MEDICATION TECHNICIAN AND PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:

Medication Technician and Personal Care Assistant Department:

Resident Care Reports To:

Shift Supervisor, Director of Resident Care and Executive Director Position Summary The Medication Technician and Personal Care Assistant is responsible for safely administering medications while also providing direct personal care to residents. This position supports residents with activities of daily living, medication management, safety, comfort and emotional well-being in accordance with physician orders, individualized care plans and facility procedures. Essential Medication Duties Administer medications accurately and at the scheduled times according to physician orders and facility procedures. Review the medication administration record before administering each medication. Document medications immediately after administration. Document and report refused, unavailable, held, late or missed medications. Monitor residents after PRN medications and document their effectiveness. Complete controlled-substance counts with the oncoming and outgoing Med Tech. Monitor medication quantities and request refills before medications run out. Follow up on refill requests, verify delivery and report unresolved shortages immediately. Properly receive medication deliveries and count controlled substances before signing delivery paperwork. Stock, clean and organize medication carts and medication-storage areas. Check medication expiration dates, open dates, refrigerator temperatures and medication-cart supplies. Maintain medication security and never leave medication carts or medication rooms unsecured. Immediately report medication errors, adverse reactions and significant changes in residents' conditions. Communicate with supervisors, providers, pharmacies, hospice staff and families as directed. Complete required medication audits, reports and documentation. Follow all infection-control and medication-disposal procedures. Essential Personal Care Duties Assist residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, oral care, toileting and incontinence care. Complete required resident rounds and scheduled two-hour toileting checks. Ensure residents remain clean, dry, appropriately dressed and well groomed. Answer call lights promptly and assist residents regardless of hall assignment. Assist residents with transfers, walking, mobility, repositioning and wheelchair use. Follow fall-prevention measures and ensure required safety devices are in place. Cue and guide residents with dementia using a calm approach and one simple direction at a time. Never instruct a resident to urinate or soil themselves in a brief. Never change a resident while the resident is seated in a wheelchair. Escort and assist residents during meals, activities and appointments within the community. Follow ordered diets, liquid consistencies and dining-assistance instructions. Complete assigned showers, linen changes, room tidies and removal of soiled items. Observe residents for changes in physical condition, behavior, appetite, mobility, skin condition or mental status. Immediately report falls, injuries, behaviors, refusals and changes in condition. Accurately document completed care and communicate important information during shift change. General Responsibilities Review the dashboard, 24-hour report, communication log and new orders during each shift. Complete clear and accurate shift-to-shift communication. Use walkies appropriately and return assigned equipment at the end of the shift. Maintain resident privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and facility requirements. Treat residents, families, visitors and coworkers with dignity and respect. Remain available and visible in assigned resident-care areas. Limit personal cellphone use to approved breaks or emergencies. Follow supervisor direction, facility policies, care plans and safety procedures. Participate in orientation, staff meetings, in-services and required training. Assist during emergencies and perform other resident-care duties as assigned. Qualifications Must meet all applicable South Carolina and facility requirements for medication administration. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous medication-administration, assisted-living, memory-care or long-term-care experience preferred. CPR and First Aid certification preferred or must be obtained as required. Must successfully complete required background, health and drug screenings. Must demonstrate accurate documentation, attention to detail and safe medication practices. Must have dependable attendance and arrive on time for scheduled shifts. Must be able to communicate effectively and work cooperatively as part of a team. Must be patient and comfortable caring for residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, lift and reposition residents safely. Ability to assist with resident transfers and mobility equipment. Ability to respond promptly to call lights, emergencies and resident-care needs. Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Performance Expectations The Medication Technician and Personal Care Assistant is expected to balance medication responsibilities with direct resident care. Being assigned to a medication cart does not remove the responsibility to answer call lights, assist with toileting or support coworkers when resident needs arise. Medications and resident care must be completed safely, accurately and on time. Duties must never be documented before completion. Any concern affecting resident health, safety, comfort or medication availability must be reported immediately.