CRTP - Medication Technician

Description

Medication Technician

Full Time/ Union

Crisis Residential Treatment Program

SUMMARY OF 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.

DUTIES AND 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.
• Provides client transportation, 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.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• 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

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

• Nursing, Pharmacy, Certified Nursing Assistant, or Medical Assistant student with medication training
• Associates degree (AA) in nursing or BA/BS in psychology, social worker 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

REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
• Valid California Driver’s license.
• TB clearance.
• Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.
• Fire and Safety Training*.
• First Aid Training Certification*.
• CPR Certification*.
• Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)**

* Note: If indicated certifications/licenses are lacking, they must be obtained within 180 days of hire.

**Training needs to be completed within 30 days from the date of hire on a designated date provided by on-boarding.  Staff need to be certified at the commensurate level for their role to perform their job duties (staff will be taken off the schedule if certification is not achieved).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• To perform this job you must be able to carry out all essential functions successfully.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
• Frequently required to walk, stand and bend.  Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Employee will be required to lift and/or move unassisted up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications