Licensed Vocational Nurse- Swing Shift

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet, one of California’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting children, youth, and families, is seeking a compassionate and skilled Licensed Vocational Nurse to join our Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) team in Santa Cruz.

Position Summary

The Licensed Vocational Nurse provides compassionate care and clinical oversight to youth at the Crisis Stabilization Unit. 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.

Key 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.
• Cook 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• 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.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates within a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) clinical environment in Santa Cruz, CA. Schedule: Full-time, flexible shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. May require occasional travel for training or collaboration with partner agencies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. This position typically operates in a standard office environment. The noise level is generally quiet and remains within OSHA's established safety levels at all times.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Aspiranet is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity. We believe a diverse workforce within a culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) increases creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork for the youth and families that we serve and the organization as a whole. Aspiranet strives to provide our employees with a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive of differing world views, cultures, and lived experiences.

How to Apply

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