Description

Job Summary
Provides residents with services in accordance with health care provider's orders regarding administration or assistance with medications and treatments, as per state regulations. Provides direct care to residents following the individualized service plan.

Essential Functions

1. Assists in maintaining the physical, social, and psychological environment that is conducive to the best interest and welfare of the residents.
2. Exercises independent judgment and discretion in the performance of personnel tasks with the understanding that the responsibilities are not routine or limited to resident care matters.
3. As per state regulations and completion of required training/certification, administers or assists with selfadministration of medication and treatments as prescribed by the health care provider. Observes resident's response to existing treatment plan, is aware of prominent medication interactions and side effects, and observes residents for occurrence of such and notifies supervisor. Adheres to community infection control policies and procedures.
4. Assists residents with medication, as defined in medication procedure. Supervises residents who selfadminister medication. Exhibits understanding of and follows medication policies and procedures. Follows up with Health and Wellness Director and/or Executive Director with questions and concerns about medication administration.
5. Helps ensure necessary medications are available at all times for residents, including ordering /re-ordering from the pharmacy and assisting with obtaining orders (prescriptions) for refills from the appropriate provider.
6. Maintains residents' records daily, in a timely manner, and in accordance with company policy and procedure. This includes documentation related to medication distribution, leisure activities, incidents and observations, charting any changes in resident's physical condition and or behaviors, visitors, etc. Observes and documents the health and emotional condition of each resident, promptly reporting all changes to the supervisor.
7. Provides direct resident care. Maintains a clean, safe, and orderly environment for the residents. Performs general housekeeping following cleaning schedules for resident laundry, bedrooms, dining area, living space, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
8. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the medicine supply room.
9. Receives reports on all residents.
10. Completes an accurate accounting of all medications, including controlled substances, as per policy.
11. Assists with completion of medication cart audits per policy and direction of supervisor.
12. Follows procedure regarding incidents/accidents to residents.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Education and Experience
High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and one to two months related experience preferred and/or training in direct service with older adults, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Medication Aide course per state requirements. Knowledge of dementia, particularly of the Alzheimer's type, is helpful.

Certifications, Licenses, and other Special Requirements
Certified Medication Aide course per state requirements.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing
• Walking
• Sitting
• Use hands and fingers to handle or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Climb or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Ability to lift: Up to 50 pounds
• Vision
• Requires interaction with co-workers, residents or vendors
• Occasional weekend, evening or night work if needed to ensure shift coverage
• On-Call on an as needed basis
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections
• Potential injury from transferring, repositioning, or lifting residents
• Exposure to latex
• Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens
• Possible exposure to various drugs, chemical, infections, or biological hazards
• Subject to injury from falls, burns, odors, or cuts from equipment
• Requires Travel: occasionally

Management/Decision Making
Makes standard and routine decisions based on detailed guidelines with little independent judgment. Problems are generally solved with clear, detailed guidelines or by reporting them to a supervisor.

Knowledge and Skills
Has a basic level of a skill and can follow written or verbal instructions. Has basic technical skills to complete a few repetitive and well-defined duties. Has a basic knowledge of the organization in order to answer basic questions. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to residents, residents' families, and other associates of the company. Ability to effectively communicate in English and understand and follow written and oral instructions. Uses good judgment in emergency situations, and gets help when needed.