Medication Administration Trainer

About the Role

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 Medication Administration Trainer in this residential facility will administer medication, complete all duties consistent with agency standards and best practices, and train staff in safe medication administration.

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.

Trainers (those that took the Trainer-the-Trainer course) must monitor staff by observing them administer medications. The frequency depends on how long the staff member has been administering medications and the time since they took the original course. The trainer must also review Medication Administration Records (MARs) using a standard rubric, which varies by year post-initial training. This constitutes the annual practicum. Trainers must take a recertification class every three years and complete the annual practicum as defined by the course to meet state requirements (3800.188(b)).

Responsibilities

• Administer medication and train staff in safe medication administration, including maintaining logs for controlled substances.
• Monitor and observe staff administering medications, adjusting frequency based on experience and time since initial training.
• Review Medication Administration Records (MARs) using a standard rubric as part of the annual practicum.
• Conduct training and re-certifications with staff annually, including the Medication Administration Program.
• Write detailed notes and communicate developments to essential staff, advocating for the needs of consumers.
• Clearly and effectively communicate all pertinent information to involved parties.
• Participate in regular supervision with the Program Director and staff meetings.
• Complete medical paperwork and summaries in a timely manner.
• Maintain a Daily Medication Log (MAR) and report any significant changes.
• 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.
• Track current medication received and resident response during treatment.
• Maintain the appropriate number of training hours as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
• Manage time effectively to complete direct service requirements and required documentation.
• Organize and prepare reports for supervision and staff meetings.
• Attend all required training and pursue professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Trainer must be certified through the PA Train-the-Trainer within the past 2 years.
• Trainer must hold the Medication Administration Program certification, recognized by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and The Department of Aging (DOA).
• Master’s degree preferred in social work, child welfare, or other social service field; Minimum Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• 2 years’ experience in Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, or related social service field preferred.
• Strong understanding of societies and their impact on mental health; ability to solve problems and monitor MAR.
• Compassionate, sensitive, and possess strong reasoning and thinking skills.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with word processing.
• Excellent working knowledge of medications, medical assessment tools, health issues, and the systems that impact young mothers and babies.

Skills

• 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.

Physical Capabilities

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

Trauma-Informed Approach

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 a supportive and healing atmosphere for clients and staff.

• 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").

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for full-time employees.
• Life Insurance/AD&D and LTD: $20,000 life insurance policy through Mutual of Omaha Company at no cost, plus LTD coverage and AD&D insurance.
• Self-funded insurance plans, including accident insurance, cancer insurance, life insurance, critical illness coverage, and short-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a generous matching contribution after one year of employment.
• Generous paid time off or sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential referral and counseling services for stress management, legal and financial concerns, depression, and substance abuse.
• Self-funded legal services for various legal matters.