Qualified Medication Aide

ascensionrecovery; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

PTO & paid holidays

Training & Continuing Education

EAP

Job summary

Ascension Recovery Services in Columbus, IN is seeking a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) to join our behavioral health care team under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

You will administer medications, document in EMR, monitor reactions, and ensure safety in detox and residential settings, with emphasis on trauma‑informed care and HIPAA compliance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current Indiana QMA certification.
• Completion of CNA certification.
• Completion of a state‑approved 100‑hour QMA course.
• Successful completion of written and skills examinations.
• Current BLS certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications per provider orders and Indiana QMA regulations.
• Document all medication administration in the EMR.
• Report medication errors, omissions, or variances to the supervising nurse.
• Monitor client responses, including side effects or adverse reactions.
• Assist with medication counts, secure storage, and chain‑of‑custody procedures.
• Support nursing staff with vital signs and delegated clinical tasks.
• Maintain a trauma‑informed care environment and HIPAA/42 CFR compliance.

Skills

QMA certification

BLS certification

Background check

Education

HS Diploma/GED

CNA certification

100‑hour QMA course

Exam completion

Job description

Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)

Location: Columbus, IN

General Description

Indiana Treatment Centers, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, is dedicated to assisting individuals on their path to recovery from substance use disorders and related behavioral health challenges. We are seeking Qualified Medication Aides (QMAs) to join our care team at our Mishawaka facility. In this role, you will function as a Behavioral Health Technician with medication administration responsibilities, working under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse (RN or LPN). You will administer medications in accordance with provider orders, Indiana State regulations, Joint Commission standards, and facility policy while supporting clients in both Detox (ASAM 3.7) and Residential (ASAM 3.5) levels of care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer oral, topical, and other non-parenteral medications as delegated by the supervising nurse and in compliance with Indiana QMA regulations
• Accurately document all medication administration in the electronic medical record (EMR)
• Immediately report medication errors, omissions, or variances to the supervising nurse
• Monitor and report client responses to medications, including side effects or adverse reactions
• Assist with medication counts, secure storage, and chain-of-custody procedures
• Support nursing staff with vital signs, patient monitoring, and delegated clinical tasks
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment aligned with trauma-informed care principles
• Adhere to all Joint Commission, state, and federal regulatory standards
• Participate in required training and maintain active QMA certification
• Uphold the organization’s Code of Ethics and confidentiality requirements

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• Current Indiana Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) certification
  • Completion of CNA certification
  • Completion of a state‑approved 100‑hour QMA course
  • Successful completion of written and skills examinations
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Ability to pass background check and drug screening

Preferred

• Prior experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, detox, residential care, or long‑term care
• Familiarity with trauma‑informed care and recovery‑oriented environments

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and medication safety practices
• Compassionate, calm, and trauma‑informed approach to client care
• Clear and effective communication with nursing staff and interdisciplinary team members
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2
• Reliable, punctual, and adaptable in a 24/7 treatment environment

Performance Expectations

• Zero unreported medication errors or variances
• Full compliance with Joint Commission, Indiana State, and federal regulations
• Consistent demonstration of company values: respect, integrity, responsibility, and engagement
• Effective collaboration with nursing, clinical, and recovery support teams
• Timely completion of required training and maintenance of QMA certification

Work Conditions / Physical & Mental Requirements

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoors in a climate‑controlled clinical environment.

Physical Demands:

• Regular standing, walking, sitting, bending, and repetitive tasks such as documentation or vitals checks.
• May involve lifting, transferring, or repositioning patients (<50 lbs) with appropriate support.

Emotional Resilience:

• Ability to remain calm, grounded, and solutions‑focused during crises, patient escalation, or team conflict.

Critical Thinking:

• Daily responsibilities involve assessing patient risk and interpreting clinical data.

Prioritization Under Pressure:

• Must balance multiple urgent tasks while maintaining regulatory compliance and care quality.

Communication Skills:

• Clear, effective communication with patients, families, staff, and external partners.

Attention to Detail:

• Accurate monitoring of patient safety, documentation, and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• ICHRA Health Benefit– choose the health plan that fits your needs, with premium reimbursement
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance, with optional supplemental coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)+ paid holidays
• Paid Training & Continuing Education
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clear Career Pathways & Advancement Opportunities
• Safe, Trauma‑Informed Work Environment
• Modern Facilities & Work life balance
• Supportive Nursing Leadership that invests in your growth

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen our organization and enhance the quality of care we provide. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability,