Nursing Assistant- 10B Inpatient Mental Health

This is an open continuous announcement open until June 23rd, 2026. Qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. The Albany VAMC is looking to hire a Nursing Assistant on our 10B Inpatient Mental Health unit. Experience working in an inpatient behavioral health setting is preferred.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Nursing Assistant (NA) will provide care to patients/residents with acute to chronic conditions in a health care setting. Individuals assigned as GS-3 NA's are considered to be at the entry and are monitored and closely supervised. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision and refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NA's, or other healthcare professionals. The Nursing Assistant (NA) at the GS-4 level is at the intermediate or developmental level and is closely supervised. The NA at this grade level is learning to provide complex nursing care independently as a member of the nursing care team by assisting higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff, and other members of the care team. The significant factor is that they provide care under close supervision, are learning to perform complex nursing skills, and will refer issues/questions to supervisors, higher graded NAs, licensed nursing staff or other healthcare professionals. The Nursing Assistant (NA) at the GS-5 is the full performance level for Nursing Assistant (NA) occupation 0621 series. The NAs at this grade level function as a member of the nursing care team and assist licensed nursing staff in the care of patients/residents receiving preventive, acute, sub-acute chronic, maintenance, and hospice care. The distinguishing factor is that patient/resident assignments typically involve more complex nursing needs which can vary within a range of predictable to unpredictable requirements. The NA at this level also assumes a peer education/mentorship. The duties of the Nursing Assistant include but are not limited too- Learn to appropriately utilize glucose monitoring machine to collect and document appropriate glucose readings for assigned veteran. Maintains a positive therapeutic relationship by displaying respect for human dignity with patient, families and/or significant others utilizing learned communication skills. Utilize observation skills for data collection, reporting and recording patient/resident observations. Performs aspects of nursing care to meet patient's needs for the following under close supervision and with direction/guidance from a preceptor, such as the following: Personal Hygiene Physical comfort Activity, Exercise, Rest Nutrition Elimination Prevention of Skin Breakdown Rehabilitative Aspects of Care Utilize principles of proper body mechanics while caring for patients. Reports patient observations to the RN and or other members of the treatment team. Trained to set up patient care related equipment. Organizes and obtains routine supplies and equipment. Assist with orienting patient/family to unit routines and policies. Work as a cooperative, courteous member of the interdisciplinary team. Safeguarding the patient's right to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature. Uses proper safety practices. Utilize equipment and supplies according to procedures. Utilize principles of proper body mechanics and follows procedures for use of patient care equipment to prevent injury to self or others in all settings such as utilization of lifting equipment. Work Schedule: Full time, shift varies, to be discussed during your interview. 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 offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. 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 Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment health assessment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.