Certified Nursing Assistance - CNA

Position Purpose

The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is a key member of a multidisciplinary team providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use. This role supports patients in a harm reduction-focused, low-barrier healthcare setting, ensuring that care is accessible, dignified, and trauma-informed

The CNA will assist with daily patient care, hygiene support, basic clinical tasks, and harm reduction services in non-traditional settings, including drop-in spaces, outdoor park-lets, and outreach sites. The ideal candidate is empathetic, flexible, and passionate about working with vulnerable populations.

Principal Responsibilities

• 1.
• Provide hands-on patient care and support, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting.
• 2.
• Assist with wound care, medication reminders, and patient monitoring under RN supervision.
• 3.
• Support patients with hygiene needs, including changing clothes, cleaning wounds, and basic grooming.
• 4.
• Engage patients in a compassionate, non-judgmental manner, prioritizing dignity and respect.
• 5.
• Assist with rooming patients, vital signs, and basic health assessments.
• 6.
• Provide phlebotomy support, particularly for patients with challenging venous access (preferred or willingness to train).
• 7.
• Participate in harm reduction efforts, including overdose prevention education, safe-use supply distribution, and connection to support services.
• 8.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including nurses, medical assistants, case managers, harm reduction specialists, and behavioral health staff.
• 9.
• Assist with mobile and outreach efforts, helping to bring care to patients in need.
• 10.
• Ensure accurate documentation of patient interactions and services provided.
• 11.
• Support a welcoming, safe, and patient-centered environment in all care settings.
• 12.
• Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
• 13.
• Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.