Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Special Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Special Education

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.

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.

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…