Location & Practice Overview

This Licensed Practical Nurse role is located in New York City within an integrated outpatient substance use treatment program operated by Acacia Network. Care is delivered through a structured Opioid Treatment Program and Chemical Dependency Outpatient Program model that combines medication support with behavioral health services.

Practice Type Integrated outpatient addiction treatment
Care Setting On-site clinic with dedicated medication dispensing area
Service Line Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) and Chemical Dependency Outpatient Program (CDOP)
Geographic Context New York City, NY

Responsibilities

  • Dispense methadone and other program medications according to clinic procedures, dosing instructions, and federal and state requirements while using the electronic dispensing system.
  • Assess patient alertness and orientation during each dispensing encounter and maintain accurate daily logs, inventory calculations, and accountability reports including calibration, spillage, and discrepancies.
  • Conduct nursing assessments at intake, routine visits, annual evaluations, and 90-day reassessments; review medical histories and document findings, care-planning notes, and recommendations.
  • Obtain vital signs, perform phlebotomy and laboratory specimen collection, place and read tuberculin tests, and follow infection-control and CLIA procedures.
  • Communicate emerging medical or nursing needs to the primary counselor and medical director; collaborate with the Nurse Supervisor, Program Director, and interdisciplinary team.
  • Provide health education materials, support HIV/AIDS prevention education for staff and patients, and assist other OASAS programs with nursing coverage when directed.

All activities remain within the LPN scope of practice and established clinic protocols for medication security, documentation, and patient safety.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must meet New York State licensing standards and the specific experience and training thresholds listed by the employer.

License
Active, unrestricted New York State LPN license
Certification
Current BLS; NYS-approved infection-control certification (4 hours, valid 4 years)
Education
High school diploma or GED
Experience
Minimum three years practical experience in a healthcare facility; knowledge of substance use and alcohol dependence populations
Pre-Hire Training
Two-hour mandated reporter training completed before hire; specific chemical-use, abuse, and dependence training
Post-Hire Training (within 6 months)
Supporting Recovery with Medications Addiction Treatment (MAT); CASAC Canon of Ethics (6 hours); 42 CFR confidentiality (3 hours)

Compensation & Benefits

The position offers the following compensation and benefits package.

  • Compensation: $72,000–$82,000 per year
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off, vacation days, and paid holidays

Schedule & Work Environment

Employment Type Full-Time
Work Setting On-site outpatient clinic
Supervision Reports to Nurse Supervisor or Nurse Manager (RN); collaborates with Program Director
Coverage Support May assist other OASAS programs during nursing shortages as directed

Patient Population & Clinical Setting

The LPN provides care for adults enrolled in outpatient treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders. Patients receive medication-assisted treatment within a structured OTP and CDOP environment that integrates medical and behavioral health services.

Primary Population Adults receiving outpatient substance use treatment
Clinical Context Participants in Opioid Treatment and Chemical Dependency Outpatient programs
Care Environment Structured outpatient setting combining medication support with counseling and recovery services

Clinical Focus & Key Services

The professional focus of this role is medication-assisted treatment nursing inside a regulated outpatient addiction program. Clinical work centers on supporting recovery through controlled medication processes, ongoing patient observation, preventive health measures, and clear communication across medical and behavioral teams.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Support for methadone and related medications used in opioid treatment within a regulated clinic framework
Nursing Observation & Assessment Clinical attention to patient status during treatment encounters and identification of needs requiring follow-up
Preventive Health Services Routine clinical measures and screening activities that support patient safety and infection control
Health Education Support Provision of educational resources related to health promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention

Role Highlights

This position differs from general facility-based LPN roles by combining tightly regulated medication processes with outpatient addiction treatment and interdisciplinary care coordination.

  • Work centers on controlled-medication processes inside a regulated outpatient OTP rather than general medical-surgical or long-term care nursing
  • Daily practice integrates nursing observation directly with the medication-supported recovery pathway
  • The role operates within a dual medical and behavioral health team structure typical of integrated addiction programs
  • Coverage support across additional OASAS programs may be required when nursing needs arise

About Acacia Network

Acacia Network is a nonprofit human services organization established in 1969. It provides primary and behavioral healthcare, addiction treatment, housing, education, workforce development, and other community-based services across New York City and surrounding communities.

Organization Type Nonprofit human services organization
Founded 1969
Service Footprint New York City and surrounding communities
Core Service Areas Healthcare, addiction treatment, housing, education, and workforce development

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior methadone or OTP dispensing experience required?
The employer requires a minimum of three years of practical experience in a healthcare facility and knowledge of substance use and alcohol dependence populations. Specific prior methadone-dispensing experience is not listed as a separate mandatory requirement.
What electronic systems will I use for dispensing?
The role requires computer proficiency and familiarity with electronic OTP dispensing systems. The specific software platform is not named in the posting.
Are there additional training requirements after starting?
Within six months of hire the employer requires completion of Supporting Recovery with Medications Addiction Treatment (MAT), six hours of CASAC Canon of Ethics, and three hours of 42 CFR confidentiality training.
Does the LPN work under RN supervision?
Yes. The position works under the supervision of a Nurse Supervisor or Nurse Manager (RN) and in collaboration with the Program Director.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Outpatient Addiction Treatment in New York City, NY

Outpatient addiction treatment places particular demands on the Licensed Practical Nurse. In a medication-assisted treatment clinic the nurse operates at the intersection of controlled-medication processes, continuous clinical observation, and precise regulatory documentation. Accuracy in dosing encounters, recognition of changes in patient status, and clear communication with both medical and counseling staff form the daily professional core. This environment differs from general medical or long-term care settings because the work is built around structured recovery pathways and regulated medication accountability. For an LPN with solid healthcare-facility experience and interest in substance use treatment, the role offers a focused outpatient practice centered on medication-supported recovery and interdisciplinary coordination rather than acute inpatient or custodial nursing.

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