West Side Federation For Senior and Supportive Housing, Inc.

West 108^th Street

Job Description:  Medication Aide

Under the supervision of the Medication Supervisor, provide a range of services related to the supervision of residents in self-administering their medications with the goal of enabling residents to live permanently at West 108^th Street as safely and independently as possible.

RESIDENT MEDICATIONS/SUPPLIES:

• Medication Administration:  Assure that all medications are administered according to medication orders and in compliance with all applicable New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Office of Mental Health (OMH) regulations.  When assisting with medication administration, carefully watch each resident, assuring that:  The right resident is taking the right medication in the right dose at the right time by the right route.

• Medication Storage:  Assure that all medication is stored appropriately in original labeled container, in accordance with safety requirements refrigerated medications stored in refrigerator, oral medications stored separately from topical medications, controlled substances stored in double locked box, medication room always locked when not occupied by staff, medications in resident rooms stored according to DOH/OMH regulations.

• Medication Orders:  Assure that no medication is dispensed without written orders from the prescribing practitioner. 

• Documentation of Medication Orders:  Assure that the Medication Administration Register (MAR, or Med Log) accurately reflects the written orders of the resident’s prescribing practitioner(s).  In the event of telephone order, assure that written Confirmation of Telephone Order has been sent to the physician and that a copy is maintained in medication files. Assure that corrections to the MAR are made in ink, and that correction fluid or cover-labels are not used in the MAR.  Assure that any changes to the medication order are tagged on the prescription bottle, but that the prescription label is not altered.

• Documentation of Medication Administration:  Assure that all medication administration is documented by the individual assisting with administration and follows all applicable regulations.  In the event of resident absence or resident refusal of medications, assure that this absence or refusal is documented in compliance with all applicable regulations.

• Medication Supply:  Assure that there is an adequate supply of medications on hand for each resident.  Specifically, in the event less than 3 day supply of medication, order refill, send in new prescription, or refer problem immediately to the assigned caseworker.

• Medication Changes:  Changes are made only when there is a prescribing practitioner’s written order, or when there is a Confirmation of Telephone Order in place.    If there is a new medication prescribed, assure that the pharmacy gets the prescription and delivers new medication.  If there is a medication with dosage change and the actual pill changes, assure pharmacy gets the prescription and delivers the new medication (making sure to pull the supply of the previous dosage).  If there is a medication with a dosage change, but no new prescription (for example, the doctor changes the order from 2 pills twice a day, to one pill twice a day), the MAR is changed to reflect the change and assure that the prescription container is tagged with the change.

• Incontinence Supplies: Assist residents with monitoring and management of supplies used to assist with incontinence issues.  Work closely with outside providers, insurance companies, pharmacy, Fleming House Social Service and PCA staff to ensure that residents are receiving proper amounts of supplies at appropriate times.

• Medication Updates: Create/collect/ maintain all Medication Update forms related to resident appointments with outside providers.  Assure that all information related to medical appointments is properly disseminated to appropriate caseworker. 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise the personal hygiene and physical well-being of the residents.

• Assist residents as needed in activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, walking, and other personal care needs.

• Monitor to assure that residents are eating meals regularly each day.

• Assist residents in using the dining room, participating in activity programs, and joining in the life of the residence. 

• Escort residents to medical and other appointments as directed, including visiting residents who are in hospital.

• Assist kitchen staff as needed in meal preparation, serving, and clean up.

• Assist housekeeper/porter as assigned, including participating in recycling activities and laundry.
• Travel for errands to stores, clinics, and offices as directed.

OTHER:

• Work as a member of the team to establish and maintain high level of care and respect for the West 108^th community.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other staff members.
• Communicate with staff about resident progress, needs, and problems with other staff.
• Attend training sessions and conferences as required for enhancement of job skills.
• Submit all required reports in a complete and timely manner.
• Assist with other duties as directed.
• Assist in matters of personal care that contribute to the health and safety of the resident community.

QUALIFICATIONS EXPECTED:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with dependent persons.
• At least 21 years of age.
• Able to work in a multi-cultural environment, with staff and residents.
• Emotionally, mentally, and physically able to perform job responsibilities.
• Able to speak, read, and write English (as required by DSS regulation 487.9.13)

Equal Employment Opportunity -EEO has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at WSFSSH, where employment is based upon employees’ qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.