Residential Medication Specialist

Company: Encompass Community Services
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: April 6, 2026

Job Description:

Description About Us: Encompass Community Services is the largest provider of health and human services in Santa Cruz County. We have been delivering culturally appropriate and evidence-based safety net services to our community for nearly 50 years. As a health equity organization, Encompass is committed to providing everyone in the community with access to the high-quality health and human services they need and deserve to enjoy the benefit of a long and healthy life. We operate nearly 40 programs providing a wide range of services related to family and social well-being, behavioral health, housing and more. Santa Cruz Residential Recovery (SCRR): Located just outside of Downtown Santa Cruz, CA, in a historic Victorian home, SCRR offers a 23-bed co-ed substance use residential treatment program, serving clients for varied lengths of time, based on individual needs. Staffed by a highly skilled and trained team, certified clinicians help clients focusing on issues surrounding recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders. Program activities include evidence-based trauma informed and cognitive behavior therapies, focused individual and group counseling, pro-social life skill building, mindfulness, and SUD treatment. Job Summary: We currently have a full-time (40 hours/week) opening for a Medical Medication Specialist at our Santa Cruz Residential Recovery (SCRR) site. Ideal hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays 2pm-10pm Under supervision of the onsite nursing staff, this full-time Specialist role provides clinical and administrative support within scope of practice to clients struggling with substance use disorders and often co-occurring mental health conditions. This role supports the delivery of medical services for clients by assisting with client care activities, coordinating medical appointments, maintaining accurate data tracking, and supporting medication safety processes. Primary Responsibilities: Specialist Counselor- Medication Supports nurse to ensure accurate implementation of prescribing provider orders and safe adherence to agency medication protocols. Provides coverage within scope of practice in absence of nurse around medication protocols, scheduling/follow up of medical appointments and supporting Nurse Practitioner. Leads weekly medication refill protocols, working alongside NOC staff and nurse. Leads onboarding and refreshment medication training sessions, working alongside nurse and other identified trainers. Participates in the monthly Medication CQIW and Medication Training workgroups. Supports onsite nurse in completing each month’s new MARs before the first of each month. Audit's medication binder weekly for staff performance. Provides one-on-one medication training to residential staff following medication errors. Notifies manager. Handles medication destruction protocols alongside nurse. Supports nurse with organization of medication cart and room. Supports nurse with organization of medication related documents in client’s charts. Other Adheres to required infection control and aseptic techniques. Adherence to and support of Encompass personnel, facility and expense policies. Can be depended upon to report consistently to work at scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Notifies supervisor with appropriate notice when absent. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments. Follows instructions, responds to management direction, takes responsibility for own actions, keeps commitments. Other duties as assigned. General Residential Work: Supports oversight of program schedule, supports Residential Counselors direction in “running the floor” as needed. Support client treatment activities, group attendance, and linkage to needed community resources. Support clients with activities that prepare them for successful discharge (e.g., establishing benefits, job and housing search, referrals to outpatient services, etc.) Monitors client movements in and around the facility as related to readiness for community activities as needed. Monitors house logistics (basic cleaning, room searches, passes, transportation schedule, etc.) as needed. Maintains a valid California Driver’s License and insurable Driving Record. Effectively collaborates with team members, as well as community partners. Participates in medication passes and adheres to all medication policies and procedures. Safely provides transportation of clients in the community, following Encompass policies. Compliance : Complies with regulatory requirements, including HIPPA, Drug-Medi-CAL, Community Care Licensing and CARF. Reviews and Submits NOABD’s for Manager Review within 24 hours, as required by County Guidelines Reviews and Submits Sentinel Reports within 24 hours, as required by County Guidelines Responds to client grievances in a timely manner, in accordance with Encompass policy Maintains oversight of client charts and of Electronic Health Records, in compliance to HIPPA standards Communicates pending involuntary client discharges with Operations Manager, Clinical Manager, and Lead Clinician. Adheres to COVID and infection control policies and procedures Wages & Benefits: We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits reflect this commitment. We offer full-time employees medical and dental insurance plan that ensures peace of mind for themselves and their families. We go beyond traditional care by also offering our employees acupuncture and chiropractic, embracing a holistic approach to health that aligns with our values of care and compassion. Our team’s future matters just as much as the present. That’s why we offer a 403(b) retirement plan, providing a foundation for a secure retirement. We also recognize the need for work-life balance, so Encompass offers a competitive package of 17 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 14 additional paid holidays. These benefits are thoughtfully pro-rated for part-time positions, affirming our commitment to fairness and flexibility.

Keywords: Encompass Community Services, Fremont , Residential Medication Specialist, Healthcare , Santa Cruz, California