Lead Medication Technician

Position Summary: The Lead Medication Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of medication administration and medical coordination within the facility. In addition to the responsibilities of a Medication Technician, this position is responsible for supervising Med Techs, resolving and addressing issues within a Med Tech’s scope, and providing leadership to ensure quality care and compliance with regulations.

Routine Functions of the Position:

Leadership:

● Responsible for evaluating the performance of Med Techs and providing ongoing constructive feedback to ensure Med Techs are performing their job duties at a satisfactory level.

● Take the initiative to resolve problems within their role and be able to identify situations that need further escalation.

● Provide assistance in managing the Wellness Department in the absence of the Wellness Director.

● Responsible for training new and current staff on updated protocols and recurring incidents.

● Responsible for identifying job performance issues, addressing the employee, and documenting the issue.

● Provide in-service training sessions to enhance staff knowledge.

Coordination and Communication:

● Coordinate med tech schedules and find coverage for call-offs without incurring overtime or double time.

● Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, and external organizations, including referrals, hospice, and equipment companies.

● Collaborate with RCC to align resident care and medical records for accurate care delivery.

● Attend facility meetings and training sessions.

● Respond to and follow up on emails and other communications promptly.

Administering Medications/Treatments

● Administers resident medications and treatments as assigned and in compliance with all state regulations and facility policies/procedures.

● Administers medications to one resident at a time and observes residents taking medication. Observes for additional care needs or changes in resident’s usual behavior, condition or functional abilities. Reports observations to the nurse in a timely manner.

● Seeks direction from the nurse for any treatment or medication orders that are unfamiliar or are different from prior orders.

● Respects resident’s right to refuse medication. Investigates the resident’s decision to refuse and reports refusal to the nurse.

● Consistently utilizes Standard Precautions and follows infection control procedures.

● Responds promptly to requests for PRN medications; observes for effectiveness.

● Regularly performs a medication cart audit to: re-stock supplies, check for expired medications, clean the cart, check PRN meds for adequate supply, identify PRN meds not being used by the resident (notifies nurse), and check each drawer for loose pills.

● Protects residents’ rights and confidential information according to state and federal laws. Provides social and emotional support, including sensitivity to resident needs for privacy, and encourages resident independence.

● Observes for signs of resident abuse or neglect. Takes immediate action to prevent harm and to report incidents according to company policy and state law.

● Interacts and communicates with residents and families in a respectful manner. Refers family to the nurse or management for service/care concerns.

Documentation

● Promptly reports all medication errors to the nurse; documents and completes appropriate medication error report forms.

● Routinely performs and documents controlled substances counts according to facility policy and state and federal regulatory requirements.

● Documents and properly disposes of expired/discontinued medications and controlled substances in compliance with facility policy and state and federal regulations.

General Duties

● Participates in wellness team meetings and uses the support/care plans daily when assisting with medications or providing care.

● Participates in required annual training and other training to promote self-development.

● Assists with other shift duties and resident care when not engaged in passing medications.

● Performs other duties as assigned.

Critical Success Factors:

● Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

● Effective communication and organizational abilities.

● Compassionate and empathetic in interactions with residents and families.

● Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities.

● In-depth knowledge of medication protocols and compliance standards.

Work Environment:

● Stand/walk up to eight hours a day; sit up to four hours a day.

● Frequently supports up to 70 pounds.

● Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 pounds, push/pull up to 100 pounds.

● Frequently kneel, bend, squat, climb, and reach.

● Secure proper assistance for transferring and lifting of residents as needed.

● Workplace includes the entire facility.

Minimum Qualifications:

● High school diploma or GED.

● Current CPR and first aid certifications.

● Prior direct personal care or medication administration experience preferred.

● Successful completion of medication assistance training in compliance with state regulations.

Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Assisted living: 2 years (Required)
• Memory care: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Required)
• CPR Certification (Required)
• Certified Medication Aide (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Whittier, CA 90602 (Required)

Work Location: In person