About the opportunity
This position serves as a Nursing Assistant (NA) in the Mental Health Department within the Nursing Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs. At the GS-04 level, the NA provides complex nursing care independently as a member of the nursing care team by assisting higher-graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other team members under close supervision. At the GS-05 level, the NA assists licensed nursing staff in the care of Veterans receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute, chronic, maintenance, and hospice care, while also assuming a peer education and mentorship role. The role requires fulfilling patient care responsibilities, communicating effectively with patients and interdisciplinary teams, and reacting appropriately to emergent situations.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive salary with regular salary increases and potential above-minimum rate setting
- 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for qualifying employees after 60 days
- Traditional federal pension (5-year vesting) and federal 401(k) with up to 5% matching contributions
- Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
Who can apply?
- Must be a citizen of the United States (U.S. non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must possess six (6) months of general experience, one (1) year of education above high school with nursing assistant courses, or completion of an intensive, specialized training course of less than one (1) year
- For GS-04: One (1) year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or in another medical field, or successful completion of two (2) years above high school in an accredited institution with nursing care or health care courses
- For GS-05: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments equivalent to the GS-04 level, or successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of health care courses / possession of a bachelor's degree
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Required documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Transcript (if using education to qualify)
- DD-214 or Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A or VA)
- License or Professional Certification
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (for current or former Federal employees)
- SF-15, SF-50, or Separation Notice (RIF) if applicable
- Other supporting documents as required
When to apply
- Applications open on 2026-09-03
- Application deadline is 2026-09-15 at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to an existing account
- Complete the full occupational questionnaire
- Upload the required documents, ensuring the standard clinical resume document or full resume is correctly placed
- Submit your answers and application package before the closing date
Additional information
- Selected applicants are subject to a urinalysis drug screening and background or security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
- A 1 or 2-year trial period is required upon appointment
- 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…
- You have at least six months of general experience or relevant education in nursing assistant courses.
- You are comfortable working in a team-based environment and providing direct patient care in mental health or acute care settings.
- You are able to communicate effectively with patients and interdisciplinary teams in high-pressure situations.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is an excepted service position, so it does not confer competitive status.
- You must be prepared for a mandatory drug screening and background investigation as part of the hiring process.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all health care personnel.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent entry point for those looking to build a career in healthcare within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It offers a stable environment with significant benefits, including paid time off and retirement contributions, making it a solid choice for long-term career planning in the medical field.
Our take
Individuals with a background in nursing assistance who are looking for a stable, benefits-rich career in a supportive clinical environment should apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
