Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Withdrawal Management 11am-11pm & Methadone Clinic 7:30am-4pm
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Medical Director and Program Director
Position Summary:
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) plays a critical role in the delivery of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and withdrawal management services. This includes administering methadone, buprenorphine, and other medications as ordered, monitoring patient response during withdrawal, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for individuals in early recovery. This dual-role position involves both clinical and administrative responsibilities within the opioid treatment program (OTP) and withdrawal management unit.
Key Responsibilities: Clinical Duties (Methadone Clinic & Withdrawal Management):
- Administers medications (methadone, buprenorphine, comfort medications, etc.) per physician orders and documents accurately in medical records.
- Observes patient behavior and symptoms prior to dosing or administration, especially during withdrawal stabilization, and consults Medical Director as needed.
- Conducts vital signs monitoring, withdrawal assessments (COWS/CIWA), TB tests, urine drug screens, and other medical evaluations.
- Prepares and distributes pre-poured doses for take-home patients per state-specific policies.
- Verifies dosages with other centers when patients transfer or are guest dosing.
- Monitors and documents signs of medical distress during withdrawal and reports emergent needs promptly.
- Assists Medical Director with medical intakes, physicals, and lab data collection.
- Schedules patients for provider appointments and supports continuity of care.
- Educates patients on medication regimens, withdrawal symptoms, and recovery supports.
- Supports safe medication tapers and symptom management under supervision.
Administrative Duties:
- Conducts daily sight and count inventory of all medication, maintaining strict accuracy and chain-of-custody.
- Receives, verifies, and logs medication shipments; reports discrepancies to Program Director immediately.
- Ensures proper storage, labeling, and disposal of medical waste and expired medications.
- Completes pharmacy reports and reviews with Program Director prior to submission.
- Collects and reconciles patient fees when needed, completing daily cash reconciliation when a cashier is unavailable.
- Assists in creating nursing/pharmacy staff schedules and supports onboarding of new nursing staff.
- Opens and closes the pharmacy area in alignment with clinic policies.
- Maintains complete confidentiality of all patient information and adheres to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
Team Participation & Compliance:
- Participates in team meetings, staff in-services, CARF and state audit preparations.
- Works collaboratively with medical, clinical, and administrative teams to ensure quality patient care.
- Communicates patient concerns or behavioral issues to appropriate leadership.
- Maintains licensure and certifications as required by state and federal guidelines.
- Ensures all tasks comply with Local, State, Federal, and Colonial Management Group policies and procedures.
Qualifications:
Education/Licensure:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with current, active state licensure.
Experience:
- Minimum of 1 year of direct patient care experience.
- Experience in addiction treatment, withdrawal management, behavioral health, or clinical environments strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of opioid addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and medication-assisted treatment.
- Strong nursing skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent customer service, verbal communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and manage crisis situations calmly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and electronic medical records (EMR).
- Basic mathematical and typing skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Minneapolis, MN 55404: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
