Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Intern

MBI Health Services, Inc.
Skid Row & West Hollywood Locations
Reports To: Program Director / Medical Director
Status: Internship (Paid or Unpaid Based on Agreement)
Schedule: Part-Time / Clinical Hours Toward Certification

Position Summary

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Intern supports physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and clinical staff in delivering high-quality outpatient behavioral health and medical services. This role is responsible for assisting with patient flow, obtaining and documenting vital signs, conducting urine drug screenings, supporting clinical assessments, and ensuring efficient scheduling and follow-up care.

The CNA Intern plays a critical role in maintaining compliance, patient safety, infection control standards, and supporting MBI’s commitment to Immediate Access to Services.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Support

• Prepare members for medical and psychiatric appointments.
• Obtain and accurately document:
  • Blood pressure
  • Pulse
  • Respiratory rate
  • Temperature
  • Oxygen saturation
  • Height and weight (BMI calculation if applicable)
• Complete and document urine drug screenings per protocol.
• Ensure proper specimen labeling, handling, and documentation.
• Assist providers with room setup and clinical flow.
• Ensure examination rooms are stocked, sanitized, and compliant with infection control standards.
• Hand completed screening tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7 or other required assessments) to provider prior to visit.
• Assist with follow-up instructions under provider supervision.

Patient Flow & Scheduling

• Manage member movement from check-in through discharge.
• Ensure all required intake or follow-up forms are completed before provider visit.
• Schedule return appointments in EMR (e.g., Credible).
• Provide appointment cards and instructions to members.
• Confirm upcoming appointments and assist with reminder calls.
• Coordinate telehealth readiness when applicable (on-site telehealth support).

Documentation & Compliance

• Enter vital signs and screening results into the EMR accurately and timely.
• Scan and upload completed forms into member records.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and confidentiality at all times.
• Ensure all pending insurance members are properly documented according to policy.
• Report any abnormal vital signs immediately to supervising nurse or provider.
• Maintain daily logs of vitals and urine screenings.

Member Support & Observation

• Observe and report changes in member behavior or condition.
• Support members experiencing anxiety or distress while waiting for providers.
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally competent interaction with members.
• Assist with de-escalation efforts under supervision when needed.
• Maintain a professional, calm, and welcoming environment.

Additional Outpatient Clinic Duties

• Assist with medication reconciliation (under supervision).
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and notify supervisor of shortages.
• Clean and disinfect medical equipment per protocol.
• Assist with infection control audits.
• Support outreach or health screening events as assigned.
• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Assist with chart audits as requested.
• Support lab coordination when outside lab services are required.
• Ensure exam rooms meet readiness standards at start and end of day.
• Attend staff meetings and required trainings.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
• Active CNA certification (or eligible to test).
• CPR/BLS Certification (preferred).
• Interest in behavioral health and substance use treatment populations.
• Ability to work with chronically mentally ill and substance use populations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency (EMR experience preferred).

Core Competencies

• Professionalism
• Attention to Detail
• Clinical Accuracy
• Confidentiality & HIPAA Awareness
• Compassionate Member Engagement
• Time Management
• Accountability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to assist members as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to respond quickly in urgent situations.

Learning Objectives for Internship

• Gain hands-on outpatient clinical experience.
• Develop skills in psychiatric clinic workflow.
• Learn EMR documentation standards.
• Understand urine drug screening protocols.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team collaboration.
• Exposure to behavioral health and substance use treatment models.

Work Environment

Outpatient behavioral health clinic serving chronically mentally ill, chronic substance users, and vulnerable populations. Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility, professionalism, and compassion.