What are the responsibilities and job description for the LPN- (Bilingual Spanish/English) position at The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Behavioral Health / Mental Health / Substance Abuse (Bilingual Spanish/English)
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Job Type: Part-Time (24 Hours per Week) | 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Department: Nursing – Behavioral Medicine
Reports to: Nursing Director, Behavioral Medicine Nursing
Company Overview:
The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a well-established behavioral health facility in Philadelphia providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse treatment. As a leader in behavioral healthcare, we are committed to offering evidence-based services that are culturally and spiritually responsive to the needs of our diverse community.
Our services include:
- Substance Use Disorder Services
- Inpatient Psychiatric Services
- Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
We strive to enhance the competency and abilities of our staff through innovative training and development initiatives.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to provide compassionate nursing care in our behavioral health program. This part-time role offers the opportunity to work with adults experiencing psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders, and dual diagnoses.
The LPN will assist with patient care planning, administer medications, perform monitoring, supervise mental health technicians, and document all care provided. This position is ideal for LPNs passionate about mental health nursing, psychiatric care, and substance abuse recovery.
Responsibilities:
- Provide psychiatric nursing care, monitor vital signs, and administer medications
- Support patients in mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and dual diagnosis care
- Document all nursing care and patient progress in Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Assist with crisis intervention and apply de-escalation techniques when needed
- Supervise Mental Health Workers and support unit leadership responsibilities
- Collaborate with Registered Nurses, psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and case managers
- Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, substance use recovery, medications, and treatment plans
- Ensure compliance with hospital policies, safety standards, Joint Commission, and infection control protocols
- Participate in performance improvement and quality assurance activities
Qualifications:
Education: Graduate of an accredited Practical Nursing (LPN) program
Licensure: Current LPN license in Pennsylvania (Required)
Experience:
- 1 year of nursing experience preferred, especially in behavioral health, mental health nursing, psychiatric nursing, or substance use treatment
- Experience working in inpatient psychiatric units, detox, or residential treatment facilities is a plus
- Familiarity with dual diagnosis treatment and trauma-informed care preferred
Certifications:
- Current CPR certification required
- CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) or similar training preferred
Skills & Abilities:
- Bilingual in Spanish and English (Required)
- Knowledge of psychiatric nursing, substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, and mental health crisis intervention
- Ability to manage medications, handle emergencies, and lead de-escalation efforts
- Strong documentation and EHR skills
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities
- Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage high-stress situations
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
- Frequent interaction with patients in behavioral health and addiction recovery
- Ability to stand, walk, and engage in patient care for extended periods
- Occasional lifting and moving of equipment or supplies
- Possible exposure to infectious diseases and psychiatric emergencies
- Participation in crisis response or physical interventions if needed