Medication Specialist - Recovery Services

Advocates•Worcester, MA

About The Position

The Medication Specialist provides medication training, administration, storage, and incident reporting for medication administration within Recovery Services. The role includes reviewing doctors’ orders, transcribing medication sheets, and reviewing medication-related goals. The specialist coordinates participants’ medication schedules, supports safe and appropriate medication use, maintains records and support plans, and communicates changes in participants’ progress and mental status. The position also provides training and supervision to employees on medication procedures and serves as a liaison to community providers to help meet participants’ medication service needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Addiction recovery experience.
Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Sensitivity to the needs of the population.
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, 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.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and monitor program participants’ daily medication schedules, providing support and assistance where needed.
Educate participants about medication names, dosages, and side effects.
Create and maintain medication support plans.
Track and document medication orders and assist participants in obtaining orders for new, changed, or discontinued medications.
Assist participants in connecting with Community Health Centers or providers for medication evaluation, when applicable.
Oversee medication record keeping, safe storage, medications packed for leave of absence, refrigerated medication, and proper medication disposal.
Transcribe prescription information and complete daily medication counts.
Conduct weekly reviews of medication documentation.
Run a weekly medication and 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 ensure medication service needs are met.
Train and provide ongoing supervision to new employees and cross-trained staff on medication administration, policies, procedures, and protocols.
Report medication errors to a supervisor, through internal medication incident reporting, and to BSAS; investigate and review documentation to determine how and why errors 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.