Registered Medication Associate (RMA)

Commonwealth Senior Living; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Commonwealth Senior Living is seeking a Registered Medication Associate (RMA) to provide high-quality care and administer medications for residents. This role involves accurate documentation, adherence to state standards, and serving as a Culture Ambassador aligning with company values.

The RMA will monitor medication delivery, maintain inventory, and communicate clearly with Residents and staff while supporting safety, infection control, and resident dignity across shifts.

Qualifications

• Must have completed coursework and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.
• Must maintain RMA certification with continuing education credits.
• Knowledge of safe medication administration techniques demonstrated via evaluation.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Understand and respect resident confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Adhere to policies and state standards when administering medications.
• Administer and accurately record medications as prescribed by the physician.
• Present medications and observe resident ingestion or other administration methods.
• Document medication refusals and reasons; restock inventories as needed.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment and report issues to leadership.

Skills

CPR certification

First Aid certification

PC literacy

Confidentiality awareness

Flexibility for weekends

Education

RMA certification

Tools

Personal computer

Job description

$1,000 Sign‑on Bonus – paid in increments. Pay range: $21‑$24 per hour.

The Registered Medication Associate (RMA) provides high‑quality care and services to meet the overall needs of residents in a caring, consistent, individualized, and efficient manner. The RMA assists residents with medication administration in accordance with state licensing and regulatory standards and serves as a Culture Ambassador, modeling the company’s core values.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Adhere to all established policies and procedures and state regulatory standards when administering medications.
• Administer and accurately record the administration of medications as prescribed by the physician.
• Presents medication to residents and observes ingestion or completion of other application or administration techniques.
• Observe and report complications, symptoms of adverse actions or side effects of medications; obtain input from the Resident Care Director as indicated.
• Determine and record effectiveness of medications in a timely and accurate manner.
• Document refusals of medications and reasons why prescribed drugs are not administered as per physician order.
• Store medications safely and accurately.
• Monitor medications to ensure adequate accountability measures are taken when medications are ordered, received into the community, administered, and reported off at change of shift.
• Document on the Daily Shift to Shift Communication Log each shift with resident and medication updates, changes, concerns, and follow‑up.
• Demonstrate safe handling of controlled substances including appropriate shift counting and reporting of discrepancies or concerns to the Resident Care Director.
• Inspect, clean, audit, and monitor equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety; report any issues to the Resident Care Director for correction or repair.
• Obtain, record, and report vital signs as indicated during the administration of medications.
• Record and restock medication inventories, as needed, and requested.
• Re‑order resident medications from pharmacy, as needed, and requested.
• Document pertinent information in the resident record, complete incident reports as indicated.
• Demonstrate awareness of proper infection control practices by using Universal Precautions and following policies and procedures of the company, including OSHA’s Blood‑Borne Pathogen Standard.
• Communicate with residents, staff and others in an accurate and factual manner; seek clarification or refer questions to Resident Care Director when indicated.
• Prioritize and provide verbal encouragement and support to residents.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor toward residents, families, and associates.
• Participate in mandatory in‑service training and education programs as scheduled.
• Act as shift supervisor when appropriate or as directed.
• Maintain regular communication with the Resident Care Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as listed in the Resident Care Associate job description.

Qualifications

• Must have completed coursework and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.
• Must possess mandatory continuing education credits to maintain RMA certification and provide evidence of certification to the community in a timely manner.
• Must possess knowledge of safe medication administration techniques, demonstrated via competency skills evaluation.
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified, or willing to obtain certification as required.
• Must understand and respect resident confidentiality.
• Must work weekends and flexible hours as required for resident care and services.
• Must demonstrate sincere compassion and genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of seniors and their families.
• Must be proficient in basic office equipment, including personal computer.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

The RMA must be able to lift, stoop, carry, turn, and assist high‑risk residents; push medication carts; sit, stand, bend, and move continuously during work hours. Must lift and/or carry 50 to 75 pounds. Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule. The position is considered a medium risk for COVID exposure due to direct care with potential COVID‑positive residents.