CNA / HHA (Mental Health Services)
Vinfen
Summary
As an ACCS Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), you will provide direct service and routine, episodic nursing aide care to adults who have both complex medical needs and psychiatric conditions. Working in a small Group Living Environment, you will have a range of duties including administering medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking.
Job description
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Promote the engagement, housing permanency, community tenure, achievement of greater self-sufficiency and successful completion of tenure for all PS living at the site.
- Perform nursing aide care and support duties in the PS Treatment Plans under the direction of the IMGLE Nurse to proactively address the complex medical conditions of the PS, including diabetes; kidney, pulmonary, mobility, physical safety and end of life issues; medical consequences of HIV/AIDS virus, and incontinence, etc.
- Take and document PS temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, skin care, toileting, passive range of motion exercises as required by Treatment Plan and as ordered by medical care providers.
- Store, administer, document and dispose of PS medication consistent with Medication Administration Program (MAP) requirements, funding source regulations and company policy, if applicable. Ensure program compliance with Vinfen MAP protocols.
- Assist and/or accompany PS in attending regular medical (including dialysis) and psychiatric appointments.
- Report any changes in PS medical condition or mental status to Nurse and/or Clinical Program Director.
- Promote healthcare and employment services access for PS.
- Help orient PS who are new to the residence.
- Perform day-to-day assignments as directed by the Clinical Program Director.
- Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent and strengths-based approaches with PS.
- Adhere to safety, maintenance, Human Rights and other operational policies and procedures.
- Comply with physical site licensing standards and regulations.
- Create opportunities for PS to participate in the smooth operation of the residence, including participating in meal preparation, physical site maintenance, etc.
- Encourage social interaction between residents and help create a collaborative environment where PS, family, friends, and others important in the lives of PS are welcome, respected and valued. Serve as a resource for neighbors.
- Help PS prepare meals.
- Act as an advocate for PS.
- Use Motivational Interviewing; Harm Reduction; Stages of Change; Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP); and Cognitive Behavioral techniques in work with PS.
- Participate in trainings; attend supervision and staff meetings as requested.
- Assist with the orientation of new CNA staff.
- Complete all required documentation.
- Contribute to program’s quality improvement goals and objectives.
- Help PS use crisis intervention techniques when necessary. Access on-call back up when needed.
- Complete incident documentation as needed.
- Perform physical site maintenance activities following maintenance schedule.
- Perform other related duties, as assigned.
Requirements
- Current Certified Nurse Assistant valid in Massachusetts required
- A high school diploma or GED required
- One to two years of job-specific experience in human services preferred
- Experience working with people with psychiatric conditions and/or co-occurring disorders strongly preferred
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Have a current, valid US driver's license for at least 6 months
- Must be willing to use a fully insured, personal vehicle during the course of the job
- Must be able to become CPR, First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment
- Must be able to become MAP certified within 150 days of employment
- Must be able to successfully pass a CORI, reference and multi-state background and driving record check
- Knowledge of Nursing Assistant principles and modalities, best practices and evidence based practices
- Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with PS, families and neighbors
- Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, trauma, disability and gender issues of PS
- Ability to balance competing priorities
- Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
- Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
- Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb
- Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift
- Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer
- Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways
- Ability to assist PS with tasks of daily living
- Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed
- Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with PS, staff, and external representatives
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Benefits
- Training
- Career growth
- Job security
Company overview
Vinfen is a leading nonprofit health and human services organization established in 1977, specializing in community-based mental health care and disability services. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Vinfen operates over 200 locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, serving more than 3,500 individuals annually. The organization provides comprehensive services for people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, autism, and behavioral health challenges. Their evidence-based programs include residential supports, clinical outreach, employment services, day habilitation programs, clubhouses, and crisis intervention services. Vinfen employs approximately 2,600-3,300 dedicated professionals who deliver person-centered care through innovative service models. The organization operates Community Behavioral Health Centers offering 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, and medication management. With annual revenues exceeding $250 million, Vinfen is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit employers in Massachusetts and has received numerous awards for excellence in health and human services, including recognition as a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe.