Certified Nursing Assistant

Job Description: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 

Shift: Night/Evening Shifts - 3 day shifts and 3 evening shifts per week

Start Date: Mid-November / Early December

Schedule: Primarily 8-hour night shifts (18:00–06:30); Occasional evening shifts (14:00–22:30)

Assignment Type: Contract or direct placement (depending on staffing needs)

Position Overview

We are seeking Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) to join the dedicated care team at Montana State Hospital. CNAs play a vital role in supporting patients with psychiatric needs, assisting with daily living activities, and ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment. Candidates with prior psychiatric care experience and/or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Montana State Hospital

Montana State Hospital (MSH) is the only public psychiatric hospital in Montana, providing comprehensive inpatient psychiatric treatment for adults with serious mental illness. The hospital serves individuals admitted from communities across the state and has been a cornerstone of mental health care for decades.

Services provided include:

• Evaluation and assessment

• Medication management

• Individual and group therapy

• Psycho-educational programs

• Rehabilitation and vocational services

• Chemical dependency treatment

• Peer support

Why Join Montana State Hospital?

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of adults with serious mental illness

Collaborative, mission-driven care environment

Consistent 8-hour shift schedule (days and evenings only)

Professional growth in psychiatric and behavioral health care

Key Responsibilities

• Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and comfort

• Support therapeutic programming and group activities under the direction of nursing staff

• Monitor patient behavior and promptly report changes or concerns to the nursing team

• Maintain a safe and structured environment, following hospital protocols and safety procedures

• Provide compassionate, respectful care to patients with diverse psychiatric and medical needs

• Document care provided and observations in accordance with hospital standards

• Collaborate with RNs, LPNs, physicians, and interdisciplinary staff to promote recovery and well-being

Qualifications

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the state of Montana (or eligibility to obtain)

• Previous experience in psychiatric or behavioral health settings preferred

• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) training highly desirable

• Strong communication, observation, and de-escalation skills

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, high-acuity environment