Medication Administration Trainer

Medication Administration Trainer

Join Our Team as an Medication Administration Trainer and help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families!

Northern Children's Services is a non-profit organization that supports the healthy development of children, while stabilizing their families to build stronger communities. The Generations Program aids teenage mothers and their babies to ensure a smooth transition for families out of the welfare system while supporting mothers to become self-sufficient adults with thriving families. The Medication Administration Trainer in this residential facility will administer medication. He/she will complete all duties consistent with agency standards and best practices.

Trainers (those that took the Trainer-the-Trainer course) must monitor them (the people they train) by observing them administer medications. The number depends on how much time the person has been giving medications and how much time since the person took the original course. The trainer must also review some MARs using a standard rubric. This also depends on which year post-initial training a person is in. This constitutes the annual practicum. Trainers that administer medication and provide training must do the same thing as the students; this can be done by another trainer or by a practicum observer. Trainers are required to take a recertification class every three years.

To meet this requirement, as well as 3800.188(b), a staff member who passed the medication administration course initially must complete the annual practicum as defined by the course every year. The medication administration course/test does not have to be completed every two years.

The following are the essential functions of this position:

Communication

• Writing detailed notes and communicating developments to essential staff.
• Advocate for the needs of the consumer to obtain needed resources and support.
• Clearly and effectively communicates all pertinent information to involved parties.
• Participate in regular supervision with the Program Director and staff meetings.

Documentation

• Complete medical paperwork as required.
• Summaries in a timely manner.
• Maintains a Daily Medication Log and reports any significant changes. (MAR)
• Document all contact, typical and emergency, while maintaining confidentiality of resident records consistent with Northern Children's Services and Department of Human Service contract standards.

Planning

• Conducting training and re-certifications with staff annually.
• Medication Administration Program to train staff in safe medication administration. The Medication administration training teaches staff how to keep a log with a count of the medications for controlled substances.
• Attends all required training and pursues other training for professional development.
• Manages time effectively to complete direct service requirements and required documentation.
• Organizes and prepares reports for supervision and staff meetings.

Monitoring

• Track current medication received and resident response during treatment
• Maintains the appropriate number of training hours as required by local, state and federal regulations.

Basic Skill Sets

• Ability to communicate and interact with staff within and outside the agency.
• Ability to assess and define needs and problems, collect data, develop information and draw valid professional conclusions.
• Ability to effectively present and respond to questions from various sources.
• Ability to work with a computer in performing duties.
• Ability to give clear, concise and professional oral and written instructions.
• Excellent working knowledge of medications, medical assessment tools, health issues and needs, and the systems that impact young mothers and babies.

Qualifications

• Trainer must be certified through the PA Train-the-Trainer within the past 2 years.
• Trainer must hold the Medication Administration Program certification. The Medication Administration Program is recognized by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and The Department of Aging (DOA) as the approved medication administration training program.

Education

• Master's degree preferred in social work, child welfare, or other social service field; Minimum-Bachelor's Degree is required.

Experience

• 2 years' experience in Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, or related social service field preferred.
• Possess strong understanding of societies and their impact on mental health; ability to solve problems and monitor MAR.
• Be compassionate, sensitive, and possess strong reasoning and thinking skills
• Possess strong computer skills, including working with word processing

Physical Capabilities and Work Environment

• Ability to walk up and down stairs
• Ability to lift 20 pounds
• Ability to operate a calculator and computer
• Ability to adjust to flexible work schedule based on the needs of facility residents
• Ensures that all State, County and funding source requirements and standards are efficiently met

Northern Children's Services is committed to fostering a therapeutic environment rooted in safety, nonviolence, and resilience. Our policies are guided by trauma-informed principles, ensuring that we create a supportive and healing atmosphere for clients and staff. A trauma-informed approach recognizes that past experiences, including trauma, can significantly impact a person's behavior, emotions, and interactions. Therefore, we strive to:

• Use emotional intelligence : Respond with empathy and awareness, even in difficult situations.
• Communicate effectively : Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid judgmental language.
• Understand trauma's impact : Be aware that clients or colleagues may react based on past experiences, not just the present moment.
• Apply person-first, strengths-based language : Focus on people's strengths and abilities rather than defining them by their challenges (e.g., saying "a person experiencing homelessness" instead of "a homeless person").

By adhering to these principles, we ensure that our workplace is not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive for everyone.

Americans with Disabilities: As with all positions at Northern Children's Services, Inc. we recognize the importance of accommodations individuals with disabilities. In that, we are committed to every extent possible accommodating disabled individual. We recognize the American with Disabilities Act of 1991 and understand the need to reasonably accommodate employees. All accommodation will be evaluated case by case, evaluating the essential functions of the positions.

Discrimination is prohibited in employment, promotion, assignment or dismissal, on the basis of race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, and handicap, or receipt of services for mental disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.