Clinical Aide - St. Clair County

Description

The Clinical Aide provides direct, delegated health-related support to people served with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across The Arc of Central Alabama's residential and day programs. Working under the delegation and supervision of licensed nursing staff, the Clinical Aide performs routine health-monitoring tasks, assists with delegated care procedures, and documents observations accurately. This role is a critical link between people served and the Wellness team, helping to identify health changes early and ensuring supports remain safe, consistent, and person-centered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform delegated health-related tasks (such as vitals monitoring, weights, and basic health checks) as assigned by RN/LPN staff and in accordance with organizational policy.
• Observe and report changes in a person's health status, behavior, or appearance to nursing staff promptly and accurately.
• Assist with medication administration support functions as permitted under delegation and applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of health observations and completed tasks.
• Support people served with activities of daily living as needed in coordination with direct-support and nursing staff.
• Follow standard precautions, infection control practices, and safe handling procedures at all times.
• Communicate respectfully and clearly with people served, adapting to individual communication needs and preferences.
• Identify and report critical incidents and any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately per the Incident Prevention & Management System (IPMS).
• Participate in required training, competency checks, and skills updates as directed by nursing supervisors.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized health-support environment.

Preferred IDD-Focused Responsibilities
• Deliver health-related support using a person-centered, rights-based approach that respects each individual's choices and routines.
• Support health-related Personal Outcome Measures (CQL) such as best possible health, safety, and freedom from unnecessary restriction.
• Adapt communication and support methods to each person's cognitive and communication needs.
• Reinforce dignity and privacy during all health-related interactions and procedures.
• Partner respectfully with direct-support staff, nursing staff, and families as part of the person's care team.

Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum age of 18.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Must pass a statewide/criminal background check confirming no convictions for any crime of violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or any felony offense.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and TB testing as required by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (AMA Policy #WAV37).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification, or ability to obtain within required timelines.
• Completion of ADMH pre-service training (12 hours 'Before Serving People' prior to direct support) and all required courses within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to accurately follow delegated task instructions from licensed nursing staff.

Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience as a CNA, med aide, or health-support worker.
• Experience working with individuals with IDD or in long-term care settings.
• Familiarity with basic vitals monitoring and health documentation.
• Bilingual ability a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)
• Knowledge of basic health-monitoring tasks and standard precautions.
• Knowledge of person-centered support principles and IDD best practices.
• Skill in accurate observation, documentation, and reporting.
• Skill in respectful, clear communication with people served and clinical staff.
• Ability to follow delegated nursing instructions precisely.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in health status.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of health information.

Physical & Essential Functions
• Frequently lift, push, pull, and transfer up to 50 lbs; team-lift for heavier transfers.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout a shift.
• Ability to physically assist with transfers, mobility, and personal care as needed.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor and document health observations.
• Ability to respond quickly in health-related emergencies.

Work Environment
• Community-based settings including group homes, day programs, and individuals' residences.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, and infection-control situations (PPE provided).
• Shift-based schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Close collaboration with RN/LPN supervisors and direct-support staff.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Current CNA certification preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license; must be insurable by the agency's insurance.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening.
• Sign-on Bonus: $500 at 6-months and $500 at 1-year
• Must be located in the St. Clair County area.

Skills & Competencies
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

• Familiarity with medical documentation and procedures.

• Comfort with scheduling tools and transportation protocols.
Working Conditions
• Frequent standing, walking, hand dexterity, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and speaking and listening both near and long distances.

• Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

• Occasional sitting.

• Frequent lifting and/or moving of more than 100 pounds.

Summary

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity Statement
The Arc of Central Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other protected status under federal or state law. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities to apply.
Join Us
If you're passionate about supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and become part of our mission-driven team.