The Lead Medication Nurse collaborates with the Director of Nursing to offer support and oversight of CRI-Help's Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
Posted Sep 30
Shift and hours
Days
Unit and setting
Psych · Behavioral Health
License
RN license Minimum Requirement: Must be currently registered with California Board of Vocational Nursing.
Currently registered with California Board of Vocational NursingMinimum Requirement: Must be currently registered with California Board of Vocational Nursing.Check your license
Certification
Active classroom CPR and First Aid Certification or BLS CertificationMust possess active, classroom CPR and First Aid Certification or BLS Certification.
Experience
Two or more years of clinical nursing experienceMust have two or more years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in substance abuse treatment.
Experience
Two or more years of supervisory experienceMust have two or more years of supervisory experience.
Experience
Experience working in a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) facilityMust have experience working in a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) facility.
Also asks
Advanced understanding of substance use and psychological disordersMust have an advanced understanding of substance use and psychological disorders.
Also asks
Understanding of medication protocols and related care, including symptoms and medicationsMust understand medication protocols, and related care, including symptoms and medications.
Also asks
Able to conduct CIWA and COWS assessmentsMust be able to conduct CIWA and COWS assessments.
Also asks
Able to accurately record information and prepare reportsMust be able to accurately record information and prepare reports.
Also asks
Able to properly manage medicationsMust be able to properly manage medications.
Also asks
Experience working with diverse populationsMust have experience working with diverse populations.
Also asks
Able to properly conduct required assessmentsMust be able to properly conduct required assessments.
Also asks
Able to navigate CRI-Help's EHR systemMust be able to navigate CRI-Help’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Also asks
Computer proficientMust be computer proficient.
Also asks
Advanced knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2Must have advanced knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2
Also asks
Familiar with medical and psychiatric problems common to clients with substance use disordersMust be familiar with medical / psychiatric problems common to clients with substance use disorders.
Also asks
Able to communicate effectively with clients, treatment team, and outside entitiesMust be able to communicate effectively with clients, treatment team, and outside entities.
Also asks
In-depth knowledge of CARF, DHCS Alcohol and / or Other Drug Certification Standards, and Drug Medi-Cal regulationsMust have an in-depth knowledge of CARF, DHCS Alcohol and / or Other Drug Certification Standards, and Drug Medi-Cal regulations.
Preferred
License
Licensed Registered Nurse (RN), CaliforniaPreferred: Licensed Registered Nurse with the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Registered Nursing.Check your license
In range for Los Angeles staff RN rolesLos Angeles staff RN postings that state pay run $85k/yr to $124k/yr, the middle half $94k/yr to $113k/yr, across 118 postings.
Benefits
BenefitsQualifying employer for PSLF for full-time employees
Benefits100% paid Blue Shield Trio Plan medical insurance option100% Paid Blue Shield Trio Plan Medical Insurance Option
Benefits80% paid Blue Shield Access+ Plan medical insurance option80% Paid Blue Shield Access+ Plan Medical Insurance Option
Benefits80% paid Kaiser medical insurance option80% Paid Kaiser Medical Insurance Option
Benefits40% dependent coverage on medical insurance plan40% Dependent Coverage on Medical Insurance Plan
BenefitsEducational assistance tuition reimbursement programEducational Assistance Tuition Reimbursement Program
Benefits401(k) with 4% employer match401(k) 4% Employer Match
Benefits100% paid $25,000 life insurance plan with option to voluntarily increase coverage100% Paid $25,000 Life Insurance Plan with option to voluntarily increase coverage
100% employer-paid $0 deductible Platinum plan Medical Insurance option
Dependent medical coverage at 40% paid
Dental Insurance
Paid time off (10 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, paid vacation)
Life Insurance
Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
The role and schedule
Day to day
Provide nursing care and assist in pre-admission, admission, treatment, and discharge processesProvide nursing care and assist in the pre-admission, admission, treatment, and discharge processes for clients.
Day to day
Provide medication training and oversight to Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Residential Support TechniciansProvide medication training and oversight to Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Residential Support Technicians.
Day to day
Receive prescribing clinicians' orders and transcribe them into clients' chartsReceive prescribing clinicians orders and transcribe them into clients’ charts.
Day to day
Observe clients' self-administration of medications and treatment as prescribedObserve clients’ self-administration of medications and treatment as prescribed by written prescribing clinicians orders.
Day to day
Document medication observations in the EHR within documentation timeliness standardsDocument medication observations in the EHR, in accordance with CRI-Help documentation timeliness standards.
Day to day
Assess for clients' medication reactions and medication adherenceAssess for clients’ medication reactions and medication adherence.
Day to day
Assist Nurse Practitioner with clearing clients to volunteer in the kitchenAssist Nurse Practitioner with clearing clients to volunteer in the kitchen.
Day to day
Clear clients for bedrest and follow up daily as necessaryClear clients for bedrest and follow-up daily as necessary assessing for need for medical care.
Day to day
Review residential medication logs for medication errors and provide corrective supervisionReview Residential medication logs, reviewing for medication errors, providing corrective supervision when necessary.
Day to day
Measure vital signs and record resultsMeasure vital signs and record results.
Day to day
Complete client documentation, logs, maintenance reports, and incident reportsComplete necessary client documentation, logs, maintenance reports, and incident reports.
Day to day
Complete Care Coordination documentation for all instances of client care coordinationComplete Care Coordination documentation for all instances of care coordination for the clients.
Day to day
Maintain a minimum of 65% DMC billing productivity per monthMaintain a minimum of 65% DMC billing productivity per month.
Day to day
Be on call after hours for questions from medication staff and Support TechniciansBe on-call after hours for questions from Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Support Technicians.
Day to day
Conduct performance reviews for Medication Nurses and Medication CoordinatorsConduct performance reviews for Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
Day to day
Make and maintain monthly schedule for Medication Nurses and Medication CoordinatorsMake and maintain monthly schedule for Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
Day to day
Perform other related duties as assigned by Director of NursingPerform other related duties as assigned by Director of Nursing.
Charting
CRI-Help EHR
On call
After-hours on-call for questions from medication staff and Support Technicians
Holidays
12 paid holidays per year
Details
24/7 facilitywe are a 24/7 facility
Travel
Occasional work at various Los Angeles County locationsOccasionally work at various locations across Los Angeles County.
CRI-Help is a substance use disorder treatment center with several locations across Los Angeles County. We've been around since 1971 and are noted as an organization practicing integrity in our commitment to ethical and meaningful client care. Our mission is to improve the welfare of the community by providing first-class substance use disorder treatment to adults and families seeking freedom from the bondage of addiction, and we live out that mission everyday with our staff and clients.
As a nonprofit organization, CRI-Help is a qualifying employer affording our full-time employees the opportunity to begin, or continue, the process of seeking PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). In addition, our benefits package for full-time employees is quite robust- especially the option for 100% employer-paid $0 deductible Platinum plan Medical insurance, including an additional 40% paid coverage for dependents, which accompanies our 401k with 4% match option nicely. Please see the full list of benefits below, especially the 12 paid holidays per year (we are a 24/7 facility, so not all employees will be able to take all 12 paid holidays off- but will still get paid for the holiday in addition to their hours worked).
CRI-Help is an amazing organization to be a part of and I strongly encourage you to consider joining the team! We opened a new facility in Lincoln Heights in January 2025 and are still hiring for all roles- keep referring back to https://crihelp.bamboohr.com/careers/ for current openings at all sites.
Basic Function
The Lead Medication Nurse collaborates with the Director of Nursing to offer support and oversight of CRI-Help's Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators. This includes monitoring the self-administration of medications by residential clients and ensuring their compliance. Additionally, the Lead Medication Nurse is responsible for completing necessary documentation and collaborating with the Support Technician Department, Social Services Department, and Director of Nursing regarding clients’ health statuses during their treatment episodes.
Responsibilities
Provide nursing care and assist in the pre-admission, admission, treatment, and discharge processes for clients.
Provide medication training and oversight to Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Residential Support Technicians.
Receive prescribing clinicians orders and transcribe them into clients’ charts.
Observe clients’ self-administration of medications and treatment as prescribed by written prescribing clinicians orders.
Document medication observations in the EHR, in accordance with CRI-Help documentation timeliness standards.
Assess for clients’ medication reactions and medication adherence.
Assist Nurse Practitioner with clearing clients to volunteer in the kitchen.
Clear clients for bedrest and follow-up daily as necessary assessing for need for medical care.
Review Residential medication logs, reviewing for medication errors, providing corrective supervision when necessary.
Measure vital signs and record results.
Complete necessary client documentation, logs, maintenance reports, and incident reports.
Complete Care Coordination documentation for all instances of care coordination for the clients.
Maintain a minimum of 65% DMC billing productivity per month.
Be on-call after hours for questions from Medication Nurses, Medication Coordinators, and Support Technicians.
Conduct performance reviews for Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
Make and maintain monthly schedule for Medication Nurses and Medication Coordinators.
Perform other related duties as assigned by Director of Nursing.
Skills / Knowledge
Must have an advanced understanding of substance use and psychological disorders.
Must understand medication protocols, and related care, including symptoms and medications.
Must be able to conduct CIWA and COWS assessments.
Must be able to accurately record information and prepare reports.
Must be able to properly manage medications.
Must have experience working with diverse populations.
Must be able to properly conduct required assessments.
Must be able to navigate CRI-Help’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Must be computer proficient.
Must have advanced knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2
Must be familiar with medical / psychiatric problems common to clients with substance use disorders.
Must be able to communicate effectively with clients, treatment team, and outside entities.
Must have an in-depth knowledge of CARF, DHCS Alcohol and / or Other Drug Certification Standards, and Drug Medi-Cal regulations.
Education / Training
Preferred: Licensed Registered Nurse with the State of California, Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Registered Nursing.
Minimum Requirement: Must be currently registered with California Board of Vocational Nursing.
Must possess active, classroom CPR and First Aid Certification or BLS Certification.
Experience
Must have experience working in a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) facility.
Must have two or more years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in substance abuse treatment.
Must have two or more years of supervisory experience.
Special Conditions
Must be willing to undergo random drug screenings.
Working Conditions
Occasionally ascend and descend stairs.
Frequently stand and / or sit for 6-8 hours.
Frequently crouch below the waist and / or above the shoulders.
Frequently lift and / or move objects up to 25 lbs.
Occasionally push and / or pull objects up to 25 lbs.
Occasionally work at various locations across Los Angeles County.
Position Reports To
Director of Nursing
Position Type
Full-Time, In-Person, Exempt, Salaried
Pay Range
$105,000 - $115,000 / Year
Benefits
100% Paid Blue Shield Trio Plan Medical Insurance Option
80% Paid Blue Shield Access+ Plan Medical Insurance Option
80% Paid Kaiser Medical Insurance Option
40% Dependent Coverage on Medical Insurance Plan
80% Paid Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid time off (10 Paid Sick Days Annually, 12 Paid Holidays Annually, Paid Vacation)
Educational Assistance Tuition Reimbursement Program
401(k) 4% Employer Match
100% Paid $25,000 Life Insurance Plan with option to voluntarily increase coverage
Neighborhoods+Nurses and young professionals without a car cluster in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Santa Monica, Venice, West Hollywood, and parts of DTLA and Little Tokyo; mid-budget, transit-rich Koreatown is the workhorse pick and is described as more residential and family-oriented than it feels. Westwood sits beside UCLA; Culver City is growing around tech and media employers; Studio City mixes quieter Valley streets with restaurant access. Safer suburban value shows up in Glendale, Pasadena, Encino, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and Porter Ranch (the lowest-priced of Extra Space’s 2026 five). You will live inside that pocket: Westside residents do not casually night-hop to Silver Lake.
Nurses and young professionals without a car cluster in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Santa Monica, Venice, West Hollywood, and parts of DTLA and Little Tokyo; mid-budget, transit-rich Koreatown is the workhorse pick and is described as more residential and family-oriented than it feels. Westwood sits beside UCLA; Culver City is growing around tech and media employers; Studio City mixes quieter Valley streets with restaurant access.
Safer suburban value shows up in Glendale, Pasadena, Encino, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and Porter Ranch (the lowest-priced of Extra Space’s 2026 five). You will live inside that pocket: Westside residents do not casually night-hop to Silver Lake.
Getting around+Locals answer distance in minutes, not miles; rush hour roughly 8-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. can stall even short hops, so living near the hospital beats any clever route. For downtown and USC-area shifts, Koreatown’s Purple Line to Metro Center plus the Expo Line is about 15-25 minutes; Chinatown’s Union Station has a free USC shuttle and Red Line access; East Hollywood’s Red Line is about 20-30 minutes; North Hollywood/Universal City is 40-50 minutes on the Red Line with Park-and-Ride. Silver Lake and Los Feliz have weak transit, so a car commute toward downtown is the norm. The Valley is more car-dependent and about 5-10 degrees hotter in summer than neighborhoods south of the hills; Kaiser in East Hollywood is one of the few hospital nodes named in neighborhood advice.
Locals answer distance in minutes, not miles; rush hour roughly 8-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. can stall even short hops, so living near the hospital beats any clever route. For downtown and USC-area shifts, Koreatown’s Purple Line to Metro Center plus the Expo Line is about 15-25 minutes; Chinatown’s Union Station has a free USC shuttle and Red Line access; East Hollywood’s Red Line is about 20-30 minutes; North Hollywood/Universal City is 40-50 minutes on the Red Line with Park-and-Ride.
Silver Lake and Los Feliz have weak transit, so a car commute toward downtown is the norm. The Valley is more car-dependent and about 5-10 degrees hotter in summer than neighborhoods south of the hills; Kaiser in East Hollywood is one of the few hospital nodes named in neighborhood advice.
Outdoors+The Santa Monica Pier, wide beach, and beach bike path south through Venice skate park, Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, and Marina del Rey’s North Jetty—or north toward Malibu Pier and El Matador State Beach—are the everyday outdoor circuit. Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign hike, Barnsdall Park, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Los Leones, and the Getty Villa’s ocean-cliff gardens are the in-city trail-and-view hits. Foothill and canyon neighborhoods add runoff and fire-season exposure. Catalina Island and a PCH drive between Palos Verdes, Long Beach, and Malibu are classic weekend escapes; California’s nine national parks sit within a day’s drive.
The Santa Monica Pier, wide beach, and beach bike path south through Venice skate park, Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, and Marina del Rey’s North Jetty—or north toward Malibu Pier and El Matador State Beach—are the everyday outdoor circuit. Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign hike, Barnsdall Park, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Los Leones, and the Getty Villa’s ocean-cliff gardens are the in-city trail-and-view hits.
Foothill and canyon neighborhoods add runoff and fire-season exposure. Catalina Island and a PCH drive between Palos Verdes, Long Beach, and Malibu are classic weekend escapes; California’s nine national parks sit within a day’s drive.
Check the commute at your shift’s start and end, upfront housing costs, and whether moving assistance must be repaid if you leave.
Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a 469-square-mile region pretending to be one city: you will spend most of life within a few miles of home, so choose the neighborhood that matches your hospital and shifts. Santa Monica and Venice buy marine-layer summers, the pier, and the beach bike path at roughly $3,000-$5,000 rents; Koreatown, Chinatown, East Hollywood, and DTLA/Little Tokyo put nurses on the Purple, Red, or Expo lines (about 15-30 minutes toward downtown and USC). Los Feliz and Silver Lake offer Griffith Observatory, greener streets, and food from Ye Rustic Inn to Grand Central Market, with weaker transit. Encino, Porter Ranch, Glendale, and Pasadena trade heat and a car for space, schools, and higher safety scores (Porter Ranch safer than 94% of the city). Tradeoffs are steep housing, 8-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. gridlock, canyon wildfire risk, and visible homelessness—offset by 260-plus sunny days, mild winters, and a food-and-outdoors density few U.S. cities match.
