Medication Technician

GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER • Los Angeles, CA

30d • $27 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the guidance and direction of the Program Director. The Medication Technician assists in monitoring and ensuring clients take prescribed psychotropic medications. In addition the Medication Technician is responsible for assisting in overseeing personal care, medications, treatment, and other nursing procedures to selected clients as authorized by Hospital policy. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Nursing, Pharmacy, Certified Nursing Assistant, or Medical Assistant student with medication training
• Associate's degree (AA) in nursing or BA/BS in psychology, social work, or related field. Pharmacy Tech Certification, Medical Assistant Certification, Nursing training with collegiate degree (AA).
• Current licensure and registration by the State Board of Examiners
• Knowledge of all medications, especially psychiatric medications.
• Basic understanding of legal aspects of mental health.
• Strong inter-personal and communication skills, leadership skills.
• Proven ability to work with adult clients.
• Ability to work and relate effectively with multi-disciplinary treatment team, clients and public.
• Ability to assess patients for dangerousness and intervene in a timely, calm and appropriate manner.
• Ability to work independently, use good judgment, and remain calm in crisis situations.
• Ability to work various hours and shifts.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors (i.e., transportation of clients or supplies).
• Ability to be objective, stable and firm with clients who have mentally disabilities.
• Ability to appropriately give orders and instructions to clients.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications.
• Crisis intervention techniques and basic counseling skills.
• Understanding of individual, group and family psychotherapy
• Have some knowledge of computer software and have basic computer skills
• Prior paraprofessional counseling or paraprofessional psychiatric nursing experience required.
• Experience with mentally ill populations.
• Knowledge of behavioral interventions
• Academic training in Behavioral Sciences or related fields.
• Highly motivated and able to work as part of a team
• Excellent and professional communication skills
• Ability to multi-task with strong follow up and follow through skills
• Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
• TB clearance.

Responsibilities

• Oversees personal care, medications, treatments, and other nursing procedures to selected clients as authorized by Hospital policy.
• Oversees, encourages, and teaches the client personal hygiene and dietary needs as well as medication actions and reactions.
• Monitors and ensures clients take prescribed psychotropic medications and records medications accurately.
• Assists in situational crisis intervention as needed.
• Observes and records resident behavior and activities.
• Supervises and monitors client activities in building.
• Assists in monitoring clients’ hygiene.
• Participates in counselor meetings, in-service training, and other meetings as scheduled.
• Assists the treatment team in arranging emergency transportation for psychiatric and medical emergencies.
• Responds to incoming calls on evenings and weekends.
• Conducts random security checks of premises and buildings at least hourly throughout shift.
• Reports safety hazards, maintenance, and housekeeping requirements to the Administrative staff
• Orders, receives and stocks Medication Room supplies.
• Provides input at monthly Med Room meeting.
• Responsible for keeping all client data confidential.
• Knowledge of facility emergency codes and response procedure.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations; i.e., notifies staff, administration, police, fire department, ambulance and paramedics, as appropriate.
• Maintains an objective, professional relationship with clients at all times.
• Wears ID badge at all times while on-duty or on hospital property.
• Responsible for policy, procedure, and safety suggestions to the Administrative staff.
• Assists in auditing medication to ensure that it is accurate.
• Assists in data collection of medication orders/deliveries.
• Assist with checking in new medication, documenting, and properly disposing of discontinued medication.
• Assist medical staff in monitoring and ensuring clients take prescribed psychotropic medications.
• Distributes PRN medications as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Cover 100% Medical/Dental/Vision Premiums for all Full-Time Employees and 1 Dependent
• 8 Paid Holidays + 4 Personal Holidays in Calendar Year
• 2-4 Weeks of Vacation based on role
• 403b Retirement Plan Company Match 8%
• Annual Company Events

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees