Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (Brain Injury)

Vinfen • Waltham, MA

16d

About The Position

Provides direct service and daily routine and episodic nursing aide care in a clinically intensive program serving people diagnosed with brain injuries, including those with complex health needs. Administers medication under Medication Administration Program (MAP) guidelines and uses rehabilitation values, principles, techniques, and skills training to help individuals overcome barriers and live more independently. Supports community integration and helps the program meet high quality standards.

The role involves supporting activities of daily living according to each person’s treatment plan and ISP; monitoring physical, mental, and emotional status; administering medications and treatments; meeting nutritional needs; and accompanying people to appointments. The CNA documents care and services, maintains accurate and confidential records, follows incident-reporting and medication-error procedures, communicates with managers, colleagues, families, and guardians, and helps maintain a safe, clean, welcoming environment. The role also supports participation in home and community events, respects individual choices, advocates for individuals served, collaborates with internal departments and outside providers, participates in meetings and training, models positive behavior, and assists with orientation of new staff.

This is a physically active position requiring assistance with daily living, safe use of assistive and medical equipment, and the ability to perform a range of movement and lifting tasks. Driving is required. A Massachusetts CNA license is required. CPR and First Aid are required within two weeks of hire; MAP within 150 days; and Safety Care within 90 days. The employee may be asked to obtain CBIS certification.

Requirements

• Prior experience as a CNA; experience with people with brain injuries is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Massachusetts CNA license.
• Valid driver’s license presented at employment; at least 21 years of age; at least six months of valid U.S. driving-license history; and ability to pass a driver screening background check.
• If using a personal vehicle, maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks.
• CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
• First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
• MAP certification within 150 days of hire.
• Safety Care certification within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or a two-person lift.
• Ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
• Ability to remain stationary 50% of the time as needed and to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
• Ability to operate a computer and office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
• Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
• Required vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• CNA skills and competencies; knowledge of brain injury; and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Ability to communicate verbally and document nursing care accurately and effectively.
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources; empowerment and self-advocacy techniques; and teaching modalities.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, make independent judgments and decisions, and work professionally and confidentially.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Prior CNA experience with people with a brain injury.
• May be asked to obtain CBIS (Certified Brain Injury Specialist) certification.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living according to their treatment plans and ISPs, including community membership and relationships, vital signs, laundry, toileting, showering, dressing, shaving, wound care, foot care, skin checks, and passive range-of-motion exercises as needed or ordered.
• Monitor and observe individuals for changes in physical, mental, or emotional status.
• Administer medications and treatments according to MAP and Vinfen policies and procedures.
• Provide for the nutritional needs of individuals served.
• Transport, assist, and accompany individuals to medical, dental, and other appointments as directed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, welcoming, and respectful environment that meets safety and regulatory standards.
• Document nursing care and services, medication administration, and shift notes; keep medical records, confidential files, and other information current and accurate.
• Follow incident-reporting and medication-error procedures and ensure paperwork meets Vinfen and outside-agency standards.
• Communicate effectively with managers, administrators, colleagues, Vinfen staff, and individuals’ families or guardians; report changes in client status as directed.
• Use assistive and medical equipment safely, including wheelchairs, walkers, Hoyer lifts, glucometers, nebulizers, and oxygen equipment; maintain individuals’ equipment and supplies.
• Provide opportunities for individuals to participate in home, program, and community events.
• Encourage and respect the preferences and choices of individuals served.
• Advocate for individuals served and develop and maintain effective relationships with them, their families or guardians, and other significant people in their lives.
• Act as a liaison and collaborate with Vinfen departments, outside agencies, and community providers.
• Attend and actively participate in staff, training, and community meetings.
• Act as a positive role model for individuals served.
• Assist with orientation of new staff.
• Adhere to Vinfen policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Fully funded 401(a) employer-sponsored retirement plan requiring no employee contribution, plus an employee-funded 403(b) plan.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans for employees scheduled to work 30 hours per week or more, with an employer contribution toward medical insurance.
• Employer-paid life, accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance for employees who qualify.
• Flexible spending reimbursement accounts for health and dependent care.
• Voluntary term life, whole life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Paid time off for employees scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

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