CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT

High Desert State Prison seeks a Certified Nursing Assistant to provide basic patient care and support to the licensed nursing team in a correctional health care setting. Under the supervision of Registered Nurses and Supervising Registered Nurses, you will assist patients with activities of daily living, personal care, physical assistance, and ambulatory support across various treatment facilities and health care settings within the prison.

This is a 12-month limited-term full-time position, which may be extended up to 24 months or become permanent.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic nursing care procedures as directed by the nursing care team
• Assist patients with activities of daily living and personal care needs
• Provide ambulatory assistance and physical support to patients
• Address ongoing patient needs in collaboration with licensed nursing staff and other health care providers
• Support the efficient, appropriate, and cost-effective use of health care resources
• Work under the clinical direction of Registered Nurses and Supervising Registered Nurses

Clinical Setting

High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is located in Susanville, California, approximately 96 miles west of Reno, Nevada. The facility provides constitutional medical, dental, and mental health care to the incarcerated population, with a focus on preventative health services, chronic disease management, and public health issues.

Required Qualifications

• Current Nursing Assistant Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health
• Must pass the Certified Nursing Assistant examination before applying
• Ability to meet minimum qualifications as specified in the Classification Specification

Special Requirements

• Background investigation utilizing Live Scan Fingerprinting is required for candidates new to California Correctional Health Care Services
• Tuberculosis (TB) testing is required prior to appointment, followed by annual TB testing/evaluation
• E-Verify confirmation of identity and employment authorization is required
• Applicants with foreign education credentials must obtain and submit verification of U.S. course/degree equivalency

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $4,840.00 per month
• Employees at High Desert State Prison for 12 consecutive qualifying pay periods will receive an annual $2,600 recruitment and retention bonus
• Effective July 1, 2025, full-time employees in Bargaining Unit 20 have a 3 percent base salary reduction and receive 5 Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 leave credits monthly through June 2027
• Eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) benefits
• Additional benefits information available at www.benefits.calhr.ca.gov and www.calpers.ca.gov

Application Information

Final Filing Date: October 26, 2026

Eligible applicants include individuals currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, with list or LEAP eligibility, in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or with SROA and/or Surplus eligibility. Priority consideration is given to Reemployment, Departmental Restriction of Appointment (DROA), State Restriction of Appointment (SROA), and Surplus candidates.

Applications must be submitted electronically through CalCareers at www.CalCareers.ca.gov or by mail/drop-off to the addresses provided. All required documents must be received or postmarked by the final filing date.

Required Application Documents

• State Examination/Employment Application (STD Form 678)
• Current Nursing Assistant Certificate
• Resume (optional but may be included)
• Unofficial transcripts/diploma if meeting minimum qualifications through education

Work Location

Susanville, California (Lassen County). This is an in-office position with no telework option.