Program Specialist /CNA

Join Our Team at Iona Senior Services!

Program Specialist / CNA 

Adult Day Health Center | Washington DC | Full-Time Monday to Friday | No Evenings, Weekends or Holidays 

Make Every Day Meaningful!

Are you a compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant who also enjoys helping older adults stay active, engaged, and connected?

Iona Senior Services is seeking a patient, dependable, and creative Program Specialist/CNA to join our Wellness & Arts Adult Day Health Center. In this role, you will provide personal care and assistance with daily living while leading engaging activities for older adults with diverse physical and cognitive abilities, including individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, effects of stroke, and intellectual disabilities.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to combine caregiving with creativity, relationship-building, and meaningful daily interaction.

What You’ll Do:

Provide Compassionate, Person-Centered Care

• Assist participants with activities of daily living, including toileting, eating, mobility, and personal care.

• Support safe transfers, food safety, and other healthcare standards.

• Observe participants and promptly report changes in health or behavior to the Clinical Nurse Manager.

• Provide conversation, reassurance, and one-on-one emotional support to participants experiencing anxiety.

Create Engaging Daily Experiences

• Plan and facilitate meaningful individual, small-group, and large-group activities.

• Lead programs such as exercise groups, art activities, discussions, games, and presentations.

• Use PowerPoint and other audiovisual materials to enhance programming.

• Adapt activities and communication styles to participants’ different interests, cognitive abilities, and physical strengths.

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to encourage participant involvement throughout the day.

Support Center Operations

• Assist with dining services, including receiving food deliveries, checking temperatures and orders, serving meals, clearing tables, and washing dishes.

• Check refrigerators for proper labeling and expired items.

• Help maintain clean, welcoming program spaces, offices, kitchens, and supply areas.

• Assist with coordinating participants’ daily transportation.

• Serve as a morning or afternoon bus escort when assigned.

• Operate a program vehicle when assigned and qualified to do so.

• Complete required documentation accurately and on time, including Medicaid compliance and program records.

• Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences, and organizational programs.

What We’re Looking For:

Required Qualifications

• One to three years of nursing assistant experience working with older adults preferred.

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant license in the District of Columbia preferred.

• A patient, warm, tolerant, and compassionate approach.

• Ability to lead activities for individuals with varying cognitive and physical abilities.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with participants, caregivers, colleagues, managers, and volunteers.

• Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail.

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to lift at least 20 pounds.

• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

• Ability to participate in a staff rotation for occasional needs after 5:00 p.m.

• Willingness to complete required initial and annual health screenings.

• Full COVID-19 vaccination, subject to reasonable accommodation as required by applicable law.

• Spanish, Mandarin, or French language skills are preferred but not required.

• A valid driver’s license is preferred but not required.

Why Join Iona?

At Iona Senior Services, you will be part of a caring interdisciplinary team committed to helping older adults maintain their dignity, independence, creativity, and connection to the community. Your work will directly contribute to a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where every participant is valued.

Schedule: Monday-Friday, (40 hours/week) with no evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

About Iona Senior Services

For over 50 years, Iona Senior Services has been a leader in helping older adults and their families navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging in the greater Washington, D.C. area. As a nonprofit organization, we directly support over 4,700 individuals annually through innovative programs, including adult day health care, active wellness initiatives, support groups, and more. At Iona, we are committed to fostering a warm, inclusive, and collaborative workplace that promotes professional growth and excellence in service.