Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.)

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) provides direct care to students and performs related duties, including personal care, activities of daily living, and clinical skills needed to meet the objectives in each student’s individual plan of care. Duties are assigned and directed by a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse and the Classroom Teacher. CNAs may support educational activities through hand-over-hand assistance and similar physical exercises, taking each student’s physical limitations into account. CNAs assigned to a one-to-one role are primarily responsible for student safety and direct and indirect care, while actively facilitating learning. CNAs do not provide classroom coverage when the classroom teacher is absent.

The role requires maintaining confidentiality, collaborating with school nurses, teachers, therapists, students, and families, and following school policies and procedures. The CNA maintains current certifications, equipment, and a professional appearance. The position may include assisting an assigned student in the swim program, including entering the pool with the student when necessary. Other duties may be assigned by the Classroom Teacher.

Springfield Public Schools describes itself as committed to equity, excellence, and a supportive learning environment. The district serves approximately 24,000 students and offers competitive salaries and benefits, professional development, career advancement opportunities, and educational pipeline programs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CNA certification.
• Documentation of job-specific training or competency.
• Basic Life Support (CPR/First Aid) certification, or successful completion within six months of the hire date.
• Must be able to ambulate quickly and walk up four flights of stairs.
• No lifting, bending, or twisting restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect student care, including personal care, activities of daily living, and clinical skills specified in the student’s plan of care.
• Support students’ educational participation through hand-over-hand assistance and similar exercises, considering students’ physical limitations.
• Prioritize safety and facilitate learning for students assigned to a one-to-one CNA role; do not cover the classroom in the teacher’s absence.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding medical and educational concerns.
• Collaborate with the school nurse, teachers, therapists, school staff, parents, and students.
• Follow directions from supervising nurses and classroom teachers, work within the scope of the role, and seek assistance or guidance when needed.
• Recognize and report abnormal signs and symptoms of common diseases and conditions; take and record vital signs and report abnormal findings.
• Attend to students’ social and mental health needs and observe their environments for safety and comfort.
• Provide mouth care, skin care, grooming, dressing, toileting, incontinence care, and feeding.
• Use assistive devices for ambulation, eating, and dressing; perform range-of-motion activities and positioning.
• Respect student rights and promote independence.
• Follow infection-control policies and procedures to prevent the spread of disease-causing microorganisms.
• Identify and implement safety and emergency procedures and apply body mechanics principles.
• Escort and transport students as needed for care.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain equipment.
• Follow school department policies and procedures concerning attendance, work hours, and safety; maintain professional dress, identification, and conduct.
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid and CNA certifications.
• Assist assigned one-to-one students in the swim program, entering the pool with the student when necessary.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Classroom Teacher.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Educational pipeline programs that can support staff in earning a college degree or pursuing certification pathways.
• Mentors and coaching support for teaching staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED