Medication Specialist - New Day

Bay Cove Human Services•Somerville, MA

About The Position

Bay Cove Human Services’ mission is to partner with people to overcome challenges and realize personal potential. Bay Cove pursues this mission by providing individualized and compassionate services to people facing the challenges associated with developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness at more than 175 program sites throughout Greater Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts. Department/Program: Recovery Homes Reports To: Program Director Supervisory Responsibilities: None Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 7am-3pm Job Summary: The Medication Specialist provides training on, and oversees the implementation of, the program’s medication management system, including procedures to store medications properly, monitor adherence, and promote self-administration practices. The Medication Specialist contributes to Bay Cove’s mission by ensuring residents are provided with person-centered care to optimize safe, effective, and appropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter medications during their recovery journey. This is a non-exempt position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Two years experience in health and human service-related field required, preferably working with those with co-occuring mental health and substance use disorders.
Experience with handling and managing medications preferred.
Demonstrated experience and success in roles requiring keen attention to details, extensive coordination with collaterals, and exceptional follow through.
Flexibility to work weekends on a scheduled basis, and as-needed, with reasonable notice when available.
Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to adhere to, federal and state policies (42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA), including ensuring appropriate releases are obtained prior to exchanging or disclosing necessary resident information.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic proficiency in word processing and other computer functions using Windows, Word, and Google Email and Apps required.
Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) preferred.
Utilizes a flexible and responsible work style that meets evolving needs of the agency.
Works with integrity and respects the dignity and value of all individuals.
Exhibits mission through job knowledge, pride in work role, and advocacy.
Promotes diversity and inclusion of all individuals.
Works in a collaborative, compassionate manner with stakeholder/partners.
Ongoing detection and interpretation of information on documents, monitors, and labels and accompanying response, as well as to identification of equipment and supplies.
Frequent interaction with providers, colleagues, residents, and visitors, requiring the employee to communicate, as well as detect and interpret information, needs, and issues quickly and accurately, occasionally during emergency situations.
Frequent communication of accurate information, instructions, and ideas so others will understand.
Operation of complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy.
This includes frequent phone and computer use for documenting resident care, accessing needed information, etc.
Bending to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment up to twenty (20) pounds.
Frequent movement throughout the residence to conduct checks and to access, obtain, or distribute supplies (sometimes pushing or pulling equipment), interact with residents, etc.
Undertake lifesaving efforts by conducting CPR via the provision of chest compressions and rescue breathing as needed until relieved by medical professionals.
Remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience with handling and managing medications preferred.
Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide initial training and ongoing coaching to employees on medication management policies, procedures, and protocols, and monitor adherence to the system on an ongoing basis.
Ensure the medication room is clean, organized, and secure and that all medication-related equipment is available and in good working order.
Upon admission, and following any changes to medications, transcribe medications electronic health record and onto required forms and communicate changes with the team.
Support residents to connect with their providers to start, continue, or discontinue medications as needed and with the pharmacy to obtain timely refills.
Observe and document resident medication self-administration, providing person-centered education and support regarding adherence as appropriate.
Conduct and document an inventory of the entire medication management system at least weekly, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement, and follow up with the Director and teammates to carry out follow up improvement actions.
When counts are off, investigate and review documentation to determine the reason for the discrepancy.
Maintain accurate records of all medications stored in the med room, in possession of the resident, packed upon discharge, or disposed of.
Report medication misuse concerns, medication events, and medication errors to the appropriate parties in a timely manner.
Collaborate with the team to create a medication support plan to address issues of adherence or misuse.
Facilitate a weekly medication/wellness group for residents focused on setting realistic health goals, learning healthy medication taking skills, and understanding the physical and psychosocial consequences of misuse and non-adherence.
Carry out all duties of Recovery Specialists when not actively engaged in Medication Management responsibilities, including conducting wellness checks and contact the supervisor on-call as needed.
Other job-related duties as assigned.