Medication Specialist - Recovery Services

Advocates•Worcester, MA

About The Position

The Medication Specialist provides medication training, administration, storage, and incident reporting for medication administration in Recovery Services. The role includes reviewing doctors’ orders, transcribing medication sheets, and reviewing medication-related goals. Advocates is a nonprofit, mission-driven organization providing comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. Its person-centered approach empowers individuals to make choices, build independence, and live meaningful lives, within a culture grounded in respect, compassion, inclusion, and appreciation of individual differences.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Addiction recovery experience.
Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Sensitivity to the needs of the population served.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
High energy level and excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to function in a team atmosphere.
Valid driver’s license.
Access to an operational and insured vehicle and willingness to use it to transport clients.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of BSAS medication guidelines for residential level of care.
Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations (strongly preferred).

Responsibilities

Coordinate and monitor program participants’ daily medication schedules, providing support and assistance as needed.
Educate program participants about medication names, dosages, and side effects.
Create and maintain medication support plans.
Track and document medication orders, and help participants obtain orders for new, changed, or discontinued medication.
Assist participants in connecting with Community Health Center/providers for medication evaluations when applicable.
Oversee medication record keeping, safe storage, medication packed for leave of absence, refrigerated medication, and proper medication disposal.
Transcribe prescription information and complete daily medication counts.
Review medication documentation weekly.
Run a weekly medication/wellness group.
Communicate participants’ progress, mental status, and changes in daily notes.
Liaise with community providers and related agencies, and develop community resources as needed to meet medication service needs.
Train and provide ongoing supervision to new employees and cross-trained staff on medication administration, policies, procedures, and protocols.
Report medication errors to the supervisor, through internal medication incident reporting, and to BSAS.
Investigate medication errors and review documentation to determine how and why they occurred.
Maintain current knowledge of state and federal confidentiality laws, including medication confidentiality laws.
Maintain constructive and productive communication with program and agency staff and service providers.