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OUR MISSION 

At 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 SUMMARY 

The 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 RESPONSIBILITIES 

Medication Administration 

• Administers medications as directed by the Director of Resident Care in strict accordance with RIDOH regulations (216-RICR-40-05-22), physician/prescriber orders, and Tamarisk policies and procedures 

• Follows the "Five Rights" of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, and right route of administration 

• Accurately documents all medications administered, withheld, or refused in the Medication Administration Record (MAR) with appropriate notation of reasons 

• Administers medications via approved routes: oral, sublingual, buccal, eye, ear, nasal, rectal, vaginal, topical (including patches and transdermal), and metered-dose inhalers 

• Administers PRN (as needed) medications according to physician orders and documents resident response 

• Notifies licensed nurse immediately of any medication errors, adverse reactions, or concerns 

Person-Centered, Dignified Care 

• Provides compassionate, dignified care that honors each resident's individuality, preferences, and right to make choices about their daily life 

• Supports residents in maintaining maximum independence and participating in decisions regarding their care 

• Creates a homelike environment where residents feel safe, valued, and respected 

• Recognizes and responds to each resident's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs 

• Treats all residents with kindness, patience, and respect regardless of cognitive status or care needs 

Direct Resident Care 

• Assists residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility in a manner that preserves dignity and promotes independence 

• Takes and records vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) and reports abnormal findings 

• Monitors and documents resident weight, intake and output as assigned 

• Observes residents for changes in condition, behavior, or cognitive status and reports concerns promptly to nursing staff 

• Encourages residents to participate in activities, social engagement, and community life 

• Responds promptly to resident call lights and requests for assistance with a caring, positive attitude 

Memory Care Specific Duties (if applicable) 

• Implements specialized approaches for residents with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive impairment that honor their dignity and life experiences 

• Uses therapeutic communication techniques, validation, and behavioral management strategies appropriate for memory care residents 

• Participates in meaningful activities and engagement programs designed to support cognitive function and quality of life 

• Maintains a calm, structured, homelike environment to reduce resident anxiety and confusion 

• Recognizes that challenging behaviors are forms of communication and responds with patience and compassion 

Safety and Compliance 

• Demonstrates understanding of and complies with RIDOH Exposure Prevention Plan for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens 

• Adheres 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 procedures 

• Maintains resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations 

• Utilizes proper body mechanics and safe patient handling techniques to prevent injury to self and residents 

• Reports suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately to supervisor and appropriate authorities 

Documentation and Communication 

• Maintains accurate, timely documentation of care provided and observations made 

• Communicates effectively and compassionately with residents, families, visitors, and healthcare team members 

• Builds trusting relationships with residents and families, serving as a liaison between residents and the care team 

• Participates in shift reports and care planning meetings as requested 

• Refers healthcare-related questions from residents and families to licensed nursing staff 

Team Collaboration 

• Functions as a cooperative, active member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team 

• Assists other staff with resident care duties as needed and when appropriately trained 

• Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Resident Care Director and nurse staff, reporting significant events immediately 

• Attends in-services, staff meetings, and required training programs 

• Demonstrates knowledge of and respect for Jewish culture, customs, and kosher standards as applicable 

• Contributes to a positive, supportive work environment that reflects our values of dignity and respect 

Other Duties 

• Performs reasonable tasks outside of assigned resident care duties such as assisting with mail, activities, and environmental maintenance 

• Maintains Tamarisk's reputation by providing excellent customer service to residents, families, and visitors 

• Properly uses and maintains equipment including pagers, walkie-talkies, telephones, and other assistive devices 

• Performs any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Director of Resident Care 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• Active Rhode Island Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in good standing 

• Active 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 thereafter 

• Must pass Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background check 

• Must be free of felony convictions involving controlled substances (subject to waiver by RIDOH) 

• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English 

• Commitment to upholding the values of dignified, person-centered care 

Preferred 

• One or more years of experience in assisted living, memory care, or long-term care setting 

• Experience working with residents with dementia or cognitive impairment 

• Knowledge of Jewish culture, customs, and kosher dietary standards 

• Bilingual abilities (particularly Hebrew, Yiddish, or Russian) helpful 

• Demonstrated commitment to compassionate, respectful care for seniors 

Continuing Education Requirements 

• CNA license renewal: 8 hours of nursing duties within prior 24 months and 12 hours of in-service training per year 

• Medication Aide license renewal: 4 continuing education hours related to medication administration every 2 years 

• Quarterly competency evaluations by licensed nurse (monthly for first 3 months of employment) 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This position requires medium to heavy physical work. The employee must be able to perform the following physical activities: 

• Medium Work: Frequently lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds maximum 

• Standing and walking for extended periods (up to 8-12 hours per shift) 

• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching 

• Ability to push and pull equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, and medication carts 

• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle medication packages, syringes, and other medical supplies 

• Visual acuity to read medication labels, charts, and electronic health records 

• Hearing acuity to respond to call lights, alarms, and verbal communications 

• Ability to transfer and reposition residents using proper body mechanics and assistive devices 

• Cognitive ability to follow complex medication orders and recognize changes in resident condition 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Indoor environment in assisted living and memory care settings 

• Extensive resident contact throughout shift 

• Possible exposure to infectious diseases, bloodborne pathogens, and bodily fluids 

• May work with hazardous/infectious waste and cleaning chemicals 

• Variable shift work including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays 

• May be required to work overtime or additional shifts based on staffing needs 

• Fast-paced environment requiring multi-tasking and prioritization 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS 

Tamarisk Senior Living is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Requests for accommodations should be directed to Human Resources.