The Lead Med Tech is a senior-level medication support position responsible for providing strong shift-level leadership, accountability, and oversight of medication-related duties. This position serves as a key resource for Med Techs during the shift and helps ensure medications are administered safely, accurately, and according to physician orders, facility policies, and applicable regulatory requirements. The Task Lead Med Tech takes primary responsibility for immediate medication-related issues during their assigned shift , including medication passes, MAR/TAR completion, controlled medication counts, pharmacy communication, medication discrepancies, medication errors, and timely escalation of serious concerns. This role works closely with the Medication Coordinator and Nursing Leadership to maintain medication safety, documentation accuracy, survey readiness, and continuity of care.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Medication Administration & Documentation Complete medication passes accurately and safely according to physician orders and established procedures. Ensure MARs and TARs are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with facility standards. Monitor medication administration for accuracy, completeness, and resident safety. Identify and communicate medication changes, discrepancies, omissions, or concerns immediately. Review new, changed, and discontinued medication orders and ensure appropriate follow-through. Perform daily MAR/TAR checks and identify documentation concerns requiring correction or follow-up. Maintain an organized, clean, and secure medication cart and medication area. Shift Leadership Serve as the primary medication resource for the assigned shift. Provide direction and support to Med Techs regarding medication-related responsibilities. Conduct thorough medication-related shift handoffs. Communicate important resident medication concerns, changes, and follow-up needs to the incoming shift. Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and resident-centered care. Assist with maintaining consistent medication practices across shifts. Controlled Medications Complete controlled medication shift counts according to facility policy and applicable requirements. Immediately report and address any narcotic or controlled medication discrepancy. Maintain accurate controlled medication documentation. Escalate unresolved discrepancies immediately to the appropriate nursing or leadership personnel. Assist with controlled medication audits when requested. Pharmacy & Medication Supply Management Monitor medication supplies throughout the shift. Identify medications that are running low and initiate timely reorders. Take immediate action when a required medication is unavailable. Communicate daily medication-related issues with the pharmacy. Assist the Medication Coordinator with cycle-fill coordination and pharmacy-related processes. Follow up on outstanding pharmacy concerns to help prevent interruptions in medication availability. Medication Errors & Incidents Take immediate action when a medication error occurs. Follow facility medication-error procedures and promptly notify the appropriate nursing leadership. Ensure required incident documentation is completed accurately and timely. Monitor residents following a medication-related incident as directed by nursing leadership. Immediately report serious medication concerns to both the Medication Coordinator and appropriate Nursing Leadership. Support follow-up and corrective actions as directed. Admissions & Transitions of Care Assist the Medication Coordinator with medication setup for new admissions. Assist with medication reconciliation following hospital or outside-facility returns. Identify discrepancies between discharge orders, physician orders, pharmacy records, and current medications. Promptly communicate unresolved medication discrepancies to the appropriate clinical leadership. Auditing & Quality Assurance Conduct daily medication cart and medication-room checks. Perform daily MAR/TAR reviews. Identify trends, documentation concerns, or recurring medication issues and communicate them to the Medication Coordinator. Assist with corrective action follow-up when assigned. Assist with maintaining medication-related survey readiness. Support a culture of continuous improvement and medication safety.
COMMUNICATION & ESCALATION
The Task Lead Med Tech is expected to use sound judgment regarding when a concern requires immediate escalation. Immediate escalation is required for concerns including, but not limited to: Controlled medication discrepancies Missing or unavailable critical medications Medication errors Significant changes in resident condition related to medications Suspected medication diversion or tampering Repeated medication administration concerns Significant documentation discrepancies Serious or unresolved pharmacy issues Any concern that may compromise resident safety When in doubt, escalate the concern rather than allowing it to remain unresolved.
COLLABORATION WITH THE MEDICATION COORDINATOR
The Task Lead Med Tech and Medication Coordinator work as a team. The Task Lead Med Tech is primarily responsible for immediate shift-level medication operations, response, documentation, and communication. The Medication Coordinator provides broader oversight, coordination, auditing, training, quality assurance, and follow-through. The Task Lead Med Tech will assist the Medication Coordinator with: Cycle-fill and pharmacy coordination New admission medication setup Hospital return medication reconciliation Corrective action follow-up Survey readiness Medication audits Identification of medication error trends Serious medication concerns are the responsibility of BOTH roles and must be communicated promptly.
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS
The Task Lead Med Tech is expected to: Demonstrate professionalism and accountability at all times. Maintain resident dignity, privacy, and confidentiality. Follow all applicable medication policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate and timely documentation. Communicate respectfully and effectively with residents, families, coworkers, providers, pharmacies, and leadership. Maintain appropriate boundaries and protect confidential resident information. Demonstrate reliability and strong attendance. Lead by example and hold themselves to a high standard of performance. Remain calm and organized during urgent or high-pressure situations. Ask for assistance or escalate concerns when a situation exceeds their scope, training, or authority.
QUALIFICATIONS
Current Med Tech authorization/certification as required by applicable Arizona regulations and facility requirements. Previous medication administration experience preferred. Previous assisted living or memory care experience preferred. Strong understanding of medication administration procedures and documentation. Ability to accurately read and interpret medication orders. Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a clinical team. Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect resident privacy. Current CPR/First Aid certification as required. Must meet all applicable employment, background, fingerprinting, training, and facility requirements.
PHYSICAL & WORK REQUIREMENTS
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including standing and walking for extended periods, assisting residents as appropriate, bending, reaching, lifting within established facility guidelines, and working in an environment that may require frequent interaction with residents, families, healthcare professionals, and team members. Reasonable accommodations may be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The Task Lead Med Tech represents an elevated level of responsibility within the Med Tech team. Success in this position is demonstrated through safe medication practices, accurate documentation, effective communication, timely escalation, strong shift organization, accountability, and a commitment to resident safety. Lead the Shift. Protect the Resident. Own the Medication Process. This job description outlines the general responsibilities and expectations of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Duties may be modified based on the needs of Gardens Care Senior Living and applicable regulations.
Benefits:
Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Professional development assistance Vision insurance Ability to
Relocate:
Scottsdale, AZ 85260: Relocate before starting work (Required)