MEDICATION SPECIALIST

JOB SUMMARY

The Medication Specialist supports the safe, accurate, and timely administration or observation, documentation, monitoring, storage, and disposal of resident medications during assigned shifts, within the authorized scope of the position. Working collaboratively with the Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Coordinator, and clinical team, this position maintains medication records, supports resident access to healthcare services, and follows agency policy and applicable medication-management requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Respond promptly to resident medication needs and concerns during assigned shifts and obtain clinical, medical, supervisory, or emergency assistance when a concern exceeds the positions authority or training.

- Maintain and update Medication Administration Records (MAR) for assigned residents, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, timely, and compliant with agency requirements.

- Conduct weekly reviews of medication records, resident medication needs, medical appointments, documentation gaps, and significant medication-related concerns.

- Assist with internal and external audit processes and correction of identified medication-documentation deficiencies in accordance with agency policy and applicable requirements.

- Complete incident reports for medication errors, missed medication activities, documentation concerns, adverse events, or other reportable issues, documenting the concern, actions taken, notifications, follow-up, and known outcome.

- Coordinate and schedule medical appointments for residents with the Nurse Practitioner (NP), ensuring efficient access to care.

- Monitor and document resident adherence to medication schedules and promptly notify appropriate clinical or medical staff of missed doses, refusals, non-adherence, or other concerns.

- Administer, observe, or support medication activities only within the employees authorized scope and ensure required documentation is completed during the assigned shift.

- Perform other job-related duties within the authorized scope of the position as assigned by management or requested by supervisors.

- Consistently uphold the Hope Haven Code of Ethics and Client Rights, demonstrating professionalism and commitment to resident care.

- Maintain compliance with agency policies, procedures, standards, and applicable medication-management requirements while upholding organizational values and resident rights.

- Seek direction when a requested duty exceeds the positions training, certification, competency, supervision, delegation, or authorized scope.

- Complete or support medication disposal only within the authorized scope of the position and in accordance with established procedures; accurately document disposal and promptly report expired, discontinued, damaged, missing, or unaccounted-for medications.

Qualifications

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

- Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED and at least three years of experience in behavioral health, residential services, healthcare support, medication support, human services, or a related field.

- Certification Requirement: Medication Administration Certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment. The employee may not independently perform duties requiring certification or competency validation until all applicable requirements are completed.

- Professional Competency: Ability to engage respectfully with a diverse, underserved population, maintain professional boundaries, and respond calmly to resident concerns.

- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Healthcare Resource Knowledge: Familiarity with healthcare providers, pharmacies, and community resources relevant to resident care.

- Drivers License & Insurance: This position may require operating a Hope Haven vehicle on an occasional or as-needed basis. When assigned driving duties, the employee must maintain a valid North Carolina drivers license and be insurable under Hope Havens automobile insurance policy.

- Schedule Requirement: Ability to work assigned shifts and provide direct facility support within a 24/7 residential operation as operational needs require.

- CPR and First Aid: Current certification in CPR and First Aid.

- Knowledge of confidentiality requirements applicable to resident health and treatment information.

- Adhere to all HIPAA, confidentiality, and secure-documentation requirements.

- Perform duties safely, maintain appropriate professional conduct, and promptly report safety, resident-care, or medication-related concerns.

- Ability to adapt to changing resident and operational needs while remaining within the authorized scope of the position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Keyboarding

- Walking/Sitting/Standing

- Lifting, bending, reaching, and carrying materials associated with the role

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in a residential behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment environment. Regular interaction with residents, clinical staff, medical providers, pharmacies, and community healthcare partners is expected. The position involves work with secured medications, confidential health information, medication records, and residents who may present urgent medical, behavioral, or medication-related concerns. Responsibilities require close attention to detail, timely communication, adherence to established procedures, and the ability to obtain clinical, medical, supervisory, or emergency assistance when appropriate.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change based on organizational needs.

Hope Haven Mission Statement:

Hope Haven is a Therapeutic Community that provides a foundation of recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder so they can build healthy independent lives.