MEDICATION TECHNICIAN / CLINICAL SUPPORT AIDE

Position Summary ==================== The Medication Technician / Clinical Support Aide provides safe medication administration and practical clinical support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A major function of the position is assisting the professional nurse with staff medication\-administration training and related on\-site follow\-up. The employee also assists other disciplines with assigned clinical\-support activities. This position works within written plans and demonstrated competencies and does not replace the professional judgment or responsibilities of licensed or qualified clinicians.Essential Duties and Responsibilities ========================================= Medication Administration and Nursing Support ------------------------------------------------- Administer medications only after completing agency\-required RN training and competency approval, and only while authorization remains current. Manages medication packing and assists in delivery of medications to homes Maintain medication security, including proper handling of medication keys, controlled medication records, counts, storage, and medication delivery or return procedures as assigned. Provides regular audits of medication storage system and MARs to maintain med storage compliance and monitor for any errors. Recognize and promptly report health concerns. Seek emergency assistance and contact the nurse according to agency protocols. Medication Training and Competency Program Support ------------------------------------------------------ Assist the professional nurse with staff medication\-administration training and competency activities. Assist with training materials, demonstrations, hands\-on practice, and other educational activities as directed by the nurse. Participate with the nurse in on\-site follow\-up teaching, coaching, and observation of staff medication administration. Assist with objective documentation of assigned observations and promptly report questions or safety concerns to the nurse. Provide other medication\-program and non\-licensed clinical support as assigned by Nursing like transporting individuals to medical appointments Do not independently certify, authorize, extend, suspend, or reinstate a staff member's medication\-administration approval. Final competency assessment, documentation, and authorization remain the responsibility of the professional nurse. Interdisciplinary Clinical Support -------------------------------------- Assist Nursing, rehabilitation professionals, behavioral clinicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary team with assigned clinical\-support activities. Help gather, organize, track, and enter information needed for assessments, care plans, behavioral support plans, rehabilitation recommendations, equipment needs, training, and quality review. Support individuals and staff in carrying out approved health, wellness, rehabilitation, sensory, behavioral, and skill\-building recommendations after receiving appropriate direction and training. Assist clinicians with scheduling, materials, observations, data collection, follow\-up, communication, and preparation of nonclinical summaries or reports. Monitor completion of assigned activities and promptly report changes, concerns, barriers, or possible safety issues to the appropriate clinician or supervisor. Work only within assigned training and competency. The employee does not independently assess, diagnose, develop or change clinical plans, select interventions, make clinical recommendations, or provide professional approval. Documentation, Coordination and Quality Support --------------------------------------------------- Complete documentation accurately, objectively, and within required timeframes while maintaining confidentiality. Maintain assigned clinical, interdisciplinary, equipment, training, or quality documentation and tracking logs as directed. Communicate respectfully with individuals, guardians, DSPs, managers, nurses, clinicians, pharmacies, and other approved members of the interdisciplinary team. Attend assigned meetings and training and assist with agency clinical education or competency activities within the employee's verified role. Follow infection\-control, emergency\-response, incident\-reporting, human\-rights, abuse/neglect reporting, and workplace\-safety requirements. Perform other related duties assigned within training, competency, and scope of the position. Supervision and Scope ========================= The Director of Nursing and Clinical Services provides administrative supervision. Medication administration, classroom assistance, on\-site follow\-up teaching, medication\-pass observation, coaching, and other nursing\-support functions are performed with and under the direction of a professional nurse. The nurse develops or approves training content, directs the aide's participation, evaluates staff competency, and issues final medication\-administration authorization. Work assigned for other disciplines is performed under the direction of the appropriate licensed or qualified clinician. When instructions conflict, the employee shall stop the activity and seek clarification. Medication administration, immediate health and safety needs, and emergency response take priority over routine support assignments.Minimum Qualifications ========================== High school diploma or equivalent. At least one year of experience supporting adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, rehabilitation needs, or comparable direct\-care experience preferred. Current Rhode Island Medication Aide license in good standing and current Rhode Island nursing assistant license, as required for Medication Aide licensure. Current agency medication\-administration authorization, or ability to complete agency RN\-led training and competency requirements before administering medications. Demonstrated safe medication\-administration performance and ability to complete additional RN validation before assisting with demonstrations, coaching, or med\-pass observations. Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within the agency\-required timeframe. Ability to learn and consistently follow written clinical plans, recognize changes in condition, collect objective data, and communicate concerns promptly. Basic computer skills and ability to use Therap, email, electronic records, spreadsheets, and assigned tracking systems. Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation when travel is an assigned function. Successful completion of required background checks, health requirements, orientation, and mandatory training. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities =================================== Respectful, person\-centered support of adults with varied communication, sensory, mobility, behavioral, and medical needs. Strong organization, follow\-through, observation, documentation, and time\-management skills. Ability to present information clearly, support adults with different learning needs, provide respectful corrective coaching, and use a standardized observation checklist consistently. Ability to distinguish objective observations from opinions and clinical conclusions. Ability to accept direction from multiple disciplines while staying within assigned responsibilities. Sound judgment, dependability, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality. Physical and Work Requirements ================================== The employee must be able to move throughout residential and community settings; stand, walk, bend, reach, and sit for varying periods; communicate effectively; and safely assist individuals consistent with documented training and agency policy. The position may involve exposure to behavioral escalation, bodily fluids, communicable illness, and changing environmental conditions. Specific lifting or transfer requirements will be based on assigned duties, individual plans, and the use of approved equipment and assistance. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable law.