Certified Medication TechnicianHot JobWarwick, RI 02886OverviewSalary Range $21.00 HourlyDescriptionOUR MISSIONAt Tamarisk Senior Living and JCS Rhode Island, we are committed to providing dignified care wherever our residents call home. We honor the unique journey of everyone, creating a warm, supportive community where residents can live with independence, purpose, and respect. Our team members are essential to fulfilling this mission by delivering compassionate, person-centered care that embraces the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.POSITION SUMMARYThe Certified Medication Technician (CMT) / Medication Aide plays a vital role in upholding our mission of dignified care by ensuring safe medication administration and providing compassionate direct care to residents.
This position is responsible for administering medications in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) regulations, physician orders, and Tamarisk Senior Living policies, while supporting residents in maintaining their health, independence, and quality of life wherever they call home whether in assisted living or memory care settings.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIESAdministers medications as directed by the Director of Resident Care in strict accordance with RIDOH regulations, physician/prescriber orders, and Tamarisk policies and proceduresFollows the "Five Rights" of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, and right route of administrationAccurately documents all medications administered, withheld, or refused in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) with appropriate notation of reasonsAdministers medications via approved routes: oral, sublingual, buccal, eye, ear, nasal, rectal, vaginal, topical (including patches and transdermal), and metered-dose inhalersAdministers PRN (as needed) medications according to physician orders and documents resident responseNotifies licensed nurse immediately of any medication errors, adverse reactions, or concernsPerson-Centered, Dignified CareProvides compassionate, dignified care that honors each resident's individuality, preferences, and right to make choices about their daily lifeSupports residents in maintaining maximum independence and participating in decisions regarding their careCreates a homelike environment where residents feel safe, valued, and respectedRecognizes and responds to each resident's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needsTreats all residents with kindness, patience, and respect regardless of cognitive status or care needsDirect Resident CareAssists residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility in a manner that preserves dignity and promotes independenceTakes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) and reports abnormal findingsMonitors and documents resident weight, intake and output as assignedObserves residents for changes in condition, behavior, or cognitive status and reports concerns promptly to nursing staffEncourages residents to participate in activities, social engagement, and community lifeResponds promptly to resident call lights and requests for assistance with a caring, positive attitudeMemory Care Specific Duties (if applicable)Implements specialized approaches for residents with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive impairment that honor their dignity and life experiencesUses therapeutic communication techniques, validation, and behavioral management strategies appropriate for memory care residentsParticipates in meaningful activities and engagement programs designed to support cognitive function and quality of lifeMaintains a calm, structured, homelike environment to reduce resident anxiety and confusionRecognizes that challenging behaviors are forms of communication and responds with patience and compassionSafety and ComplianceDemonstrates understanding of and complies with RIDOH Exposure Prevention Plan for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogensAdheres to infection control policies and procedures, including proper hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)Follows fire safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster response proceduresMaintains resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulationsUtilizes proper body mechanics and safe patient handling techniques to prevent injury to self and residentsReports suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately to supervisor and appropriate authoritiesDocumentation and CommunicationMaintains accurate, timely documentation of care provided and observations madeCommunicates effectively and compassionately with residents, families, visitors, and healthcare team membersBuilds trusting relationships with residents and families, serving as a liaison between residents and the care teamParticipates in shift reports and care planning meetings as requestedRefers healthcare-related questions from residents and families to licensed nursing staffTeam CollaborationFunctions as a cooperative, active member of the interdisciplinary healthcare teamAssists other staff with resident care duties as needed and when appropriately trainedAssumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Resident Care Director and nurse staff, reporting significant events immediatelyAttends in-services, staff meetings, and required training programsDemonstrates knowledge of and respect for Jewish culture, customs, and kosher standards as applicableContributes to a positive, supportive work environment that reflects our values of dignity and respectOther DutiesPerforms reasonable tasks outside of assigned resident care duties such as assisting with mail, activities, and environmental maintenanceMaintains Tamarisk's reputation by providing excellent customer service to residents, families, and visitorsProperly uses and maintains equipment including pagers, walkie-talkies, telephones, and other assistive devicesPerforms any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Director of Resident CareQualificationsQUALIFICATIONSActive Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in good standingActive Rhode Island Medication Aide license (or must obtain within specified timeframe)Successful completion of RIDOH-approved Medication Aide training program (45 hours minimum)High school diploma or equivalent (GED)Current CPR certification (or must obtain within 90 days of hire)Must pass pre-employment physical examination and annual health screenings thereafterMust pass Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background checkMust be free of felony convictions involving controlled substances (subject to waiver by RIDOH)Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in EnglishCommitment to upholding the values of dignified, person-centered carePreferredOne or more years of experience in assisted living, memory care, or long-term care settingExperience working with residents with dementia or cognitive impairmentKnowledge of Jewish culture, customs, and kosher dietary standardsBilingual abilities (particularly Hebrew, Yiddish, or Russian) helpfulDemonstrated commitment to compassionate, respectful care for seniorsContinuing Education RequirementsCNA license renewal: 8 hours of nursing duties within prior 24 months and 12 hours of in-service training per yearMedication Aide license renewal: 4 continuing education hours related to medication administration every 2 yearsQuarterly competency evaluations by licensed nurse (monthly for first 3 months of employment)PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSMedium Work: Frequently lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds maximumStanding and walking for