Lead Medication Nurse - Substance Use Disorder Treatment

LEAD MEDICATION NURSE

Substance Use Disorder Treatment

CRI-Help is a substance use disorder treatment center with several locations across Los Angeles County. We've been around since 1971 and are noted as an organization practicing integrity in our commitment to ethical and meaningful client care. Our mission is to improve the welfare of the community by providing first-class substance use disorder treatment to adults and families seeking freedom from the bondage of addiction, and we live out that mission everyday with our staff and clients.

As a nonprofit organization, CRI-Help is a qualifying employer affording our full-time employees the opportunity to begin, or continue, the process of seeking PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). In addition, our benefits package for full-time employees is quite robust- especially the option for 100% employer-paid $0 deductible Platinum plan Medical insurance, including an additional 40% paid coverage for dependents, which accompanies our 401k with 4% match option nicely. Please see the full list of benefits below, especially the 12 paid holidays per year (we are a 24/7 facility, so not all employees will be able to take all 12 paid holidays off- but will still get paid for the holiday in addition to their hours worked).

CRI-Help is an amazing organization to be a part of and I strongly encourage you to consider joining the team! We opened a new facility in Lincoln Heights in January 2025 and are still hiring for all roles- keep referring back to https://crihelp.bamboohr.com/careers/ for current openings at all sites.

Basic Function

• The Lead Medication Nurse collaborates with the Director of Nursing to offer support and oversight of CRI-Help's Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators. This includes monitoring the self-administration of medications by residential clients and ensuring their compliance. Additionally, the Lead Medication Nurse is responsible for completing necessary documentation and collaborating with the Support Technician Department, Social Services Department, and Director of Nursing regarding clients’ health statuses during their treatment episodes.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care and assist in the pre-admission, admission, treatment, and discharge processes for clients.
• Provide medication training and oversight to Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Residential Support Technicians.
• Receive prescribing clinicians orders and transcribe them into clients’ charts.
• Observe clients’ self-administration of medications and treatment as prescribed by written prescribing clinicians orders.
• Document medication observations in the EHR, in accordance with CRI-Help documentation timeliness standards.
• Assess for clients’ medication reactions and medication adherence.
• Assist Nurse Practitioner with clearing clients to volunteer in the kitchen.
• Clear clients for bedrest and follow-up daily as necessary assessing for need for medical care.
  
  
• Review Residential medication logs, reviewing for medication errors, providing corrective supervision when necessary.
• Measure vital signs and record results.
• Complete necessary client documentation, logs, maintenance reports, and incident reports.
• Complete Care Coordination documentation for all instances of care coordination for the clients.
• Maintain a minimum of 65% DMC billing productivity per month.
• Be on-call after hours for questions from Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Support Technicians.
• Conduct performance reviews for Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
• Make and maintain monthly schedule for Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Director of Nursing.

Skills / Knowledge

• Must have an advanced understanding of substance use and psychological disorders.
• Must understand medication protocols, and related care, including symptoms and medications.
• Must be able to conduct CIWA and COWS assessments.
• Must be able to accurately record information and prepare reports.
• Must be able to properly manage medications.
• Must have experience working with diverse populations.
• Must be able to properly conduct required assessments.
• Must be able to navigate CRI-Help’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Must be computer proficient.
• Must have advanced knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2
• Must be familiar with medical / psychiatric problems common to clients with substance use disorders.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with clients, treatment team, and outside entities.
• Must have an in-depth knowledge of CARF, DHCS Alcohol and / or Other Drug Certification Standards, and Drug Medi-Cal regulations.
  

Education / Training

• Preferred: Licensed Registered Nurse with the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Registered Nursing.
• Minimum Requirement: Must be currently registered with California Board of Vocational Nursing.
• Must possess active, classroom CPR and First Aid Certification or BLS Certification.

Experience

• Must have experience working in a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) facility.
• Must have two or more years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in substance abuse treatment.
• Must have two or more years of supervisory experience.

Special Conditions

• Must be willing to undergo random drug screenings.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally ascend and descend stairs.
• Frequently stand and / or sit for 6-8 hours.
• Frequently crouch below the waist and / or above the shoulders.
• Frequently lift and / or move objects up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally push and / or pull objects up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally work at various locations across Los Angeles County.

Position Reports To

• Director of Nursing

Position Type

• Full-Time, In-Person, Exempt, Salaried

Pay Range

• $105,000 - $115,000 / Year

Benefits

• 100% Paid Blue Shield Trio Plan Medical Insurance Option
• 80% Paid Blue Shield Access+ Plan Medical Insurance Option
• 80% Paid Kaiser Medical Insurance Option
• 40% Dependent Coverage on Medical Insurance Plan
• 80% Paid Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid time off (10 Paid Sick Days Annually, 12 Paid Holidays Annually, Paid Vacation)
• Educational Assistance Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(k) 4% Employer Match
• 100% Paid $25,000 Life Insurance Plan with option to voluntarily increase coverage