Mental Health LVN/LPN

Position Summary: The LVN/LPN provides compassionate, patient-centered nursing care to individuals experiencing addiction, eating disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or licensed provider, the LVN/LPN supports safe medication administration, monitors patient health status, and contributes to a collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment environment. This role is essential in promoting patient safety, dignity, and recovery across the continuum of care. Essential Job Functions: Patient Care & Clinical Support * Provide direct nursing care to a diverse behavioral health population, fostering a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented environment. * Support patient assessments by collecting relevant clinical data within LVN/LPN scope of practice. * Perform vital signs, basic assessments, and approved procedures to monitor patient health and inform care planning. * Observe, document, and promptly report changes in mental status, physical condition, or safety risks. * Respond appropriately to emergencies and escalate concerns to licensed providers as needed. Medication Administration & Management * Administer medications as prescribed, including PRNs, in accordance with scope of practice and organizational policy. * Document medication administration, patient response, and effectiveness within required timelines. * Maintain accurate and up-to-date Medication Administration Records (MAR). * Perform medication counts, reconciliation, and auditing processes to ensure compliance and safety. * Enter medication orders into the electronic medical record (as directed) with accuracy and timeliness. * Verify and secure medications brought in by patients, families, or providers in accordance with policy. Collaboration & Patient Education * Collaborate with Registered Nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, and interdisciplinary team members to support coordinated care. * Communicate key updates, including new admissions and changes in patient status, to appropriate team members. * Reinforce patient education related to medication adherence and safe medication use within LVN/LPN scope. Documentation & Compliance * Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation using approved terminology and standards. * Document incidents, medication errors, and safety concerns in alignment with organizational protocols. * Adhere to all state, federal, and organizational regulations, including privacy and confidentiality requirements. * Follow all policies, procedures, and compliance standards, including the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Policy. Professional Practice * Deliver care using the nursing process (data collection, planning, implementation, evaluation) under RN or provider supervision. * Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and accountability in all aspects of the role. * Maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations, best practices, and clinical standards. * Participate in required trainings, competency validations, and ongoing professional development. * Support program needs and perform additional duties as assigned. Residential Treatment Only: * Provides transportation services including patient transportation/supervision, medical appointments, etc. (must be pre-qualified to drive a company vehicle) Substance and Mental Health Use Disorder Division: * Monitoring of CIWA/COW scores for patients on detoxification protocols. * Knowledge of detoxification medication, withdrawal symptoms, and medical complications that can occur in detox. * Provide assistance to Utilization Review in communicating pertinent nursing information Eating Disorder Division: * Sits with patients for a minimum of one meal or snack per week but as needed to cover the program schedule * Will work during meal periods to provide supervision and support to patients. * Must refrain from comments and actions that directly contradict the CFD Clinical Model and Dietary CARE model. * Full adherence to the Center for Discovery policies and procedures. * Maintains NG Tube and administration of bolus feeds, where applicable Knowledge, Education, Experience: * Must be a graduate of an approved nursing program with a current licensure from an appropriate state licensing board in good standing. * Preferred: Experience as a staff nurse, preferably in the field of chemical dependency and/or behavioral health. * Knowledge of industry standards: organization, theory, principles, and research processes, accreditation and regulatory standards, ability to assess clinical care requirements based on nursing principles, scope of practice. * Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects, and potential toxicity. * One year experience preferred working in mental health, substance use, or eating disorders field. * Possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (CPR and First Aid) certification. * Obtain CPI certification within 90 days of hire. * Eating Disorder and Mental Health Division : Obtain Serv Safe certification within 9 0 days of hire if applicable. Employment Status: Full-time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1pm-9pm Work Location: On-site - Stamford, CT Compensation: Pay Range: $24.00-35.00 hourly