Outpatient Charge Nurse\n

Position Summary:\n

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.\n

Key Responsibilities:\n

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

Clinical Leadership and Staff Support\n\nProvide direct supervision and support to RNs, and LPNs, during clinic hours.\nServe as a clinical resource, assisting staff with complex patient situations, urgent issues, or questions about protocols.\nEnsure staff adherence to nursing scope of practice, infection control policies, and patient safety standards.\nLead daily team huddles and debriefings as needed to review patient concerns, safety incidents, or workflow adjustments.\nParticipate in the onboarding of all new clinical staff ensuring all new staff have validated competencies.\n\n

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Coordination\n\nSupport the delivery of MAT services (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) by verifying medication orders, monitoring administration, and ensuring proper documentation.\nMonitor for safe medication storage, handling, and diversion prevention according to DEA and OASAS regulations.\nAssist with managing patient emergencies, such as overdose response, withdrawal symptoms, or medical crises related to MAT.\n\n

Patient Advocacy and Communication\n\nAddress patient concerns or complaints in real time with empathy, professionalism, and a trauma-informed approach.\nAdvocate for patient needs with the interdisciplinary team to promote engagement and retention in treatment.\nPromote harm reduction, recovery support principles, and cultural sensitivity in all patient interactions.\n\n

Compliance and Documentation\n\nEnsure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) for all clinical services provided during the shift.\nMonitor clinic compliance with regulatory standards (OASAS, SAMHSA, DEA) and escalate concerns to the Nurse Manager.\nAssist with preparing for regulatory audits by maintaining high standards of clinical and medication documentation.\n\n

Quality and Safety\n\nSupport quality improvement initiatives by identifying barriers to care, patient safety issues, or opportunities for workflow enhancement.\nReport incidents, near misses, or patient grievances promptly and assist with immediate mitigation and documentation.\nEnsure safe clinical practices related to infection control, sharps management, medication administration, and patient monitoring.\n\n

Qualifications:\n

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

Preferred:\n\nPrior experience as a charge nurse, team lead, or preceptor\nExperience with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols\nFamiliarity with electronic health record systems (Epic preferred)\nCertification in Addiction Nursing (CARN) or Mental Health Nursing a plus\n\n

Skills and Competencies:\n\nStrong clinical judgment and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, dynamic environment\nExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate teamwork and positive patient interactions\nConflict resolution skills and ability to de-escalate challenging situations\nKnowledge of OASAS, DEA, and SAMHSA regulations pertaining to outpatient substance use treatment services\nCommitment to trauma-informed, culturally competent, and recovery-oriented care\n\n

Location and Travel Requirements:\n\nOnsite\nLess than 25% Travel\n\n
\n

Pay Range Disclosure:\n\n$37.63 to $42 per hour\n\n