Certified Medication Aide (DOH/FBMC #31352)

About the role

This position administers medications to residents at a long‑term care facility and observes residents for expected actions and adverse reactions to medications administered. The customers are residents of the long‑term care facility.

Work is performed throughout the nursing service area (nurse’s stations, resident rooms, etc.), involves intermittent movement, frequent interruptions, and potential exposure to hostile or emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors. The incumbent communicates with nursing and medical staff, may work beyond normal hours, weekends, holidays, and be subject to call‑back during emergencies. There is exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and must adhere to CMS COVID‑related requirements (masking, staff vaccination). Physical demands include the ability to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of 5 feet and to carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications to residents and monitor for expected actions and adverse reactions.
• Prepare verbal reports and written documentation to report issues or events related to successful or unsuccessful medication administration, changes in resident conditions, and departures from usual and routine organizational operations.

Requirements

• Position is designated as safety‑sensitive; subject to pre‑employment and random drug and alcohol testing per federal and state law.
• Must be screened for tuberculosis (TB) upon hire.
• Subject to nationwide criminal background check pursuant to the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal Screening Act; employment conditional on results.
• Must hold a certification by the New Mexico Board of Nursing to practice as a Certified Medication Aide.
• Must be licensed in accordance with Medication Aide statutes (61‑3‑10.2 NMSA 1978 and 16.12.5 through 16.12.5.21 NMAC).

Qualifications

• Certification as a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), Home Health Aide (HHA), or Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) and one (1) year of experience in a traditional long‑term care facility or in duties related to the classification.
• Any combination of education from an accredited college/university in a related field above certification requirements and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience.

Skills

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, and family members.
• Experience with Medication Administration Record (MAR) audits.
• Experience with safety awareness of narcotic use.
• Ability to function independently, with flexibility, personal integrity, and to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies.

Pay

Salary: $20.56 – $30.85 hourly; $42,773 – $64,160 annually.