opinions when needed.
Maintain familiarity with various procedures including gathering information for the prescriber before weekly appointments, accessing information from the electronic health record and other management systems, printing and changing over monthly MOS forms and completing medication transfer forms for discharges.
Participate in treatment planning, discharge planning, and program wellness initiatives.
Conduct one-on-one and group teaching sessions with program participants.
Provide nursing support (max 10 hrs per week) for the DCF young adult supported living programs, supporting tasks such as medication reconciliation on admission and discharge, collaboration with providers and consultation as needed.