Certified Nursing Assistants provide essential hands-on support for elderly adults, individuals with disabilities, chronically ill clients, hospice patients, and those in rehabilitation or recovery. CNAs may work in private homes, residential care settings, hospice environments, senior centers, or adult day programs. Depending on assignment, CNAs may support one primary client or visit multiple clients throughout the day. Shifts can include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

CNA applicants must be Georgia-certified and able to perform all responsibilities with professionalism, clarity, and reliability. Requirements include the ability to observe, assess, and respond to client needs; communicate clearly in English (verbal and written); read and follow written instructions; and maintain confidentiality at all times. Candidates must be able to organize, prioritize, and multi-task in dynamic home-care settings, apply positive behavior-support methods, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Additional requirements include:

• Annual TB test with negative results.
• Annual physical exam confirming freedom from communicable disease.
• Required criminal background checks by GCHEXS.
• Demonstrated training or experience necessary for Community Access–related services.
• Competence in Basic Life Support (BLS) and current First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

CNAs provide direct personal care, support, supervision, and client engagement based on individual needs. Responsibilities include assisting with hygiene, providing protective oversight, and collaborating with families and service teams. Daily duties may involve:

• Assisting with bathing, showering, grooming, dressing, and other hygiene tasks.
• Supporting clients with light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, and laundry.
• Engaging clients in meaningful activities like reading, conversation, and games.
• Consulting with family members regarding health, nutrition, and wellbeing concerns.
• Complying with all Department of Human Resources and Office of Regulatory Services requirements.
• Documenting instructional needs and updates consistently and accurately.
• Accompanying clients through medical transportation, or approved vehicles,

CNAs also support skill development by implementing program plans that enhance social, emotional, cognitive, and independent-living abilities. This includes completing daily, weekly, and monthly records, logs, case notes, and fiscal reports in a timely manner. CNAs assist individuals in arranging medical care when responsible for doing so and must follow all healthcare recommendations.

Competency Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required, along with one of the following:

• Completion of the NLN online exam with competency assessment, or
• Completion of an 8-hour training curriculum with competency verification every year.

Expectations

CNAs must be able to:

• Drive a passenger vehicle when applicable and maintain a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Obtain and maintain all regulatory clearances and annual health documentation.
• Purchase their own required trainings (CPR, CPI, GCHEXS report, etc.).
• Work flexible hours according to individual and program needs.
• Travel to trainings or meetings when requested by the program director.
• Provide respectful, dignity-focused support during community interactions.