Certified Nursing Assistant CNA

Job Description JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Special Education Department: Student Services/Special Education Reports To: Building Principal and under the guidance of Student Services FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employment Status: Full-Time Contract Length: 190 Days The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Special Education provides direct support to students with disabilities within the educational environment. The CNA works collaboratively with special education teachers, school nurses, related service providers, administrators, and other school personnel to support students' educational, physical, personal care, health, safety, and daily living needs. The primary purpose of this position is to assist students in accessing their educational program safely and successfully while promoting independence, dignity, and participation in the school environment. The CNA will primarily be assigned to support a special education classroom and may provide individualized assistance to students based upon their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), health plans, medical needs, and other applicable student plans. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Certified Nursing Assistant shall perform duties including, but not limited to, the following: Provide direct assistance and support to students with disabilities within the special education classroom and other school settings. Assist students with activities of daily living, including toileting, diapering, dressing, grooming, feeding, positioning, mobility, and other personal care needs as appropriate. Maintain student privacy, dignity, and confidentiality while providing personal care assistance. Assist students with mobility, transfers, positioning, and use of adaptive equipment in accordance with established procedures and student‑specific plans. Provide health‑related support and services within the CNA's authorized scope of practice and under the direction or delegation of the school nurse or other appropriately licensed healthcare professional, when applicable. Observe students for changes in physical condition, behavior, or health status and promptly report concerns to the appropriate teacher, school nurse, administrator, or other designated staff member. Follow student‑specific healthcare plans, emergency action plans, safety plans, behavior plans, IEPs, and other applicable plans as directed. Assist with feeding and mealtime needs in accordance with established student plans, safety procedures, and staff directions. Assist the classroom teacher with implementing instructional activities and providing appropriate support to students during classroom instruction. Reinforce skills and concepts introduced by the classroom teacher and assist students in completing assigned activities. Support students during transitions throughout the school day, including arrival, dismissal, class changes, meals, related arts, transportation, and other school activities. Assist with the implementation of behavior intervention plans and positive behavioral supports as directed by appropriate school personnel. Help maintain a safe, organized, clean, and supportive classroom environment. Assist with cleaning and sanitizing equipment and areas used for student personal care in accordance with established procedures. Follow universal precautions, infection‑control procedures, and all district health and safety protocols. Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. Assist with maintaining appropriate documentation related to student care or services as directed by the school nurse, special education teacher, administrator, or other appropriate personnel. Maintain strict confidentiality of student educational, medical, and personal information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA when applicable, district policy, and applicable state and federal laws. Participate in required training related to student health needs, special education, safety, behavior management, confidentiality, and other areas necessary to perform assigned responsibilities. Work cooperatively and professionally with teachers, nurses, therapists, administrators, parents/guardians, and other school personnel. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students at all times. Follow all Jasper County School District policies, procedures, safety requirements, and professional expectations. Maintain regular and punctual attendance. Perform other duties as assigned by the principal, Director of Special Education, school nurse, or appropriate district administrator. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The employee must possess the ability to: Demonstrate knowledge of basic nursing assistant practices and procedures. Understand and appropriately respond to the physical, developmental, behavioral, and educational needs of students with disabilities. Provide personal care services while maintaining student dignity, privacy, and safety. Follow written and verbal instructions accurately. Follow healthcare plans, emergency procedures, IEP‑related directions, and other student‑specific plans. Recognize and promptly report changes in a student's health, behavior, or physical condition. Work effectively with students who may have significant physical, cognitive, behavioral, communication, or medical needs. Remain calm and respond appropriately during emergency or challenging situations. Establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with students, staff, families, and other stakeholders. Communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive student information. Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team. Demonstrate patience, compassion, dependability, flexibility, and sound judgment. Safely operate or assist with adaptive and mobility equipment after appropriate training. Follow infection‑control practices and universal precautions. Maintain accurate documentation as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. CNA certification Licensure/Certification: Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in good standing, as required by the State of South Carolina. Current CPR and First Aid certification required or must be obtained within the timeframe established by the District. Experience: Experience working as a Certified Nursing Assistant or providing direct personal care services preferred. Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred. Experience in a school, pediatric, special education, or similar setting preferred. Additional Requirements: Must successfully complete all Jasper County School District employment requirements, including required background screening. Must complete all district‑required training. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Must maintain required certifications throughout employment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands of this position may include: Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, and sitting. Assisting students with transfers, positioning, mobility, toileting, feeding, and other personal care activities. Pushing or maneuvering wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. Lifting and/or assisting with students or equipment as required to perform assigned duties safely and in accordance with district procedures. Responding quickly to student health, behavioral, or safety needs. Using hands and arms to provide personal care and operate adaptive or medical‑related equipment for which the employee has been appropriately trained. Maintaining sufficient visual and auditory ability to observe students and respond to safety concerns. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. WORKING CONDITIONS The employee will primarily work in a school and special education classroom environment. Duties may also be performed in other areas of the school, including restrooms, cafeterias, hallways, playgrounds, buses, and other instructional or school‑related settings. The employee may have regular exposure to bodily fluids and must follow universal precautions and established infection‑control procedures. The position requires regular interaction with students who may have significant medical, physical, behavioral, developmental, or communication needs. The employee must be able to respond appropriately and professionally to a variety of situations. EVALUATION Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with Jasper County School District policies and procedures for classified personnel. DISCLAIMER The statements contained in this job description describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Jasper County School District reserves the right to revise this job description as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr