Job Description

Outpatient Charge Nurse

Position Summary:

The Charge Nurse is a key clinical leader in the outpatient substance use treatment program, responsible for coordinating day-to-day patient flow, supervising nursing and support staff during clinical operations, and ensuring the safe and effective delivery of care-including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The Charge Nurse serves as the on-site resource for clinical problem-solving, staff support, and patient advocacy, helping to maintain a recovery-oriented, trauma-informed environment for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinic Flow and Operations

• Oversee daily clinic operations to ensure efficient patient flow through triage, provider visits, counseling, MAT dosing, and discharge processes.
• Act as the point person for immediate problem-solving related to staffing, scheduling, room utilization, patient concerns, and operational barriers.
• Coordinate staffing assignments based on patient acuity, clinic volume, and available resources.
• Communicate with providers, behavioral health staff, and administrative support to facilitate coordinated, team-based care delivery.

Clinical Leadership and Staff Support

• Provide direct supervision and support to RNs, and LPNs, during clinic hours.
• Serve as a clinical resource, assisting staff with complex patient situations, urgent issues, or questions about protocols.
• Ensure staff adherence to nursing scope of practice, infection control policies, and patient safety standards.
• Lead daily team huddles and debriefings as needed to review patient concerns, safety incidents, or workflow adjustments.
• Participate in the onboarding of all new clinical staff ensuring all new staff have validated competencies.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Coordination

• Support the delivery of MAT services (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) by verifying medication orders, monitoring administration, and ensuring proper documentation.
• Monitor for safe medication storage, handling, and diversion prevention according to DEA and OASAS regulations.
• Assist with managing patient emergencies, such as overdose response, withdrawal symptoms, or medical crises related to MAT.

Patient Advocacy and Communication

• Address patient concerns or complaints in real time with empathy, professionalism, and a trauma-informed approach.
• Advocate for patient needs with the interdisciplinary team to promote engagement and retention in treatment.
• Promote harm reduction, recovery support principles, and cultural sensitivity in all patient interactions.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) for all clinical services provided during the shift.
• Monitor clinic compliance with regulatory standards (OASAS, SAMHSA, DEA) and escalate concerns to the Nurse Manager.
• Assist with preparing for regulatory audits by maintaining high standards of clinical and medication documentation.

Quality and Safety

• Support quality improvement initiatives by identifying barriers to care, patient safety issues, or opportunities for workflow enhancement.
• Report incidents, near misses, or patient grievances promptly and assist with immediate mitigation and documentation.
• Ensure safe clinical practices related to infection control, sharps management, medication administration, and patient monitoring.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing with the State of New York
• Minimum of 2 years clinical nursing experience, preferably in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or ambulatory care settings
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a charge nurse, team lead, or preceptor
• Experience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems (Epic preferred)
• Certification in Addiction Nursing (CARN) or Mental Health Nursing a plus

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong clinical judgment and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate teamwork and positive patient interactions
• Conflict resolution skills and ability to de-escalate challenging situations
• Knowledge of OASAS, DEA, and SAMHSA regulations pertaining to outpatient substance use treatment services
• Commitment to trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-oriented care

Location and Travel Requirements:

• Onsite
• Less than 25% Travel

Pay Range Disclosure:

• $37.63 to $42 per hour

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