Resident Medication Associate (RMA)

Position Summary

The Resident Medication Associate provides medication administration and related care to residents in accordance with physician orders, Viva Senior Living policies, and state and federal regulations. The role requires certification as a Medication Technician, adherence to attendance policies, and the ability to work compassionately with residents, families, and staff.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of coursework and examinations to obtain certification as a Medication Technician per state regulations.
• Ongoing completion of required continuing education and maintenance of certification.
• Knowledge of state medication techniques.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to work well with peers in a congenial environment while maintaining compassion, dignity, and adherence to the Resident Bill of Rights.
• Compliance with Viva Senior Living’s attendance policies and Employee Handbook.
• Willingness to be called back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, staffing shortages).

Responsibilities

• Administer and accurately record medications as prescribed by physicians, following Viva Senior Living policies and applicable regulations.
• Observe, record, and report symptoms or conditions related to medication interactions, adverse drug reactions, or side effects to the Resident Care Director or designee.
• Determine and document medication effectiveness in a timely and accurate manner as required by state and federal regulations.
• Store medications safely and accurately in accordance with policies and regulations.
• Monitor medication accountability during ordering, receipt, administration, and shift changes.
• Inspect, clean, and monitor equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety; report issues for correction or repair.
• Obtain, record, and report vital signs as indicated during medication administration.
• Practice proper infection control using Universal Precautions and follow OSHA Blood‑borne Pathogen standards.
• Communicate accurately with residents, staff, and others; seek clarification from the Resident Care Director when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned or listed in the Resident Care Associate job description.
• Provide residents and families with high‑quality, compassionate service that respects individual needs and rights.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, or hazardous chemicals per facility policy.
• Report work‑related injuries and illnesses immediately to a supervisor.
• Complete all assigned training and competency assessments.
• Participate in life‑safety and emergency drills and trainings; assist with resident evacuation during emergencies.
• Maintain confidentiality of Protected Health Information in all forms.
• Report non‑compliance with policies, regulations, or confidentiality breaches to appropriate personnel.
• Protect residents from abuse and cooperate with investigations; report any allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or mistreatment.
• Report retaliation or discrimination to Human Resources and the Compliance Officer.
• Report any suspicion of a crime to law enforcement and the relevant state agency.
• Adhere to scheduled shifts assigned by the Executive Director or Supervisor and report to the workstation on time.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Ability to see and hear, or use prosthetics that enable adequate sensory function.
• Must meet general health requirements, including a medical and physical examination.
• Ability to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and occasionally agitated residents.
• Ability to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 lb to a height of 5 ft and transport that weight a distance of at least 50 ft.
• May be required to assist in resident evacuation during emergencies.

Annual Health Requirements

• Provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test.