Medication Specialist

Bay Cove Human Services; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 46,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Bay Cove Human Services in Somerville, MA is seeking a Medication Specialist for our Residential Recovery Services program. The role trains staff on medication management, ensures proper storage, monitors adherence, and promotes self-administration within a person-centered recovery framework.

You will transcribe meds into the electronic health record, coordinate with providers and pharmacies for timely refills, and maintain accurate med room records.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of experience in health and human services required, preferably in substance use/behavioral health settings.
• Experience handling and managing medications preferred.
• Attention to detail, extensive coordination with collaterals, and exceptional follow through.
• Flexibility to work weekends on a scheduled basis, and as-needed, with notice.
• Understanding of federal and state policies (42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA), including releases.
• Proficiency in Windows, Word and Google apps; EHR experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide initial training and ongoing coaching on medication management policies, procedures, and protocols, and monitor adherence.
• Ensure the medication room is clean, organized, and secure and that all medication-related equipment is available and in good working order.
• Transcribe medications into the electronic health record and required forms and communicate changes with the team.
• Support residents to connect with providers and pharmacies for timely refills.
• Observe and document resident medication self-administration with education on adherence.
• Conduct and document monthly EMO Health Self-Audit; identify trends and implement improvements.
• Investigate and review documentation when counts are off.
• Maintain records of medications stored, in possession, or disposed; verify disposal records.
• Report medication misuse, events, and errors promptly.
• Collaborate to create a medication support plan to address adherence or misuse issues.
• Lead a weekly medication/wellness group for residents.
• Carry out Recovery Specialist duties when not engaged in Medication Management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

EHR experience

Medications handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Department/Program: Residential Recovery Services

Reports To: Program Director

Schedule: Sunday-Thursday 7am-3pm.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

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.

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.

Essential Functions of Position:

• 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 the scheduled audit as instructed on the EMO Health Self-Audit for Treatment Programs tool each month, identify trends and opportunities for improvement, and follow up with the Program 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, and verify disposal records are up during self-audits.
• 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.

All BSAS licensed programs must have at least one staff member designated to serve as coordinator for the following topics. If assigned, both supervisor and employee must initial to acknowledge the assignment:

• Serve as the program’s Access/CLAS Coordinator. Support the team in the evaluation, improvement planning, and implementation of efforts to ensure equitable access to services as required by 105 CMR 164.040(A)(11). Attend CLAS training.
• Serve as the program’s HIV/AIDS/HEP C Coordinator. Oversee resident and staff education, risk assessment, access to counseling and testing, and standards of care. Attend PACNET meetings and relevant Bureau of Infectious Disease meetings, conferences and trainings.
• Serve as the program’s Tobacco Education Coordinator (TEC). Oversees implementation of BSAS guidelines for integrating tobacco assessment, education, and treatment. Attend TEC meetings and trainings.
• Serve as the program’s Human Rights Coordinator (HRC). Provides staff and residents with training on resident rights and grievance processes and serves as liaison to the agency’s human rights department.

Requirements for the position:

• Bachelor's degree preferred. High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two (2) years experience in health and human service-related field required, preferably experience in substance use disorder/behavioral health treatment settings.
• 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.
• Intermediate proficiency in word processing and other computer functions using Windows, Word, and Google Email and Apps required. Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHRs) preferred.

Personal Characteristics:

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to enter and navigate various physical environments, including multi-story buildings without the use of an elevator.
• Ability to use a computer, tablet, and mobile phone for data entry, communication, and record-keeping.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position (e.g., sitting at a desk or in meetings) for extended periods while completing documentation and administrative tasks.
• Frequent movement throughout the program to conduct wellness/safety checks, check the physical environment, and move supplies.
• Frequent and clear communication with individuals, colleagues, and partners, requiring the ability to exchange accurate information in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of program materials, supplies, or small equipment (up to 20 pounds).
• Ability to provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and overdose rescue (naloxone administration) if needed.

Other Qualifications: None

Bay Cove Human Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other groups as protected by Massachusetts or federal law. All qualified candidates, regardless of background, are encouraged to apply.

Bay Cove Human Services does not offer visa sponsorships at this time and will require candidates to be authorized to work in the United States.

Pay Rate: $22.44, hourly