Medication Technician (ALF)

Elderwood•Buffalo, NY

11d

About The Position

Elderwood at Cheektowaga is seeking Medication Technicians to join its Assisted Living clinical team. Full-time or part-time evening shifts are available. Medication Technicians help support residents’ health and well-being by providing personal care to meet their physical and emotional needs and assisting residents with self-administration of medication, excluding injectable medications. Applicants must hold a valid New York State Personal Care Aide (PCA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) license and have previous experience or certification in passing medications. The role includes directing or assisting with medication administration, supporting residents with activities of daily living, documenting care, reporting changes in residents’ conditions, and maintaining resident safety, dignity, privacy, and comfort. Medication Technicians work with nursing personnel and other members of the care team, follow residents’ plans of care and facility policies, and respond to resident requests and emergencies.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
Valid New York State Personal Care Aide (PCA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) license.
Previous experience or certification in passing medications.
Pass the Elderwood Medication Technician test.
Strong verbal communication skills.
Ability to assist with and operate a wheelchair.
Exceptional attention to detail and customer-service skills.
Empathy and willingness to work as part of a team.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level.
If working in a Skilled Nursing Facility, a CNA or LNA is required.

Nice To Haves

Proof of successful completion of a medication technician training program within the last 12 months.
Certification by an approved basic training program in home health aide services, with written evidence of certification.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Long-term care experience.

Responsibilities

Direct or assist with the safe and proper administration of medications to assigned residents, including medications and treatments ordered by a physician and use of the five rights as applicable.
Manage the storage and distribution of controlled-substance medications and ensure medications are properly placed, labeled, and stored, including in the medication-room refrigerator.
Respond immediately to residents’ requests.
Complete timely and accurate documentation, including documentation related to e-interact, changes in condition, transfers, STOP and WATCH, and duties performed.
Report unusual symptoms, changes in condition, daily needs, and residents’ progress to the Director of Nursing, nurse, or other licensed professional.
Contact an MD, NP, or PA for orders or updates when a resident’s condition changes, and update the resident’s representative or emergency contact.
Transfer residents out for evaluation when indicated.
Participate in change-of-shift reports and update nursing personnel on the next shift about residents’ care and needs.
Follow safety rules and standards of practice, implement emergency procedures correctly, and help ensure the safety of staff, residents, and visitors.
Assist residents with activities of daily living according to their plans of care, individual needs, and preferences, including bathing, dressing, eating, exercise, housekeeping, meal preparation, grooming, toileting, personal emergency response, routine skin care, and laundering clothing.
Provide supervision for residents’ use of medical supplies or equipment, positioning, and transferring, as applicable.
Receive resident-status reports from nurses before providing care; follow care plans; and inform nurses after providing personal care, weighing residents, or completing assigned tasks.
Protect residents’ rights, treat residents respectfully and kindly, report equipment repairs or unsafe conditions, and help maintain an orderly and pleasant environment.
Complete at least 12 hours of in-service programs annually.
Maintain confidentiality and resident privacy when performing job duties.
Assist with dining-room service for meals as needed and maintain facility service and customer-service standards.
Inform the responsible nurse and document duties performed before leaving for a break or at the end of a shift.
Attend facility and staff meetings and required or preferred in-services.
Use personal protective equipment as required.
Complete Resident Care Assistant training on Relias: 22 modules and post-tests scored at 80% or better within 21 days of the start date.
Use the electronic timekeeping system as directed; arrive on time, attend regularly, and work scheduled shifts.
Follow the facility dress code, including wearing a name tag, and follow policies for electronic devices, computers, and tablets.
Support Elderwood’s Mission, Vision, and Values and comply with its code of conduct, compliance, and HIPAA policies.
Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor, management staff, or Administrator.