About the opportunity
The Veterans Affairs Black Hills Healthcare System is seeking a compassionate Registered Nurse for the Domiciliary Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program in Hot Springs, South Dakota. This role supports Veterans living with mental health and substance use concerns through recovery-oriented nursing care, safe medication management, patient education, care coordination, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary treatment team. Nurses assess patient needs, develop individualized care plans, coordinate admissions and discharges, and contribute to a structured therapeutic residential setting.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $71,638 to $134,624 per year
- 50 days of paid time off per year, including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays
- Traditional federal pension with 5 years vesting and a federal 401(k) equivalent Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% agency matching contributions
- Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
- Continuing education opportunities and wellness programs
Who can apply?
- U.S. citizenship is required (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Graduation from a school of professional nursing approved by an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (ACEN or CCNE), or possession of a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service
Required documents
- Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Nursing school transcripts
- Proof of current professional nursing licensure
- DD-214 or Statement of Service, and SF-15 with supporting documentation if claiming Veterans' preference, if applicable
- SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action or separation notice, if applicable
When to apply
- Applications open on October 21, 2026
- The application deadline is October 29, 2026, at 11:59:59 PM Eastern Time
How to apply
- Create or log in to an existing account on USAJOBS
- Complete the full online occupational questionnaire via USA Staffing
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including your resume and transcripts
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 29, 2026
Additional information
- The work schedule consists of six 12-hour shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and one 8-hour shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each pay period, including rotating weekends and holidays.
- This position is on-site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, with telework and relocation incentives not authorized.
- All selectees are subject to a background investigation, pre-employment physical examination, and drug screening.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Registered nurses with a strong background in mental health, substance use recovery, or residential rehabilitation settings.
- Professionals seeking a stable federal career with comprehensive health benefits, federal pension matching, and extensive paid time off.
- Clinicians who thrive in multidisciplinary healthcare environments focused on patient-centered, whole-health recovery models.
What should you think carefully about?
- The schedule requires working rotating weekends and holidays, as well as 12-hour shifts.
- The position is strictly on-site in Hot Springs, South Dakota, with no telework or relocation assistance provided.
- The application window is exceptionally brief, closing just eight days after opening.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is well-suited for registered nurses looking to establish a secure, long-term career within the federal healthcare system while specializing in veteran mental health care. It offers structured clinical responsibilities, leadership opportunities such as serving as a Charge RN, and robust retirement and insurance benefits that support long-term professional and personal stability.
Our take
Licensed registered nurses with an interest in psychiatric and mental health nursing who are prepared to relocate or reside near Hot Springs, South Dakota, should apply promptly before the October 29, 2026 deadline. Candidates who require remote work or cannot accommodate rotating weekend shifts will find this position unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
