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.
