Certified Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide - Mental Health Services

Overview

As an ACCS Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), you will provide direct service and routine, episodic nursing aide care to adults who have both complex medical needs and psychiatric conditions. Working in a small Group Living Environment, you will have a range of duties include administrating medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking.

The work that you will do in this role goes beyond assisting with medical needs and completing activities of daily living as each interaction with the clients will have an impact on their ability to integrate into their communities and pursue life goals. Examples include strengthening residents' connection to their community, providing transportation on shopping and doctor's appointments, teaching financial skills and working on exercise or health related goals.

This position will allow you to exercise your medical expertise, develop relationships due to low ratios, and most importantly, assist someone living with mental health conditions to overcome the barriers to living independently.

Keywords: CNA, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical, C.N.A., Home Health aide, VinfenCNA, VinfenHHA

Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Promote the engagement, housing permanency, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of tenure for all PS living at the site.• Perform nursing aide care and support duties in the PS Treatment Plans under the direction of the IM GLE Nurse to proactively address the complex medical conditions of the PS, including diabetes; kidney, pulmonary, mobility, physical safety and end of life issues; medical consequences of HIV/AIDs virus, and incontinence, etc.• Take and document PS temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, skin care, toileting, passive range of motion exercises as required by Treatment Plan and as ordered by medical care providers.• Store, administer, document and dispose of PS medication consistent with MedicationAdministration Program (MAP) requirements, funding source regulations and company policy, if applicable. Ensure program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols.• Assist and/or accompany PS in attending regular medical (including dialysis) and psychiatric appointments.• Report any changes in PS medical condition or mental status to Nurse and/or Clinical Program Director.• Promote healthcare and employment services access for PS.• Help orient PS who are new to the residence.• Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Clinical Program Director.• Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches with PS.• Adhere to safety, maintenance, Human Rights and other operational policies and procedures.• Comply with physical site licensing standards and regulations.• Create opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including participating in meal preparation, physical site maintenance, etc.• Encourage social interaction between residents and help create a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others important in the lives of PS are welcome, respected and valued. Serve as a resource for neighbors.• Help PS prepare meals.• Act as an advocate for PS.• Use Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); and Cognitive Behavioral techniques in work with PS.• Participate in trainings; attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.• Assist with the orientation of new CNA staff.• Complete all required documentation.• Contribute to program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.• Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Access on-call back up when needed.• Complete incident documentation as needed.• Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule.• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

About Vinfen

Why Vinfen? We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and job security!

About Us:

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers.

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Qualifications

• Current Certified Nurse Assistant valid in Massachusetts required.
• A high school diploma or GED required.
• One to two years of job-specific experience in human services preferred
• Experience working with people with psychiatric conditions and/or co-occurring disorders strongly preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid US drivers license for at least 6 months.
• Must be willing to use a fully insured, personal vehicle during the course of the job
• Must be able to become CPR, First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment and MAP certified within 150 days of employment
• Must be able to successfully pass a CORI, reference and multi-state background and driving record check.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong commitment to the right and ability of people served by ACCS to live, work, have meaningful relationships and receive the clinical treatment, resources and supports needed to thrive in their community of choice• Knowledge of Nursing Assistant principles and modalities, best practices and evidence based practices• Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with PS, families and neighbors• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, trauma, disability and gender issues of PS• Ability to balance competing priorities• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions• Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment

Typical Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associates degree preferred.• Certified Nursing Assistant in Massachusetts required.• One to two years of job-specific experience in human services field preferred.• Bilingual/bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions encouraged to apply. 

Driving Requirements:

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or a 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 6 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 PS with tasks of daily living. Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed. Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, 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.

Additional Certifications Required:

CPR required within first two weeks of hireFirst Aid required within two weeks of hireMAP required within 150 days of hire

Pay Range

USD $24.75 - USD $24.75 /Hr.

Compensation: 24.75 to 24.75 (USD)