Nursing Assistant - Outpatient Mental Health (SPEC Room)

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. [Experience or] Education or Training: At least 2 years prior Nursing Assistant experience. -At least 3 years prior Mental Health and Substance Abuse experience. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

02Grade Determinations

GS-3 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): None beyond the Basic Requirements.

GS-4 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA): (a) EXPERIENCE: One year of specialized experience as an Nursing Assistant or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments; OR, (b) EDUCATION: Successful completion of two (2) years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians; AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.

Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals GS-5 NURSING ASSISTANT (NA):(a) EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are directly related to the specific assignment.

In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs in subparagraph (c) below; OR, (b) EDUCATION: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree.

AND (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel.

This includes serving as a preceptor to new (NAs) by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc.

03Preferred experience

At least 2 years prior Nursing Assistant experience. -At least 3 years prior Mental Health and Substance Abuse experience. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G46, Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard, date 05/2025.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-05.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.

The Nursing Assistant (NA) practices within the scope and certification of a CNA in the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment and demonstrates consistent practice when temporarily assigned to related nursing units and clinics. Provides care and services to multiple populations served and admitted to the nursing unit, clinic, area of assignment as determined by the patient/resident need for nursing care and services.

• Provides care of patients/residents and their environment contributing to optimizing patient/resident outcomes as a member of the multi- disciplinary healthcare team.
• Provides direct patient/resident care in the provision of the psychological, physical, social, and cultural activities of daily living, complete and supportive.
• Provides for the care of patients/residents with dignity and continuous consideration of the individuals emotional needs.
• Provides reporting, communication, and documentation in the computerized patient record system with other members of the multi-disciplinary healthcare team.
• Maintains certification, BLS, and remains current in required education and training as identified by regulating agencies, CVHCS, VISN and National Agencies.
• Demonstrates competency and consistency in the technical use of equipment, application of technical standards and performance of administrative support duties.

Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with standard operating procedures for the maintenance of reusable medical equipment Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Obtain vital signs Assist RN with admissions Inventory and skin checks on new admissions Perform skin search with RN to look for contraband Monitor patients on 1:1 observation for SI/HI, safety, and fall risks on unit 1F Acute Mental Health and float to medical units for patients on 1:1 observation Respond to Code Atlas throughout medical center and on unit 1F Float to Advanced Dementia unit as needed Perform 15 minute rounds on unit 1F and conduct groups for the patients and all other duties as designated by the Nurse Manager Work Schedule: M-F = 5:30am - 2:00pm, No holidays or weekends required Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 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 per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Financial Disclosure Report: Not required