MEDICATION ASSISTANT 44198

01/01/94 E

This is a single class in a series responsible for performing medication administration duties on an assigned unit(s) and shift within a mental health or mental retardation facility. Duties are require close attention to details and are performed in a stressful and physically demanding environment. This class may be required to perform any or all of the duties of a Human Services Care Worker. However, positions in this class are distinguished from the Human Services Care Worker by the additional responsibilities of dispensing medications to assigned clients; insuring all medications are administered as prescribed and scheduled; preparing required medication records and documentation completely and correctly; documenting clients' responses to medications and treatments and reporting situations requiring medical attention; following proper procedures for the acquisition, utilization, storage and security of medications and medical supplies.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty, occasionally complicated by undesirable client behavior. Administers medications to clients; documents medications given and clients' reactions or changes; reports any problems requiring medical attention; prepares and cleans medication supplies and equipment; inventories medications and supplies, and reports any discrepancies; prepares complete and accurate medication administration records. In addition, positions in this class may perform any, or all, of the duties of a Human Service Care Worker.

Supervision Given: Supervision is not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives program supervision from a Registered Nurse and a Pharmacist. Direct care work assignments may be received from a clinician or other direct care supervisor.

Scope: Provides medication administration for assigned clients in unit(s) or program(s). May include implementing and overseeing activities for assigned clients.

Impact of Actions: Actions have serious impact on clients in terms of the safety, security, and physical and mental well-being.

Personal Contacts: Frequent contacts are made with clients, the Nurses, the Pharmacists, and other treatment staff. Occasional contacts are made with clients' families or individuals outside of the facility.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of medication administration; of unit procedures and applicable agency regulations related to direct care; some knowledge of the characteristics of assigned client population, such as emotional disturbance, mental illness, mental retardation or developmental disability.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to follow written and oral instructions; perform repetitive technical tasks accurately and completely; perform mathematical computations requiring addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and ratio and proportions; make observations of clients' reactions and write documentations in medical records; communicate with clients.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Successful completion of the Medication Administration Training Program which is approved and required by the Virginia Boards of Nursing and Pharmacy.

Education or Training: High school graduation or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in a direct care or comparable position.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised as a part of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective January 1, 1994.