Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Job Summary:

The Montana State Hospital Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential support to residents by assisting with daily living activities, basic hygiene, and health-related tasks. This role involves taking vital signs, collecting specimens, assisting in emergencies, and transporting residents to appointments. The CNA works closely within a mental health and geriatric care environment, requiring strong communication, observation skills, and the ability to manage challenging behaviors through de-escalation techniques. Responsibilities:

• Assist residents with activities of daily living including bathing, oral hygiene, and dressing.
• Perform health-related tasks such as taking and recording vital signs and collecting specimens.
• Assist residents during emergency situations as needed.
• Transport residents to appointments and provide assistance during transit.
• Communicate effectively and follow instructions both orally and in writing.
• Make accurate observations and report or record findings appropriately.
• Develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with residents and team members.
• Maintain knowledge of personal hygiene and support residents accordingly.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Valid Montana Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in psychiatric facilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and follow instructions accurately.
• Strong observational and reporting skills.
• Two years of job-related experience working with individuals in healthcare or group home settings.
• Minimum of 1 year travel contract experience.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) certification.
• Experience in adult psychiatric facilities.
• Experience in geriatric care, long-term care, or hospice settings.
• Experience in emergency or urgent care settings.

Special Considerations:

• Must be highly skilled in de-escalation techniques.
• Flexibility to work holidays and varied shifts as scheduled by the facility.
• Travel experience and willingness to work in a float pool or open shift availability preferred.
• Must be able to develop cooperative working relationships in a mental health care environment.

Scheduling:

• Shift preference includes 7 AM to 3 PM schedule.
• Facility scheduling flexibility required.
• Assignment duration from November 16, 2026, to May 15, 2027.