Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Company : wellpath
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
You Matter
• Make a difference every day in the lives of the underserved• Join a mission driven organization with a people first culture• Excellent career growth opportunities
Join us and find a career that supports:• Caring for overlooked, underserved, and vulnerable patients• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging• Autonomy in a warm team environment• Growth and training
Perks and Benefits In addition to comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and 401k, we foster a work, life balance for team members and their family to support physical, mental, and financial wellbeing including: • DailyPay, receive your money as you earn it! • Tuition Assistance and dependent Scholarships• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching• Company paid life insurance• Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA)• Wellness program featuring fitness memberships and product discounts• Preferred banking partnership and discounted rates for home and auto loans
*Eligibility for perks and benefits varies based on employee type and length of service.
Why Us
Now is your moment to make a difference in the lives of the underserved. If there is one unifying characteristic of everyone on our team, it is the deep desire to make a difference by helping society's most vulnerable and often overlooked individuals. Every day we have the distinct honor and responsibility to show up with non-judgmental compassion to provide hope and healing to those who need it most. For those whose calling it is to serve others, now is your moment to join our mission to provide quality care to every patient with compassion, collaboration, and innovation, to live our mantra to “Always Do The Right Thing!”, and to collectively do our part to heal the world, one patient at a time.
How you make a difference
Under the direction of the Health Services Administrator, Director of Nursing, or higher licensed medical professional, the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) provides skilled nursing care in compliance with state and federal regulations. In the correctional setting, the LVN/LPT assists with patient care by collecting data, performing assessments, and supporting care planning, implementation, and evaluation. Additionally, they guide patient education and activities in line with their competencies and the Nursing Practice Act.
Key Responsibilities
- Collects and documents physical, psychological, and social data of patients, assisting in assessments and treatment planning in accordance with the Nursing Practice Act (NPA).
- Implements individualized treatment plans and executes clinical interventions as directed by Health Care Practitioners, ensuring adherence to established policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provides direct patient care, including administering medications, obtaining diagnostic tests, assisting in medical procedures, and responding to health emergencies.
- Ensures accurate clinical documentation, supports program admissions and discharges, and maintains effective communication with healthcare team members regarding patient care.
- Conducts controlled substance and sharps inventory, maintains compliance with standard precautions, and assists with electronic data input and record management.
Additional Details
NOC SHIFT ONLYQualifications & Requirements
Education
- Graduate from an accredited Nursing or Psychiatric Technician School.
Experience
- One (1) or more years of clinical experience required.
- Basic knowledge of all medications being dispensed.
- Correctional setting experience is preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
- Current unrestricted licensure (and must maintain) as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Psychiatric Technician (LPT) in the state employed.
- Current (and must maintain) lifesaving BLS certification.
- Current (and must maintain) Phlebotomy/IV Certification is required or must be obtained within 6 (six) months.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of uniqueness.
We celebrate a variety of backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We encourage you to apply! If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t seem to align perfectly with every element of the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this, or one of our many other roles.
Deadline to apply to this position is contingent upon applicant volume. Those positions located in Colorado will have a specific deadline posted in the job description.
We are an Affirmative Action Employer in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
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Frequently asked questions
In San Luis Obispo, employers often prefer candidates with current licensure as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) or Licensed Psychiatric Technicians (LPT), alongside lifesaving BLS certification. Maintaining phlebotomy/IV certification within six months is also commonly expected to excel in this regional mental health care setting.
San Luis Obispo exhibits moderate demand for psychiatric care professionals, especially LVNs and LPTs in correctional and community health facilities. While competition exists, candidates with correctional experience and certifications often stand out, reflecting a balanced supply-demand scenario in this California locale.
Licensed Psychiatric Technicians typically focus on mental health assessments and supporting psychiatric treatments, while Licensed Vocational Nurses provide broader skilled nursing care including medication administration and procedural assistance. Both roles require adherence to nursing practice acts but differ in clinical focus and interventions.
On a typical day, LPTs and LVNs collect psychological and physical patient data, assist with treatment plans, administer medications, and respond to emergencies. They also maintain clinical documentation and manage inventories of controlled substances, all within strict regulatory compliance in a correctional environment.
Career growth often includes advancing to supervisory roles, specializing in psychiatric nursing, or pursuing further education to become psychiatric nurse practitioners. Experience in diverse settings like correctional facilities enhances prospects, supported by continuous training and certifications to deepen expertise.
Wellpath emphasizes a mission-driven culture prioritizing underserved populations, offering comprehensive benefits like daily pay and tuition assistance. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and work-life balance sets them apart, fostering a supportive environment specifically tailored for psychiatric and vocational nursing staff.
Wellpath provides tuition assistance, dependent scholarships, and ongoing training programs designed to enhance clinical skills and career advancement. They encourage autonomy within collaborative teams and offer wellness programs that promote physical and mental health, enriching the professional journey of LVNs and LPTs.
Salaries for LPTs and LVNs in San Luis Obispo typically range from $50,000 to $68,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and specialized skills in psychiatric care. Correctional facility roles may offer competitive pay combined with comprehensive benefits reflective of California’s healthcare market.
Night shifts can offer quieter work environments and potentially higher shift differentials, which some professionals prefer for personal scheduling flexibility. However, adjusting to nocturnal rhythms demands attention to self-care and wellness, aspects Wellpath supports through its health-focused employee programs.
Employers prioritize clinical competencies such as patient assessment, medication administration, and emergency response. Familiarity with correctional protocols, strong communication, and the ability to handle vulnerable populations with compassion are critical for succeeding in these specialized psychiatric nursing roles.