Licensed Vocational Nurse - Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program at Janus of Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz, California

Janus of Santa Cruz is a leading nonprofit addiction treatment provider offering compassionate, client-centered services throughout Santa Cruz County. Our Mobile Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) expands access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals experiencing barriers to traditional clinic-based care, including transportation, mobility, and housing instability.

The LVN on the Mobile NTP provides high-quality nursing care and medication services directly in the community. This role ensures safe, compliant dispensing of methadone and other medication-assisted treatments while supporting clients in stabilizing and maintaining recovery. The LVN works collaboratively with counselors, clinicians, and the Medical Director to deliver trauma-informed, harm-reduction-focused care in a mobile clinical setting.

• Safely dispense methadone and other prescribed MAT medications in accordance with federal, state, and DEA regulations.
• Perform client assessments including vitals, impairment checks, withdrawal monitoring, and observational screenings.
• Document all services accurately in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and clinic dosing system.
• Provide health education related to MAT, dosing expectations, medication safety, and harm reduction.
• Support client engagement, retention, and adherence to treatment plans.

• Travel with the mobile unit to designated community dosing locations throughout the county.
• Assist with mobile clinic setup, safety checks, and breakdown each day.
• Maintain secure medication handling, chain-of-custody procedures, and inventory control.
• Ensure compliance with all mobile NTP regulatory guidelines (SAMHSA, DHCS, DEA).
• Monitor environmental safety and respond to field-based incidents or emergencies.

• Work closely with the Medical Director, Program Director, counselors, and support staff to coordinate client care.
• Participate in case reviews, staff meetings, and ongoing training related to MAT, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, community partners, and referral sources.

• Current California LVN license in good standing.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Valid California driver’s license with clean driving record (mobile program requirement).
• Experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or community health preferred.
• Ability to work in non-traditional clinical environments and remain flexible to changing field conditions.
• Commitment to harm reduction, client dignity, and culturally responsive care.

• Experience with methadone, buprenorphine, or other MAT programs.
• Prior work with underserved or high-risk populations (e.g., individuals experiencing homelessness).
• Familiarity with EHR systems and dosing software.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

• Primarily field-based on a mobile medical unit with regular movement between neighborhood dosing sites.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, and working in a compact clinical environment.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions and occasional high-stress situations.

• Competitive hourly rate (commensurate with experience).
• Full benefits package for eligible employees, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities.

At Janus, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to expanding access to life-saving treatment. The Mobile NTP team brings care directly to clients—removing barriers, reducing harm, and helping individuals stabilize and thrive.