Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), Sheriff's Detentions-26462604
County of San Diego
·Apr 15, 2026
- Salary
- $70k – $74k/yr
- Location
- County of San Diego, CA, CA, US
- Department
- Healthcare
- Education
- Certification
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description

The County of San Diego is currently recruiting for the position of
** June 2026 – 5.20% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 1.70% Market Adjustment)
** June 2027 – 4.70% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the- Board + 1.70% Market Adjustment)
*Earn .80/hr for working graveyard shift
*10% institutional work location premium
*Receive free food in the detention facilities
*Receive an annual uniform allowance
Qualified applicants will be invited to schedule an interview time and should expect to spend at least 40 minutes for the interview. Additional information will be provided prior to the interview. Interview times will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, so if you are contacted for an interview, please schedule as soon as possible. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam approximately 2-3 weeks after the interview date.
For more information on this job description, please visit the Sheriff's Detentions Licensed Vocational Nurses job classification page.
***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee’s name on your job application in the space provided. ***
Hiring Process and Timeline
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 weeks following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
- Completion of a recognized Vocational Nursing Program and continuing education; AND;
- Possession of a current license to practice vocational nursing in the State of California is required at time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Failure to maintain such license will be cause for dismissal; AND;
- Possession of a current American Heart Association (AHA) accredited CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) card is required at the time of appointment and, must be maintained throughout employment. Failure to maintain certification may be cause for dismissal.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.
- Nursing experience in correctional, psychiatric, geriatric, cardiac care, and emergency settings.
- Certification in CCHP and certification of completion of courses in Blood Withdrawal and/or IV Therapy.
- Communicates effectively, knowledge worker; customer focused; respectful of others; driven to excel; can demonstrate ethical behavior, is a team player and supportive of change.
Working Environment
- Work environment is in a locked detention facility.
- Incumbents may be exposed to infectious illnesses and to incarcerated persons whose behavior is unpredictable and occasionally violent and combative.
- Incumbents may be subject to work rotating shifts (Morning, Mid-day, and Night), holidays, and weekends.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. and occasionally 50 lbs.
Background
- Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
- Felony convictions will be disqualifying.
- Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.
- Prior to appointment, candidates WILL be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, polygraph or other examination or test.
Evaluation
Accommodations

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader)

Disaster Service Workers
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
2.jpg)