Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) – Psychiatric Care 2026-02153

State of Wyoming; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement - Pension and 457B plans

Flexible schedules

Meaningful work for Wyoming

Job summary

State of Wyoming seeks a compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant to support patient care at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston. You will participate in daily patient activities, assist nurses, and help maintain a safe, respectful treatment environment.

The role requires CNA certification at hire and may include on-call duties; strong de-escalation and professional boundaries are essential.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of progressive work experience in Human Services or equivalent.
• CNA certification required at time of hire.
• An Associate's Degree in Healthcare is preferred or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patient behaviors and provide nursing support and interventions.
• Document patient progress and participate in shift change reports.
• Assist nurses with milieu management and safety.
• Serve as patient advocate and support recovery participation.
• Mentor new Human Services staff as needed.

Skills

De-escalation

Professional boundaries

Computer skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Associate's Degree (Healthcare)

Experience substitution: 2-4 years in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Open Until Filled

Position is eligible for a $2,000 hiring bonus

See notes for eligibility and conditions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Advance your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and make a meaningful impact in your community. As a key member of our CNA team at the Wyoming State Hospital, you’ll provide essential support for patient care and treatment plans in a collaborative environment. This role offers an opportunity to work in a safe, respectful, and patient-centered setting where your skills and dedication will make a difference daily.

This position is eligible for a $2,000 Hiring Bonus

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities

and MUCH MORE!

Explore our Total Compensation Calculator:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor patient behaviors while providing support and nursing interventions.
• Encourage appropriate behaviors that enhance participation in recovery.
• Act as a patient advocate.
• Assist patients with daily planning.
• Document patient progress during hospitalization.
• Participate in shift change reports and team meetings.
• Assist nurses with milieu management and work environment safety.
• Utilize de-escalation interventions as necessary.
• Take on-call on a rotation basis.
• Be the first to float to other units, as necessary.
• Serve as a mentor to new Human Services Aides and Human Services Specialists.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and management of aggressive behaviors.
• Knowledge of ethics and how to maintain professional boundaries.
• Skills in using a computer and Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures such as CPR, First Aide, and RACE.
• Knowledge of standard infection control practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience Substitution:

2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Human Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Human Services Aide

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

CNA Certification at the time of hire

OR

Education:

Associate's Degree (typically in Healthcare)

Experience:

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Human Services) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Human Services Aide

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

CNA Certification at the time of hire

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to perform CPR, First Aide, Crisis Management, and utilize proper infection control and defensive driving practices.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds or one-quarter of one's body weight with assistance.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing will be conducted on safety-sensitive positions. Drug testing will be completed on any position if reasonable suspicion exists.
• A background check, including the taking of fingerprints, will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for every successful applicant.
• A current Influenza Vaccination is required.
• Employees of this facility will be expected to follow all rules and requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding COVID-19.
• We participate in E-Verify.
• The Wyoming Department of Health offers an excellent benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, state retirement plan, deferred compensation plan, and longevity pay.
• New state employees and temporary employees accepting a permanent position
• Current state employees accepting a promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been open to the public
• One year of service in the position must be completed. Failure to complete this requirement will require reimbursement of the bonus with the funds deducted from the final pay.
• Internal candidates will be required to remain in the position for a minimum of (1) year from the promotion date.
• Employees will only be eligible for (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period.

Human Resource Contact: 307-777-8926

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Located in Evanston, Wyoming, a charming Rocky Mountain community, you’ll enjoy proximity to world-class recreation, including the renowned ski slopes of Park City, Utah, just 45 minutes away. Evanston offers abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.