Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, supportive care to clients receiving outpatient behavioral health services. This role supports licensed healthcare providers by carrying out assigned and delegated duties in accordance with Certified Nursing Assistant certification and applicable scope of practice requirements.

The CNA assists with daily clinical operations by observing and documenting client conditions, supporting client safety and comfort, and maintaining a respectful and therapeutic environment. Through compassionate care, attention to detail, and effective communication, the Behavioral Health Certified Nursing Assistant contributes to the delivery of quality, client-centered behavioral health services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct client care under the supervision and direction of a licensed healthcare provider in accordance with assigned and delegated duties.
• Monitor, observe, and record client vital signs, behaviors, symptoms, and overall condition, and promptly report observations and concerns to licensed staff.
• Assist clients with mobility, positioning, and transfers as needed to support safety and comfort.
• Provide emotional support and maintain a compassionate, respectful presence for clients receiving behavioral health services.
• Prepare examination and treatment areas by ensuring rooms are clean, organized, and stocked with required supplies.
• Assist licensed healthcare providers during psychiatric evaluations, examinations, and treatment activities by carrying out delegated, non-clinical support tasks.
• Support client appointment scheduling and follow-up activities as directed, including assisting with communication and basic administrative coordination.
• Document care provided, client interactions, and observed changes in condition in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with agency policy and scope of practice requirements.
• Maintain task-based and observational documentation without performing clinical assessments, diagnoses, or treatment planning.
• Ensure compliance with client privacy, confidentiality, and documentation standards, including HIPAA requirements.
• Communicate effectively with clients, families, and members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Relay relevant client information and observations to licensed healthcare providers to support continuity and quality of care.
• Follow all safety procedures, infection control standards, and workplace protocols to maintain a safe environment for clients and staff.
• Perform duties in compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health Certified Nursing Assistant regulations, applicable scope of practice requirements, and supervision standards.
• Participate in required training, in-service education, and continuing education to maintain skills, certification, and competency.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the direct supervisor consistent with certification and role expectations.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated ability to perform Certified Nursing Assistant duties in accordance with certification, assigned responsibilities, and scope of practice.
• Ability to observe client behaviors and physical condition and accurately report information to licensed healthcare providers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to support effective documentation and communication with clients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Basic organizational and time management skills to manage assigned tasks and support daily clinical operations.
• Ability to follow instructions, policies, procedures, and delegated tasks under appropriate supervision.
• Professional interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and interact respectfully with clients and families.
• Commitment to client-centered care, safety, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in a behavioral health setting that may involve clients experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Willingness to participate in required training and in-service education to maintain competency.
• Must meet DCFS/CANTS Clearance Requirements. 
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain proof of automobile insurance.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Successful completion of a state-approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program required.
• Must possess and maintain current Certified Nursing Assistant certification in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health requirements.
• Prior experience providing direct care or support services in a behavioral health, mental health, outpatient, or healthcare setting preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience in psychiatric or mental health settings preferred.

CARE & TCI

Hoyleton has adopted the CARE (Children and Residential Experience), developed by Cornell University, to guide our culture and practice. CARE is grounded in six core principles: Developmentally Focused, Family Involved, Relationship Based, Ecologically Oriented, Competence Centered, and Trauma Informed. 

Completion of CARE and TCI training is an internal requirement for all staff and must be completed upon hire. Ongoing application of these principles is expected and essential to successful job performance. 

TCI (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention). Employees must:

• Pass the written test annually
• Pass the physical test every six months (if applicable to their role)

Consistent participation and application of both CARE and TCI principles drive company culture and are essential to job performance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position operates in a professional office, clinical environment and may require travel to agency sites, client locations, and partner organizations based on role responsibilities.

The role involves periods of walking, standing, or sitting, and may occasionally require climbing stairs, bending, kneeling, or lifting materials up to 10lbs depending on job duties. 

Minimal exposure to environmental factors such as noise, dust, or varying indoor/outdoor temperatures may occur depending on program needs and client-related activities.