Certified Nursing Assistant BUTNER, NC

Since our opening in 1987, New Hope Treatment Centers has been a welcoming place for young people in moments of crisis. Our programs have played a role in countless success stories through our relational approach to behavioral healthcare. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct patient care and nursing support to adolescents receiving services in a secure, high-acuity behavioral health program in collaboration with the North Carolina Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (DJJ). Working under the supervision of the Lead Registered Nurse and nursing staff, the CNA promotes the physical health, safety, dignity, and recovery of youth while supporting trauma-informed, least restrictive care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides direct personal care, hygiene assistance, nutrition support, mobility assistance, and activities of daily living as needed.
• Obtains and documents vital signs, height, weight, intake/output, and other delegated clinical observations.
• Observes youth for changes in physical condition, mental status, or behavior and promptly reports concerns to nursing staff.
• Supports implementation of individualized nursing care plans and interdisciplinary treatment plans.
• Provides continuous observation of youth assigned to suicide precautions or other enhanced supervision protocols, accurately documents required observations, and immediately reports changes in mental status, behavior, or safety concerns to the supervising nurse and clinical team.
• Maintains responsibility for youth safety while utilizing trauma-informed communication and de-escalation techniques.
• Assists with admissions, transfers, and discharges as directed.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Participates in treatment team meetings and communicates effectively with nursing, clinical, and residential staff.
• Maintains flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency staffing assignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the scope of the CNA role.

Competencies

• Trauma-Informed Care: Provides compassionate, developmentally appropriate care using trauma-responsive principles.
• Behavioral Observation: Recognizes and reports changes in medical or psychiatric status.
• Crisis Response: Responds appropriately during behavioral or medical emergencies using approved de-escalation techniques.
• Communication & Collaboration: Works effectively within a multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Documentation & Compliance: Completes accurate documentation and complies with regulatory requirements.
• Safety Awareness: Maintains a safe, therapeutic environment while following infection control and safety procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry certification in good standing.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to pass required background checks, drug screening, and state-mandated employment clearances.
• Ability to successfully complete New Hope and DJJ required orientation and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience in behavioral health, residential treatment, juvenile justice, hospital, or crisis services.
• Experience working with adolescents with significant mental health or behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and standard office technology.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Work is performed in a secure behavioral health environment serving emotionally distressed adolescents.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift, and respond quickly during emergencies.
• May be exposed to verbal aggression and behavioral crises.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

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