About the opportunity
This position within the Veterans Health Administration at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Illinois, provides specialized personal nursing care to residents whose care may be impacted by psychiatric, medical, and geriatric conditions. The role involves performing multi-step treatments and procedures requiring skills and extensive knowledge specific to resident conditions, medical treatment, and understanding treatment effects. Major duties include personal patient care, supporting diagnostic procedures, charting, assisting with admission processes, and serving as an integral member of the treatment team under the direction of licensed nursing staff. The actual grade level at which an applicant may be selected ranges from GS-3 to GS-5 based on qualifications.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary ranging from $36,464 to $58,879 per year depending on the grade level (GS-3 to GS-5)
- Federal employee benefits including annual and sick leave accrual
- Comprehensive health and insurance benefits
- Retirement plan options
Who can apply?
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must be proficient in spoken and written English
- Must meet basic education or experience requirements (six months of general experience, one year of education above high school, or specialized training)
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening
Required documents
- Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcript (if using education to qualify)
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (for Veterans' Preference)
- SF-15 and required proof (if claiming 10-point Veterans' preference, if applicable)
- SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (for current or former Federal employees, if applicable)
When to apply
- Announcement Opening Date: October 21, 2026
- Application Closing Date: October 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Create or log into your existing account on USAJOBS
- Prepare your resume and gather required supporting documentation such as transcripts or veteran paperwork
- Complete the full online occupational questionnaire via USA Staffing
- Submit the complete application package prior to the closing deadline on October 29, 2026
Additional information
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
- Selected applicants are required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status
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…
- Candidates with prior healthcare, nursing assistant, or direct patient care experience in medical, geriatric, or psychiatric settings
- Individuals who meet basic federal education or experience requirements for GS-3 through GS-5 grade levels
- Applicants seeking stable federal employment with comprehensive benefits within the veterans healthcare system
- Veterans looking to transition skills into a civil service healthcare support role
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires long periods of continued walking, standing, and sitting
- Work schedule involves rotating days, weekends, and holidays
- Mandatory annual seasonal influenza vaccination is a strict condition of employment
- Selected candidates must successfully complete a 1 or 2-year trial period
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers a solid stepping stone for individuals building a career in healthcare support or seeking stable federal employment within the public sector. It provides practical clinical experience in specialized nursing care, making it suitable for those looking to develop long-term career paths in healthcare administration, nursing, or patient care services.
Our take
Candidates with a background in nursing assistance or healthcare who are comfortable with shift rotations and physical patient care should consider applying before the October 29, 2026 deadline. It is less suitable for individuals seeking remote work or fixed Monday-to-Friday schedules.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
