Medication Administration Technician – Full-time
Location: 2550 W Franklin Rd, Norman, OK 73069
Schedule: 12-hour shifts | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Full-time
Pay: $15.12–$22.68/hour (DOE)
Classification: Non-exempt (eligible for overtime per applicable law)
POSITION PURPOSE
The Medication Administration Technician (MAT) is responsible for the safe and accurate preparation, administration, and documentation of prescribed medications to inmates/detainees within the county jail, under the direction and supervision of licensed nursing personnel and in accordance with applicable Oklahoma law, physician orders, facility policies, and correctional healthcare standards. The MAT performs medication-related duties in a secure detention environment and assists in maintaining continuity of care, medication accountability, and compliance with established medical, legal, and security requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Administers prescribed medications to inmates/detainees in accordance with provider orders, nursing direction, approved protocols, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Prepares medications for scheduled medication passes using established procedures for accuracy, security, and infection control.
- Verifies inmate/detainee identity prior to medication administration using approved identification methods and established facility procedures.
- Documents all medication administration activities accurately and timely in the medication administration record (MAR), electronic medication administration record (eMAR), or other designated documentation systems.
- Observes inmates/detainees for medication compliance, adverse effects, allergic reactions, refusal of medication, and unusual responses, and promptly reports concerns to licensed nursing staff.
- Reports medication errors, omissions, discrepancies, refusals, adverse drug reactions, and other clinical concerns in accordance with facility policy.
- Maintains proper control, storage, handling, security, and accountability of medications, medication carts, keys, and related supplies.
- Assists with medication inventory, restocking, expiration date monitoring, reconciliation, and disposal in accordance with policy and applicable standards.
- Ensures that medication rooms, carts, and storage areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and secure manner.
- Follows all infection prevention, bloodborne pathogen, and exposure control procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
- Maintains confidentiality of inmate/detainee health information and other protected information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and county policies.
- Recognizes and reports significant changes in inmate/detainee condition, including medical emergencies, mental health concerns, or behavioral changes.
- Adheres to all detention facility safety, security, key control, emergency response, and contraband prevention requirements.
- Maintains professional boundaries and appropriate interactions with inmates/detainees, staff, contractors, and visitors.
- Participates in orientation, required training, annual competencies, drills, staff meetings, and continuing education as assigned.
- Assists licensed medical staff with related non-assessment duties as assigned and as permitted by training, certification, and facility policy.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
Licensure / Certification
- Current certification, registration, or credential authorizing medication administration duties as recognized and accepted by the employer and applicable Oklahoma requirements.
- Current CPR certification preferred at time of hire; must obtain within a timeframe established by the employer if not current upon hire.
Experience
- One (1) year of experience in medication administration, healthcare support, long-term care, corrections, detention healthcare, behavioral health, or a related setting preferred.
- Experience in a correctional or institutional environment preferred.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of basic medication administration principles and practices.
- Knowledge of medical documentation requirements and medication records.
- Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, infection control procedures, and workplace safety practices.
- Knowledge of the unique operational and security requirements of a correctional environment.
- Skill in observing and reporting inmate/detainee responses to medications and changes in condition.
- Skill in maintaining accurate, complete, and timely records.
- Skill in communicating effectively and professionally with supervisors, licensed medical personnel, correctional staff, inmates/detainees, and others.
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, policies, and protocols.
- Ability to work within the scope of assigned duties and under appropriate supervision.
- Ability to maintain composure and sound judgment in stressful, fast-paced, or emergency situations.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Ability to maintain security awareness and comply with all jail rules and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed within a secure county jail or detention facility and involves frequent contact with inmates/detainees, correctional officers, healthcare staff, and administrative personnel. The work environment may include exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, hazardous materials, aggressive or disruptive behavior, and other risks associated with healthcare and correctional operations. Employees are required to comply with all safety, security, and personal protective equipment requirements.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during medication pass and related duties.
- Ability to sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and lift as needed in the performance of duties.
- Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds regularly and more with assistance as necessary.
- Ability to push medication carts and transport supplies.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for handling medications, operating equipment, and completing written or electronic documentation.
- Ability to hear and communicate effectively in person and by telephone or radio.
- Ability to see sufficiently to read medication labels, records, computer screens, and observe inmate/detainee condition.
- Ability to respond promptly in emergency situations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The Medication Administration Technician works under the direction and supervision of licensed medical staff. Duties are performed in accordance with established procedures, professional standards, medical directives, and detention facility security requirements.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not exercise supervisory authority.
COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
The employee must comply with all applicable:
- County personnel policies
- Jail and detention center rules and security procedures
- Health services policies and protocols
- Infection control and exposure control requirements
- Confidentiality and records management standards
- Certification, training, and competency requirements
- Federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing assigned duties
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and any other pre-employment or ongoing screening required by the county or facility.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain all required facility clearances, credentials, and training.
- Must maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
- May be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-in shifts based on operational needs.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.
Important Notes
- Security Clearance (Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office): Employment is contingent on obtaining and maintaining security clearance from the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office to access secure areas of the jail. The Sheriff’s Office conducts the clearance process.
- Criminal History Use: RCHS evaluates criminal history information in a manner consistent with EEOC guidance (job-relatedness, nature of offense, time elapsed, and the position’s duties) and applicable law.
- Safety-Sensitive Role (Oklahoma): This position is designated safety-sensitive under Oklahoma law. Employees in safety-sensitive positions are prohibited from working under the influence of marijuana (including with a valid medical-marijuana license), and offers may include drug testing as permitted by law.
- Employment Status: Employment is at-will, consistent with applicable laws. Overtime is paid in accordance with federal and state law for hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
- Transparency: No credit check is performed as part of the clearance process.