Nursing Assistant

About the opportunity

The Nursing Assistant position at the Veterans Health Administration in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, involves providing care to patients or residents with acute to chronic conditions in mental health settings. Duties include responding to subtle patient changes, participating in care plan development, maintaining a therapeutic environment, engaging patients in group activities, performing basic and intermediate nursing care procedures (such as catheterization, skin care, and monitoring), and reacting appropriately to emergent situations.

Salary and benefits

• Annual competitive salary ranging from $39,520 to $64,524 (GS-3 to GS-5 levels), with potential for higher step placement based on unique qualifications.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive (sign-on bonus) of up to $3,000 may be authorized for eligible, highly qualified candidates.
• 37 to 50 days of paid time off per year (13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Childcare subsidy up to 25% of eligible childcare costs (maximum $416.66 per month) for full-time employees after 60 days of employment.
• Traditional federal pension (vested after 5 years) and Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many programs can be carried into retirement).

Who can apply?

• Must be a United States citizen (non-citizens may only be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited per VA policy).
• Must have 6 months of general experience, OR 1 year of post-high school education related to nursing assistant occupation, OR completion of an intensive specialized nursing assistant training program (or covered by the VA Grandfathering Provision for GS-3 entry).
• For GS-4 level: 1 year of specialized NA/medical experience OR successful completion of 2 years of post-high school education with healthcare courses, plus demonstrated KSAs.
• For GS-5 level: 1 year of GS-4 equivalent experience OR a 4-year bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in healthcare courses, plus demonstrated KSAs.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination, background/security investigation, and drug screening urinalysis.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all VA Health Care Personnel (or an approved medical or religious exemption).

Required documents

• Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Completed online occupational questionnaire.
• Copy of official college transcripts (if using education to qualify).
• Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts (if using foreign education).
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (for current or former federal employees).
• DD-214 / Statement of Service (for military veterans, if applicable).
• VA Disability Letter (if applicable).
• Cover Letter (optional/if applicable).

When to apply

• Applications must be submitted by September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

How to apply

• Review the job announcement and preview the online assessment questionnaire.
• Log in to or create an account on USAJOBS.
• Select your resume and required supporting documents.
• Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
• Submit your complete application package before the closing deadline on September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Additional information

• Work schedule is 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM, including weekends and holidays.
• Telework and virtual work arrangements are not available.
• Position requires serving a 1-year or 2-year trial period.
• Permanent Change of Station (relocation assistance) is not authorized.
• Effective May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID compliant driver's licenses cannot be used as acceptable identification for federal employment.