Location & Practice Overview

This full-time Licensed Vocational Nurse position is based in Los Angeles, California, within Project 180’s Interim Housing Program. The primary work environment is a project-based housing site where nursing services are integrated into a broader behavioral health and housing-support model. The position reports to a Nursing Supervisor and works with the program treatment team. Additional assignments may involve Project 180’s Downtown Los Angeles Clinic and PBH/FIST locations, depending on operational needs. The employer does not identify a specific street address for the primary worksite in the available posting.

Practice Setting Project-based interim housing
Program Interim Housing Program (IHP)
Reporting Relationship Nursing Supervisor
Work Area Los Angeles, CA
Additional Coverage DTLA Clinic and PBH/FIST sites, as needed

Responsibilities

  • Complete medical assessments and intake activities for new residents when required, and help connect clients with appropriate physical healthcare services.
  • Support medication routines by preparing weekly medication cassettes according to established procedures, observing adherence, and administering intramuscular injections within the authorized scope of practice.
  • Coordinate care with primary and specialty healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other community partners to support continuity of treatment.
  • Maintain organized medication storage, monitor inventory, follow medication handling and disposal procedures, and participate in internal medication room audits.
  • Document services, complete required data entry and health insurance eligibility checks, and participate in treatment-team planning and client engagement.

The nurse may also provide scheduled or same-day clinical coverage at other designated Project 180 sites when staffing or program operations require additional support.

Qualifications & Requirements

Applicants must meet California vocational nursing licensure requirements and be able to work with culturally diverse populations. The employer identifies the role as experienced-level but does not publish a minimum number of years of professional experience.

Required License
Active Vocational Nurse license issued by California
Relevant Experience
Experience working with culturally diverse populations; no minimum number of years specified
Driving Requirements
Valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, personal vehicle, and ability to transport clients when needed
Screening & Eligibility
Employment eligibility verification and background check; applicants must not be on probation or parole
Additional Requirements
Basic computer skills and LPS designation to be obtained within six months of hire
Preferred Background
Mental health or forensic population experience; Spanish language skills

Compensation & Benefits

Project 180 lists an hourly pay range of $31.82 to $36.05 for this full-time position. The published range does not specify how individual experience levels map to particular rates, so candidates should confirm the applicable starting rate with the employer during recruitment.

  • Published hourly pay range: $31.82–$36.05
  • Full-time employment
  • Benefits and eligibility details are not specified in the available vacancy description

Schedule & Work Environment

Employment Schedule Full-time; exact daily hours and shift pattern are not published
Additional Hours Overtime, holiday, or weekend work may be required
Work Locations Housing site, Project 180 office, and designated field or clinic settings
Physical Requirements Walking, standing, stair use, driving, and carrying up to 20 pounds
Operational Flexibility Ability to adjust assignments to support scheduled or same-day coverage needs

Patient Population & Clinical Setting

The program serves unhoused adults with significant behavioral health needs who are living in temporary housing. Project 180’s wider service model includes behavioral health treatment, diversion, and re-entry support for justice-involved individuals. In this role, the nurse works with residents in a housing-based service environment rather than an exclusively hospital-based setting. The program aims to connect residents with community resources and support their transition toward permanent housing.

Population Adults experiencing homelessness with significant behavioral health needs
Service Context Temporary housing and community-based support
Care Coordination Connection to external physical healthcare and community resources
Program Objective Support access to services and progression toward permanent housing

Clinical Focus & Key Services

The clinical component of this role combines routine nursing support with coordination across the community healthcare system. The nurse helps residents follow established medication routines, access physical healthcare, and remain connected with providers. Work is carried out under applicable clinical procedures and in coordination with the wider treatment team.

Medication Practice Medication adherence observation and weekly cassette preparation under program procedures
Nursing Interventions Medical intake activities and intramuscular injections within the authorized scope of practice
Healthcare Access Coordination with primary and specialty care providers
Clinical Administration Medication records, inventory control, and adherence to handling procedures

Role Highlights

This position offers a different working context from a conventional inpatient nursing role. Clinical services are delivered within a housing-based behavioral health program, with coordination across residential and community service locations.

  • A nursing role embedded in a temporary housing program rather than a single conventional hospital unit.
  • Regular collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and external healthcare providers.
  • A combination of direct nursing support and operational coordination across designated locations.
  • An opportunity to work within a program connecting behavioral health services with housing and community resources.

About Project 180

Project 180 is a division of Special Service for Groups (SSG) focused on forensic behavioral health, diversion, and re-entry services. Its programs work with people at different points in the criminal justice system, including pre-arrest intervention, court-based diversion, jail in-reach, and post-release support. The organization partners with Los Angeles County agencies, including the Department of Mental Health, Department of Health Services, and Justice, Care and Opportunities Department. The Interim Housing Program forms part of this wider service model.

Organization Project 180, a division of Special Service for Groups
Specialization Forensic behavioral health, diversion, and re-entry services
Public-Sector Partners Los Angeles County DMH, DHS, and JCOD
Service Approach Behavioral health services and community-based support

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to transport clients in my own vehicle?
Yes. A valid California driver’s license, current insurance, and a personal vehicle are required because the role includes transporting clients when needed.
What is the LPS designation requirement?
Staff must obtain LA County LPS designation within six months of hire. The available posting identifies this as a required credential to be completed after hire.
Are there expectations for coverage at locations beyond the main housing site?
Yes. The LVN may provide clinical coverage at the Downtown Los Angeles Clinic and PBH/FIST sites as operational needs require, which can include both scheduled and same-day support.
Is experience with justice-involved or forensic populations required?
It is preferred but not required. Experience working with culturally diverse populations is listed as a minimum qualification, while mental health or forensic experience is preferred.
Does the role include intramuscular injections?
Yes. Responsibilities include administering intramuscular injections within the authorized scope of practice, in addition to observing medication adherence and managing weekly medication cassettes.
Can someone currently on probation or parole apply?
No. Candidates must not be on any type of legal supervision such as probation or parole.

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) – Behavioral Health in Los Angeles, CA

Project 180 is recruiting a full-time Licensed Vocational Nurse for its Interim Housing Program in Los Angeles, California. The experienced-level position combines nursing support with community-based behavioral health services for adults living in temporary housing. Applicants need an active California vocational nursing license, experience working with culturally diverse populations, a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and access to a personal vehicle for client transportation when needed. Mental health or forensic experience is preferred, but no minimum number of years is specified. The hourly pay range is $31.82–$36.05, and LPS designation must be obtained within six months of hire.

Is This LVN Role a Good Fit for Your Nursing Career?

This Los Angeles opportunity may suit licensed vocational nurses who prefer community-based care to a traditional hospital-only environment. Candidates should consider whether they are comfortable working across housing and clinic settings, transporting clients when required, and adapting to occasional schedule changes. Experience with culturally diverse populations is required, while mental health or forensic experience and Spanish language skills are preferred. Applicants should also be prepared for employment screening and the requirement to obtain LPS designation within six months. Before accepting an offer, clarify shift hours, benefit eligibility, travel expectations, and the starting rate with Project 180.

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