LPN, Behavioral Health

Description:

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health LPN provides patient-centered clinical care to individuals managing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities within an integrated primary care setting. The LPN is responsible for clinical intake, medication management, crisis de-escalation support, and coordinating comprehensive patient follow-up. This role heavily emphasizes serving culturally diverse and historically underserved populations.

Essential Responsibilities:

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all associates in this position. The duties listed are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties as assigned by their manager and/or LRHC Leadership.

Clinical Intake & Monitoring

Room behavioral health patients, obtain precise vital signs, and document comprehensive psychiatric and physical health histories within the Electronic Health Record (EHR). Monitor patients for changes in mental status or side effects of psychiatric medications.

Medication Administration & Management: Safely administer prescribed oral, topically-applied, or long-acting injectable (LAI) medications. Coordinate medication tracking, conduct routine drug counts, and assist with lab couriers and sample collection.

Patient Education & Care Coordination: Perform routine medication reconciliation. Reinforce treatment plans, deliver vital patient training on psychiatric medication skills/adherence, and

connect patients to external health advocates, translation services, or case managers.

Crisis Intervention Support: Actively participate in behavioral de-escalation when a patient is in distress, providing critical safety support and emotional stability alongside the interdisciplinary team.

Patient Assistance Programs: Partner with local pharmacies and manufacturers to enroll eligible, underinsured individuals in free medication assistance programs and track prescription statuses.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Education: Graduate of an accredited practical nursing program
• Licensure: Unrestricted, active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) credential in the practicing state
• Certification: Current Basic Life Support (BLS / CPR) certification

Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of clinical nursing experience, with a strong preference given to candidates possessing prior experience in behavioral health, community health, or outpatient psychiatry.

Language Skills:

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Trauma-Informed Care: A strong foundation in therapeutic communication, empathy, and working calmly under stress.
• Technical Literacy: Proficiency navigating complex Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and standard business office hardware/software.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to comfortably communicate with and advocate for a highly diverse, vulnerable, or multilingual consumer population.
• Clinical Judgment: Sound foundational knowledge of common psychiatric pharmacology, potential side effects, and signs of substance withdrawal or psychological crisis.

Equipment Operated:

• Wide range of office equipment.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Frequent sitting or standing for long periods while using a computer. Regular walking within the clinic to coordinate with staff. Must be able to lift or move up to 15–25 pounds and occasionally push.