A Nursing Assistant provides hospital and nursing home patients with basic care and assists them with daily activities. Helps patients with dressing, washing, and feeding. May perform basic medical care under the direction of a nurse or other medical professional. These roles typically require completion of a regional agency-approved training program in order to obtain a certification before practicing.
Compensation & Pay Structure Martha's Place utilizes a structured compensation model designed to reward qualifications, performance, consistency, and long-term growth.
Starting Total Pay:
$17.50 per hour (includes base pay + performance differential)
Performance Differential:
Additional hourly pay based on performance and consistency
Pay Range:
Up to $22.00 per hour (includes base pay + performance differential)
Weekend Differential:
Additional $2.00 per hour for qualifying weekend shifts
Paid Training:
Required orientation and training are provided Performance-Based Growth Initial performance review at 90 days Ongoing reviews every 6 months Pay increases are based on performance, consistency, qualifications, and role development This structure provides employees with a clear and consistent path to increase their pay over time. Position Summary The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides direct, hands-on care and individualized support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in community-based residential homes. At Martha's Place, CNAs also serve in a Direct Support Professional (DSP) capacity. In addition to utilizing their CNA training and providing hands-on personal care, employees support individuals with daily living, community participation, skill development, household routines, personal goals, and implementation of their Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP). This means the position extends beyond traditional CNA duties. Our goal is not simply to complete care tasks for individuals, but to support the whole person and promote independence, dignity, choice, and meaningful participation in their home and community. Unlike a traditional facility-based CNA position, services are provided in an individualized home and community setting. Employees work closely with the individuals they support and play an important role in their daily routines, health, safety, independence, and overall quality of life. This is an active, engaged, and safety-sensitive position. Employees must remain attentive, provide appropriate supervision, recognize and report changes in an individual's condition or behavior, and respond appropriately to the needs of individuals served throughout the shift. Qualifications Required Current Certified Nursing Assistant (dCNA) certification or active status as required by the State of Missouri At least 18 years of age High school diploma or equivalent (or completion within 1 year of hire) Eligible to work in the United States Able to pass all required background screenings Reliable transportation Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and transport individuals served Professional, reliable, and punctual Preferred Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities Experience in home health, residential care, long-term care, behavioral health, or community-based services Experience with personal care, mobility assistance, transfers, or individuals with complex support needs Level 1 Medication Aide certification First Aid/CPR certification Additional training specific to developmental disability services, medication administration, individual support plans, documentation, and Martha's Place procedures will be provided as applicable. Core Competencies Successful CNAs at Martha's Place demonstrate: Strong direct-care and personal-care skills Strong observation and safety awareness Ability to recognize and report changes in health, behavior, or functioning Ability to follow written care and support plans consistently Respect for individual dignity, privacy, preferences, rights, and independence Professional communication and teamwork Emotional regulation and ability to remain calm under pressure Dependability, accountability, and follow-through Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and continue developing professionally Ability to use basic technology for documentation and communication Key Responsibilities Personal Care & Activities of Daily Living Assist individuals with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, oral hygiene, and other personal-care needs Assist with mobility, positioning, and transfers as needed Perform two-person transfers when required Provide appropriate assistance with meals, hydration, and daily routines Encourage individuals to participate in their own care to the greatest extent possible Promote independence rather than completing tasks for individuals when they are capable of participating Maintain dignity, privacy, comfort, and personal choice during all care activities Direct Support & Individualized Care Follow each individual's Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP) and any applicable support or behavior plans Provide services according to each individual's needs, preferences, goals, abilities, and level of independence Support individuals in developing and maintaining daily living skills Encourage decision-making, personal choice, and self-advocacy Provide appropriate supervision while respecting individual rights and autonomy Support meaningful routines, relationships, interests, and personal goals Provide continuous, attentive support appropriate to the needs of the individuals served Health, Medication & Safety Observe individuals for changes in physical condition, behavior, mobility, appetite, sleep, or general functioning Promptly communicate health or safety concerns to appropriate team members Follow established procedures for illness, injury, incidents, and emergencies Assist individuals in following health-related routines and recommendations Follow infection-control, universal precaution, and other health and safety procedures Administer medications and complete medication documentation when appropriately trained and authorized Respond appropriately during medical, behavioral, or other emergency situations Home & Daily Living Support Because services are provided in the individual's home, CNAs share responsibility for maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and functional household environment.
Responsibilities may include:
Preparing or assisting with meals Completing routine cleaning and household responsibilities Assisting individuals with laundry and personal belongings Maintaining sanitary living areas Ensuring necessary personal and household supplies are available Supporting individuals in completing household tasks to the extent appropriate for their abilities Following established household routines and assigned responsibilities Household responsibilities are an expected component of this position and are part of supporting individuals in maintaining a safe and comfortable home. Community Participation & Transportation Support individuals in accessing and participating in their community Assist with medical appointments, shopping, recreational activities, outings, and other community activities Safely transport individuals as assigned Encourage social interaction, relationships, hobbies, and personal interests Support individuals in making choices about activities and how they spend their time Promote meaningful community involvement and inclusion Documentation & Compliance Complete all required documentation accurately and within established timeframes Document services, observations, incidents, and other required information Complete medication documentation accurately when applicable Follow documentation requirements associated with each individual's support plan Maintain confidentiality and protect all health and personal information Follow Martha's Place policies, procedures, training requirements, and applicable state and federal requirements Teamwork & Communication Communicate professionally with coworkers, House Managers, nursing staff, leadership, guardians, and other members of the support team as appropriate Provide accurate and relevant information during shift transitions and handoffs Report concerns promptly through appropriate channels Participate in required meetings and training Accept feedback professionally and demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve Work cooperatively with other team members to provide consistent support Accountability & Expectations CNAs are directly responsible for the safety, care, supervision, and daily experience of the individuals assigned to them during their shift.
Employees are expected to:
Provide continuous and appropriate supervision Remain actively engaged with individuals served Follow support plans and care instructions consistently Complete personal care and assigned responsibilities thoroughly Maintain a clean, safe, and organized home environment Complete required documentation accurately and on time Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in an individual's needs or condition Take reasonable action to address issues within their responsibility Promptly escalate concerns when additional assistance or direction is needed Passive supervision is not sufficient for this position. Employees are expected to remain actively engaged throughout their shift and to take appropriate action when an issue arises. Reporting a concern does not replace an employee's responsibility to take reasonable action within their training, authority, and ability to protect the health and safety of individuals served. Employees are also responsible for the overall condition of the home, completion of assigned responsibilities, and quality of care and support provided during their shift. Physical Requirements Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including: Stand, walk, bend, reach, and remain active throughout the shift Assist individuals with activities of daily living Assist with mobility, positioning, and transfers Perform two-person transfers when required Lift or support approximately 75 pounds as needed Perform routine household and community-based activities Respond promptly and appropriately during emergency or crisis situations Safely operate a motor vehicle and assist individuals with transportation Working Conditions Residential home and community-based environment Work is primarily performed in individuals' homes rather than a traditional nursing facility May include supporting individuals with medical, mobility, developmental, or behavioral needs May require evenings, weekends, holidays, or other nontraditional hours Active, hands-on position requiring consistent engagement and supervision Employees must be able to remain calm and respond appropriately during behavioral, medical, or emergency situations using established training and procedures. Non-Smoking Workplace Martha's Place maintains a non-smoking workplace . Smoking is not permitted in company-operated homes, vehicles, or other work environments associated with the organization. Confidentiality & Protected Health Information (PHI) Employees may have access to protected health information (PHI) and other confidential information. Employees must maintain strict confidentiality and handle all information in accordance with Martha's Place policies and applicable requirements. Equal Employment Opportunity Martha's Place is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive, professional, and respectful workplace. Additional Information This job description is intended to describe the general responsibilities and expectations of the Certified Nursing Assistant position and is not an exhaustive list of every duty. Because CNAs at Martha's Place also perform Direct Support Professional functions, responsibilities include both hands-on personal care and broader residential direct-support duties necessary to support individuals in their homes and communities. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted as necessary based on the needs of the individuals served and the organization.
