About the opportunity
The Outpatient Mental Health Registered Nurse practices within the Outpatient and Specialty Mental Health program and the Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). The role involves delivering patient-centered, recovery-oriented care, participating in interdisciplinary team huddles, using therapeutic communication, and providing education to Veterans and their families. Key responsibilities include administering medications, coordinating care, documenting triage assessments, and participating in Shared Governance councils to improve care quality.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive annual salary: $75,987 to $148,013 (regular increases and potential performance awards)
- 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days annual leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays)
- Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K (TSP) with up to 5% matching contributions
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (transferable to retirement)
- Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility: Student loan reimbursement up to $200,000
- Relocation/Recruitment incentives may be authorized for highly qualified selectees
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available)
- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing (ACEN or CCNE accredited); or master's level bridge program equivalent; or foreign school graduate with formal degree equivalency validation (e.g., ICD)
- Active, current, full, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia
- English language proficiency (written and spoken)
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and background/security investigation
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program (or obtain a medical/religious exemption)
- Subject to pre-employment drug testing (urinalysis)
- Selective Service registration required for males born after December 31, 1959
Required documents
- Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- College transcripts (required if basing qualifications on education)
- Copy of active nursing license
- DD-214 / Statement of Service (for Veterans claiming preference)
- VA Disability Letter and SF-15 (if claiming 10-point Veteran preference)
- SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable)
- Professional certifications, performance appraisals, or separation notices (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications open: September 9, 2026
- Application deadline: September 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
How to apply
- Click 'Apply Online' on the USAJOBS portal to log in or create an account.
- Select your USAJOBS resume and upload all required supporting documents.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline.
Additional information
- Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
- Ad-hoc telework may be authorized, but this is not a virtual/fully remote position.
- Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, criminal history will not be requested prior to a tentative job offer.
- Candidates lacking licensure but meeting education requirements may be appointed as a Graduate Nurse Technician (GNT) on a temporary 120-day basis.
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 seeking a stable, long-term federal career with comprehensive benefits.
- Professionals interested in mental health and recovery-oriented care within an interdisciplinary team.
- Candidates looking for significant student loan relief through the EDRP program.
- Nurses who value a predictable Monday-through-Friday schedule.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is an on-site role in Florida, so relocation would be necessary if you are not local.
- The position is in the Excepted Service, meaning it does not confer standard competitive status.
- You must be comfortable with mandatory seasonal influenza vaccinations and pre-employment drug testing.
- While ad-hoc telework may be authorized, this is not a remote position.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent fit for nurses aiming to stabilize their financial future through federal pension plans and 401K matching while simultaneously addressing student debt. It offers a structured environment for those looking to specialize in outpatient mental health and contribute to quality improvement through Shared Governance councils.
Our take
Nurses seeking a secure, mission-driven role with substantial financial incentives should apply. Those requiring a fully remote work environment or competitive federal status may find this position less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
