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.
- 14.
- Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
- 15.
- Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
- 16.
- Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
- 17.
- Participate in JWCH’s customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
- 1.
- Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
- 2.
- Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.
- 18.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- 1.
- Current Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification in California required.
- 2.
- CPR/BLS certification required.
- 3.
- At least one (1) year of CNA experience in a healthcare or community health setting preferred.
- 4.
- Comfort working in non-traditional clinical environments, such as drop-in centers, outdoor park-lets, and mobile units.
- 5.
- Understanding of primary care needs for people experiencing homelessness, including substance use, chronic conditions, and behavioral health considerations.
- 6.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work closely with an interdisciplinary care team.
- 7.
- Demonstrated ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care in a harm reduction and trauma-informed framework.
- 8.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.
Employee Benefits
- At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
- Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
- 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
- Life insurance policy & AD&D, Pet Insurance and more!
Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.
JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.
