Nursing Assistant (Inpatient Mental Health) OPEN CONTINUOUS

Summary
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 31, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 27, 2023, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.
This job is open to

• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT until May 31, 2024 and is open to U.S. Citizens. If your are a Department of Veterans Affairs employee or other Federal agency employee, please apply to CAZM-12208024-24-GC-OCA.
This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Internal to an agency

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Federal employees - Competitive service
• Federal employees - Excepted service
• Internal to an agency

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Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Complete all care assignments in a safe and timely manner
• Actively participate in unit level quality improvement activities and attends huddles, team meetings, and assigned committees.
• Complete applicable documentation per policy to include but not limited to Intake/Output, daily weights, vital signs, pain score, hourly rounding, blood glucose testing with accurate comment for notification.
• Use the appropriate equipment for safe patient handling to include but not limited to: SCDs, bladder scanner, Bucks tractions, lift equipment, CPM, glucometer to include maintenance of quality controls as applicable.
• Adhere to all reusable medical equipment (RME) standard operating procedures.
• Participate in the equipment inventory process.
• Implement the appropriate interventions to prevent/reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers and patient falls under the direction of the RN/LVN.
• Perform nursing procedures within scope of practice and according to policies and standard procedures to care for the veteran for such procedures, but not limited to: catheterization, colostomy care, skin care, simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices.
• May assist with surgical skin preparation to include hair clipping and holding limbs.
• Participate in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the Veteran.
• Maintain BLS certification and demonstrates proper procedure in initiating CPR.
• Transport patients safely and professionally as assigned using hand-off communication tool.
• Transport medication, supplies, equipment, blood and specimens and any other transport needs as directed.
• Monitor patients according to levels of observation i.e. 1:1 veterans as well as veterans in a close observation status in accordance with facility policies.
• Age differences - deliver nursing care that reflects the various phases of the life cycle from 18 to 85 years and over.
• Perform other tasks requested by the RN/LVN or primary care provider.
• Provide assistance with coordination of daily activities under the direction of RN/LVN.
• Provide assistance to all levels of clinical and non-clinical staff when warranted and within level of competence and scope of practice as indicated within the unit specific competencies.

Work Schedule: Rotating Shift to include Nights/Weekends/Holidays. 8-12 hour tours: Day: 07:30am to 4:00pm; Day: 7:30am to 8:00pm; Day: 11:30am to 8:00pm; Evening 3:30pm to Midnight; Night: 7:30pm to 08:00am; Night-11:00p.m. to 8:00am
Compressed/Flexible:No
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Education or Training. One year above high school with courses related to the NA occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a Nursing Assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.
Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
English Language Proficiency.Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
Grandfathering Provision. 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).
Grade Determinations:
GS-5 Nursing Assistant (Full Performance Level)
Experience. One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment.
OR,
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 (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED);
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
Preferred Experience:

• 1-2 year experience working on inpatient medical, or Mental Health unit
• Current BLS required
• Basic Microsoft Skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Good customer service and communication skills
• Certified Nursing Assistant

References: VA Handbook 5005/81 Part II Appendix G46. Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0621, March 12, 2015.
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.
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting/carrying, 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling (1 hours); Pushing (1-3 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (4 hours); Standing (2-7 hours); Kneeling (2 hours); Repeated bending (2 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Specific visual requirement 20/40 DVA corrected; Both eyes required; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Sitting (8 hours); Simple grasping (2-4 hours); Fine manipulation including keyboarding (4-6 hours); Twisting (2 hours); Mental and emotional stability.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• Benefits
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. ...