Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Respite & Community Respite Services

Position Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Department: Respite Services
Reports To: Respite Program Supervisor / Director of Nursing
Location: Respite Facility and Community-Based Settings

Position Summary

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides compassionate, person-centered care and supervision to individuals receiving respite services in a residential respite facility and in community settings during daytime hours. The CNA is responsible for assisting individuals with activities of daily living, promoting safety and independence, supporting community participation, and maintaining a respectful and supportive environment.

The CNA works as part of an interdisciplinary team and follows each individual's care plan, health and safety needs, behavioral support strategies, and established organizational policies and procedures.

Essential Responsibilities

Respite Facility Services

• Provide direct care and supervision to individuals receiving short-term respite services.

• Assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, mobility, and personal hygiene, as permitted by the CNA's scope of practice.

• Assist with meals, feeding, hydration, and maintaining appropriate nutrition routines.

• Monitor individuals for changes in physical, emotional, behavioral, or functional status and promptly report concerns to the appropriate supervisor or nurse.

• Assist with transfers, positioning, ambulation, and other mobility needs using appropriate safety techniques.

• Maintain a clean, safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment.

• Provide appropriate supervision and support based on each individual's care plan.

• Assist individuals with recreational, social, and therapeutic activities.

• Support medication routines in accordance with organizational policy and applicable state regulations.

• Document care provided, observations, incidents, and changes in condition accurately and timely.

• Follow infection-control, emergency, safety, and abuse/neglect reporting procedures.

• Protect each individual's privacy, dignity, confidentiality, and personal rights.

Community Respite Services

• Provide daytime respite support in community settings based on the individual's service plan.

• Accompany individuals to community activities, appointments, recreational programs, parks, libraries, shopping areas, educational activities, and other approved locations.

• Encourage individuals to develop and maintain independence, social skills, communication, and community participation.

• Provide appropriate supervision and assistance while individuals participate in community activities.

• Assist with transportation-related routines according to organizational policy.

• Promote positive interactions and respectful behavior within the community.

• Identify and respond appropriately to health, safety, behavioral, or environmental concerns.

• Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional conduct while representing the organization in the community.

• Complete required documentation for community-based respite services.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the state of employment.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within the required timeframe.

• Previous experience working with individuals who require personal care, supervision, or respite support preferred.

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, behavioral needs, or other support needs is preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, families, caregivers, supervisors, nurses, and other members of the care team.

• Ability to remain calm, patient, professional, and compassionate in challenging situations.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be required for community-based services.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and assist individuals with mobility and daily living activities.

• Ability to safely perform or assist with transfers and repositioning according to training and individual care plans.

• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies.

• Ability to work in both a residential facility and community environments.

• Ability to work flexible daytime hours and occasional weekends, evenings, or holidays as required by the respite program.

Core Competencies

The successful CNA should demonstrate:

• Compassion and patience

• Respect for individual choice and dignity

• Reliability and dependability

• Strong communication skills

• Teamwork and professionalism

• Good judgment and problem-solving skills

• Attention to detail

• Commitment to safety

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Commitment to person-centered care and community inclusion

Performance Expectations

The CNA is expected to:

• Provide safe, respectful, and individualized care.

• Follow all care plans, policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

• Communicate changes or concerns promptly.

• Support individuals in achieving greater independence.

• Promote meaningful community participation and inclusion.

• Maintain professional boundaries with individuals, families, and coworkers.

• Treat every individual with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
[Organization Name] is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment.