CNA Trainer/Educator

Job Description

Job Description

CNA Trainer / Educator South Prairie Memory Care  

Status: Full-time, Exempt (Salaried) 

Shift: 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Summary

The CNA Trainer / Educator is a hands-on clinical leader responsible for developing caregiver skills, improving care quality, and supporting resident safety across the community. This role combines direct resident care, real-time coaching, performance management, and staffing support. The position requires an exceptionally proficient Certified Nursing Assistant who models excellent ADL care for residents with dementia and cognitive impairment, trains safe body mechanics and lifting techniques, and identifies and corrects performance gaps that affect resident safety and dignity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Training & Education

• Provide ongoing, hands-on training and coaching to CNAs/caregivers, with emphasis on ADL care for confused and memory-impaired residents.
• Train and reinforce proper body mechanics and safe lifting/transfer techniques, especially for 1-assist residents.
• Identify individual and team performance gaps and deliver targeted education or corrective coaching to improve care quality and resident safety.
• Conduct or assist with orientation of new caregivers and competency validation.
• Model excellent dementia-informed care practices during all resident interactions.

Performance Management & Quality

• Address caregiver performance issues through observation, feedback, and structured coaching.
• Document concerns and escalate patterns or serious issues to the Executive Director.
• Support consistent application of facility policies related to resident rights, dignity, safety, and infection control.

Staffing & Direct Care Support

• Assist with caregiver scheduling and coverage coordination.
• Fill in as a working CNA when a call-off occurs and no replacement is available, ensuring resident care is not compromised.
• Maintain flexibility to adjust priorities between training, coaching, and direct care based on daily needs.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with the Director of Nursing, Executive Director, and other shifts regarding resident status, staffing, and training needs.
• Participate in shift reports and relevant meetings as assigned.
• Maintain professional, respectful relationships with residents, families, and coworkers.

Qualifications

• Current Illinois CNA certification in good standing (required).
• Minimum 3–5 years of recent experience as a CNA.
• Demonstrated high proficiency in providing ADL care to residents with dementia or cognitive impairment.
• Strong knowledge of proper body mechanics and safe transfer/lifting techniques; ability to teach these skills effectively.
• Ability to recognize when caregivers need additional education or coaching and deliver it constructively.
• Reliable, professional, and able to work independently while supporting the team.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective when working with confused or agitated residents.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the full range of CNA duties, including frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting/transferring residents using proper body mechanics.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor residents and communicate effectively.

Additional Expectations

• Maintain current CPR certification and any other required trainings.
• Uphold all facility policies, Illinois Department of Public Health regulations, and resident rights.
• Demonstrate a commitment to person-centered, dignity-preserving memory care.

This is a salaried position. The successful candidate must be willing and able to provide direct care when needed while primarily focusing on elevating the skills and performance of the caregiving team.