Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

About the role

Provides direct service and daily routine and episodic daily nursing aide care in a clinically intensive program designed to provide trauma-informed care for individuals with complex health needs. Supports self-administration of medications according to DMHAS policies and procedures. Uses rehabilitation values, principles and techniques, including trauma-informed care principals to help individuals served overcome barriers to live more independently. Assists individuals served to become integrated into the community. Assists program to meet high quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance with activities of daily living according to each individual's treatment plan that includes, but is not limited to, community membership, community relationships, vital signs, laundry, toileting, showering, dressing, shaving, wound care, foot care, skin checks, and passive range of motion exercises, as needed or ordered by primary care provider.
• Maintains an environment that is safe, clean, welcoming, and respectful to individuals, families, neighbors.
• Ensures that the environment meets all safety and regulatory standards and maintains trauma-informed care principles.
• Documents nursing care and services provided to individuals served as per Vinfen’s policies and procedures, including daily shift / TCM notes.
• Ensures that individual’s served medical record and confidential file and other information is current and accurate.
• Fulfills incident reporting and medication error protocols.
• Ensures that all paperwork meets standards of Vinfen policies and procedures and other outside agencies, as required.
• Communicates effectively and accurately with manager/administrator.
• Communicates and reports any changes in client’s status to manager/administrator and others as directed by manager/administrator.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues and Vinfen staff.
• Communicates effectively with clients’ families and/or guardian, as warranted.
• Works effectively and safely with assistive equipment that includes, but is not limited to, wheelchairs, Hoyer lifts, and other medical equipment.
• Maintains individuals served medical equipment and supplies that include, but are not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts.
• Works effectively and safely with medical equipment that includes, but is not limited to, glucometers, nebulizers, oxygen.
• Provides opportunities for individuals served to engage and participate in home/program events and community events.
• Ensures that individuals served preferences and choices are encouraged and respected.
• Advocates effectively for individuals served.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with individuals served, families, and/or guardians and other significant relationships of individuals served.
• Acts as liaison and collaborates effectively with other Vinfen departments, outside agencies, and community providers.
• Attends and actively participates in staff meetings, trainings, and community meetings.
• Acts as positive role model for individuals served.
• Assists with orientation of new staff.
• Adheres to all Vinfen policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a CNA, preferably with people with complex mental health needs
• Preferred /Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Driving Requirements: Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment.
• Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
• Physical Effort: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Required Certifications/Trainings: CPR within 2 weeks of hire, First Aid within 2 weeks of hire, MAP within 150 days of hire, CPI required within 60 days of hire.
• Required Credentials/Licenses: CNA certification in Connecticut.