Certified Nursing Assistant

Job Summary The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assists the School Nurse in providing health services to students. The CNA supports the physical, medical, and personal care needs of students, particularly those with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or specialized healthcare needs. The CNA helps maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment while ensuring compliance with school policies, healthcare plans, and applicable regulations. Supervisory Responsibilities None Essential Functions and Responsibilities Student Health and Personal Care •Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, feeding, dressing, grooming, and mobility. •Provide personal care services while maintaining student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality. •Assist with transfers, positioning, and ambulation of students using appropriate equipment and safety procedures. •Monitor students for signs of illness, injury, or changes in health status and report concerns to the School Nurse immediately. •Support students with specialized healthcare needs as directed by the School Nurse. Health Services Support •Assist the School Nurse with routine health screenings, health office activities, and record keeping. •Maintain accurate documentation of services provided and student observations. •Prepare and clean equipment used for student care. •Maintain health office supplies and assist with inventory management. •Assist with first aid and emergency response under the supervision of the School Nurse. Classroom and Program Support •Accompany students to classrooms, therapy sessions, community-based activities, and school-sponsored events as assigned. •Collaborate with teachers, therapists, administrators, and other staff to support student health and educational goals. •Assist students in accessing instructional activities while ensuring health and safety needs are met. Safety and Compliance •Follow all district policies, health regulations, confidentiality requirements, and infection control procedures. •Maintain compliance with student healthcare plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and Section 504 Plans as applicable. •Attend required training programs, meetings, and professional development activities. •Adhere to OSHA standards, universal precautions, and emergency procedures. Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge •Knowledge of basic nursing and personal care practices applicable to children and adolescents. •Knowledge of infection control procedures, universal precautions, and health and safety regulations. •Knowledge of common childhood illnesses, disabilities, and chronic health conditions. •Knowledge of first aid, CPR, and emergency response procedures. •Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, including student privacy laws and regulations. •Knowledge of proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, and the use of adaptive equipment. •Knowledge of school health services, student support programs, and educational environments. Skills •Skill in providing personal care assistance with dignity, respect, and professionalism. •Skill in observing, monitoring, and documenting student health conditions and behaviors. •Skill in communicating effectively with students, parents, nurses, teachers, administrators, and other professionals. •Skill in maintaining accurate records and completing required documentation. •Skill in managing multiple tasks and prioritizing responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. •Skill in responding calmly and effectively during emergencies and crisis situations. •Skill in using healthcare equipment and assistive devices safely and appropriately. Abilities •Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with students of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds. •Ability to follow oral and written instructions and implement healthcare plans accurately. •Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding student and employee information. •Ability to recognize changes in student health status and report concerns promptly. •Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team. •Ability to exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions within the scope of CNA responsibilities. •Ability to adapt to changing student needs, schedules, and work assignments. •Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including lifting, transferring, positioning, and assisting students with mobility. •Ability to maintain professionalism, patience, and composure when working with students requiring intensive support. •Ability to promote a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment for all students. Education and Experience •High school diploma or equivalent. •Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification recognized by the State of Rhode Island. •Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire. •Experience working with children, individuals with disabilities, or in a healthcare setting preferred. •Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. •Strong interpersonal and communication skills. •Ability to work effectively with students, families, and staff. Physical Requirements •Ability to lift, transfer, and assist students weighing up to 50 pounds or more with assistance and/or adaptive equipment. •Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday. •Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations. •Ability to perform repetitive tasks associated with student care and health services. Other Duties The activities, duties or responsibilities contained in this job description is not a comprehensive listing that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Johnston Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the Johnston Public Schools to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department at (401) 233-1900 ext. 2450.