Licensed Vocational Nurse

Location: Santa Cruz, California

Schedule: Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Sunday–Wednesday 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Department: Residential / Crisis Stabilization Unit

Reports To: Registered Nurse Supervisor

Pay Range: $34.00 – $38.00 per hour for employees hired in the Santa Cruz, CA area. The range provided represents the typical starting rate for candidates in the Bay Area region; other California locations may vary based on cost of living and market data. Factors determining actual starting salary include education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, market data for the work location, and internal comparisons to similar roles.

Bonus: $250 Sign-On Bonus & $250 Retention Bonus

About the role

The Licensed Vocational Nurse provides compassionate care and clinical oversight to youth placed in Aspiranet’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). This role is responsible for assessing clients, administering medication, monitoring medical needs, and supporting individualized treatment plans. The Licensed Vocational Nurse collaborates closely with multidisciplinary treatment teams, supports health and wellness education, and ensures compliance with health, safety, and infection control standards.

About Aspiranet

Founded in 1975, Aspiranet is a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide a continuum of care across California through six service divisions: Foster and Adoption, Transitional Aged Youth, Residential, Intensive Home-Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Family and Community. Every role at Aspiranet contributes to building a future where every child is loved, every family supported, and every individual equipped to succeed.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision to youth at the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Administer medications and monitor for side effects or changes in client condition.
• Coordinate clients’ medical, physical, and dental needs, including referrals and linkages to community providers.
• Deliver health screening, education, and counseling focused on prevention, wellness, and mental health.
• Provide daily living assistance and supportive behavioral interventions to clients.
• Consult with physicians and pharmacists regarding client medication needs.
• Manage prescription call-ins and medication documentation.
• Oversee and implement communicable disease and infection control policies.
• Provide training to staff on health and safety protocols.
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and multidisciplinary care coordination.
• Accurately document interventions, medical issues, progress, and behavioral observations.
• Communicate effectively with treatment team members, supervisors, and client families.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and clinical consultations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or Medical Assistant program.
• Current Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Psychiatric Technician certification.
• Minimum of one year of professional nursing or medical assistant experience.
• CPR/BLR and First Aid certification.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and families with emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Mental health background and experience working with youth or adolescents preferred.
• Experience in an inpatient, residential, or clinical setting strongly desired.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Strong knowledge of crisis assessment, trauma-informed care, and safety planning.
• Meets all state-required employment conditions, including:
  • DOJ fingerprint and Child Abuse Index clearance
  • TB/Health physical
  • Valid CA Driver’s License, acceptable driving record, and proof of insurance

Skills

• Proficiency in English (reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension).
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when necessary.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to CSU operations and Medicaid/EPSDT.
• Familiarity with the DSM-V and psychotropic medications.
• Understanding of substance abuse issues and mental health care.
• Strong writing and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and standard office software.
• Excellent time management, multitasking, and organizational abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients and staff.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Access to the free Aspiranet Employee Perks Program, including discounts on entertainment, travel, wellness, pet care, gym memberships, theme parks, and more.
• Flexible paid time off including:
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 10 vacation days
  • 10 sick leave days
  • 2 diversity days
  • Paid birthday time off
• Employee assistance program including 24/7 crisis line; up to 6 counseling sessions per issue.
• Training opportunities to support ongoing development and career aspirations.
• Supportive, inclusive, and mission-aligned culture.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that support employee wellbeing.

Work Environment

This position operates within a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) clinical environment in Santa Cruz, CA. May require occasional travel for training or collaboration with partner agencies.

The physical demands include standard office environment tasks. The noise level is generally quiet and remains within OSHA’s established safety levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.