Registered Medication Associate (RMA)

Commonwealth Senior Living; Radford (VA); On-site; USD 54,442,752 - 66,345,216; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Senior Living is seeking a Resident Care Associate to support safe medication management and direct care for residents. The role requires certification as a Resident Care Associate, CPR/First Aid, and ongoing education to maintain credentials.

You will work within a structured care team to ensure high-quality service and resident safety. The position emphasizes careful medication administration, documentation, and coordination with the Resident Care Director.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Resident Care Associate is required.
• Continuing education credits must be maintained to keep certification.
• Knowledge of safe medication administration techniques and competency evaluation.
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain per policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Administer and accurately record medications as prescribed.
• Observe residents for ingestion, adverse reactions, and document changes and concerns.
• Maintain medication inventory and proper storage.
• Document updates in the Daily Shift Communication Log.
• Demonstrate infection control practices and universal precautions.
• Communicate clearly with residents, staff, and the Resident Care Director.
• Support a safe, clean environment and maintain professionalism.

Skills

Medication administration

Compassionate care

CPR/First Aid

Confidentiality

Flexibility

Education

Certified Resident Care Associate

Job description

Pay Range

$19-$23/hour

Schedule

Full‑time: 11 pm – 7 am.

Qualifications

• This employee must have successfully completed coursework and examinations to obtain certification as a Resident Care Associate.
• The RMA must obtain continuing education credits as required by the state to maintain certification as an RMA and must provide evidence of continued certification to the community in a timely and accurate manner.
• The RMA must possess knowledge of safe medication administration techniques and demonstrate this knowledge through a competency skills evaluation.
• CPR and First Aid certified or willing to obtain as per company policy.
• The RMA must understand and practice resident confidentiality.
• The RMA must have the ability to work weekends and flexible hours as needed for resident care and services.
• The RMA must have the ability to show sincere compassion and demonstrate genuine concern for the physical and emotional needs of seniors and their families.
• Must be proficient in basic office equipment, including a personal computer, for the purpose of accomplishing and maintaining a high level of job performance.
• Live out Commonwealth Senior Living’s Noble selling purpose – “We improve the lives of seniors, their families, and each other.”

Areas of Primary Responsibility

• Assists in monitoring and safe delivery of the Medication Management Program.
• Adheres to all established policies and procedures of Commonwealth Senior Living and state regulatory standards when administering medications.
• Administers and accurately records the administration of medications for residents as prescribed by the physician.
• Presents medication to residents and observes ingestion or completion of other application or administration techniques.
• Observes, records, and reports complications, symptoms of adverse actions or side effects of medications and obtains input from the Resident Care Director, as indicated, to ensure the optimum health and safety of the resident.
• Determines and records effectiveness of medications in a timely and accurate manner.
• Documents refusals of medications and reasons why prescribed drugs are not administered as per physician order.
• Stores medications in a safe and accurate manner.
• Monitors medications to ensure adequate accountability measures are taken when medications are ordered, received into the community, administered, and reported off at change of shift.
• Documents on the Daily Shift to Shift Communication Log each shift with resident and medication updates, changes, concerns, and follow‑up.
• Demonstrates safe handling of controlled substances including appropriate shift counting and reporting of discrepancies or concerns to the Resident Care Director.
• Routinely inspects, cleans, audits, and monitors equipment and supplies to ensure resident safety. Reports any equipment or supply issues to the Resident Care Director for correction or repair.
• Obtains, records, and reports vital signs as indicated during the administration of medications.
• Records and restocks medication inventories, as needed, and requested.
• Re‑orders resident medications from pharmacy, as needed, and requested.
• Documents pertinent information in the resident record, completes incident reports as indicated.
• Demonstrates 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.
• Communicates with residents, staff and others in an accurate and factual manner and seeks clarification from or refers questions to Resident Care Director, when indicated.
• Prioritizes and provides verbal encouragement and support to residents.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
• Maintains a positive and professional demeanor toward residents, families, and associates.
• Participates in and attends all required in‑service training and education programs as scheduled.
• Acts as a 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.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

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