Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Ascension Recovery Services; Pleasant Hill (IA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare recovery center located in Pleasant Hill, IA, is seeking a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) to assist in administering medications and ensure safe, compassionate care for clients. Candidates must have a High School Diploma, current CMA credentials, and preferably experience in behavioral health or substance use treatment. This role involves working under the supervision of licensed nurses, with various shift options available, and requires strong attention to detail and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• CMA credential recognized by Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
• Completion of an approved CMA training program.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications as delegated by a supervising nurse.
• Document all medication administration accurately.
• Observe and report client responses to medications.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Compassionate care

Dependability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Medication Aide (CMA) credential

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Job description

Certified Medication Aide (CMA)

Location: Pleasant Hill, IA

Shifts Available:
1st Shift 6am - 6:30pm; 2nd Shift 6:00pm - 6:30am

General Description

Thrive Now Recovery Centers, in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, is dedicated to assisting individuals on their path to recovery from substance use disorders and related behavioral health challenges.

We are seeking Certified Medication Aides (CMA)/Recovery Support Specialist to join our care team. In this role, you will work under the supervision of a Licensed Nurse (RN or LPN) to assist in administering oral, topical, and non-parenteral medications in accordance with physician/provider orders, state regulations, and facility policy. Your contributions help ensure safe, compassionate care for clients engaged in the recovery process.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer medications (oral, topical, non-parenteral only) as delegated by a supervising nurse in accordance with Iowa Board of Nursing and Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• Accurately document all medication administration in the EMR and report any errors or variances immediately.
• Observe and report client responses to medications, noting adverse reactions or side effects promptly to the supervising nurse.
• Assist in maintaining accurate medication counts, secure storage, and chain-of-custody procedures.
• Support nursing staff with vital signs, patient monitoring, and basic care tasks as delegated.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and therapeutic environment aligned with company Code of Ethics and Joint Commission standards.
• Participate in mandatory training and maintain current CMA certification.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current Certified Medication Aide (CMA) credential recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL).
• Completion of an approved CMA training program and successful passage of competency testing.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Prior experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, or long-term care preferred.
• Must pass background check and drug screen.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and adherence to medication safety protocols.
• Compassionate, trauma-informed approach to client care.
• Effective communication with nursing staff, providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to manage responsibilities in a structured environment.

Work Conditions

• Behavioral health treatment facility, residential and detox setting.
• Exposure to clients experiencing withdrawal, emotional distress, or behavioral challenges.
• Shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on facility needs.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.

Performance Expectations

• Zero medication errors or unreported variances.
• Compliance with all Joint Commission, state, and federal regulations.
• Consistently demonstrate company values: respect, integrity, responsibility, and engagement.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration with nursing and recovery staff.
• Maintain CMA certification and complete all required training on time.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Thrive Now Recovery Centers and Ascension Recovery Services are committed to equal employment opportunity. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.