Nursing Assistant

VA Portland Health Care System (DOVA); Portland (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, OR seeks a Nursing Assistant (GS-3/4) to provide direct patient care to veterans. You will document care, monitor patient status, and support daily living activities within the unit’s treatment plan, under supervision.

This role requires U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, and relevant education or experience. The facility offers stable schedules, patient-centered care, and opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and English language proficiency.
• GS-3/GS-4 requires related education or experience.
• Direct care experience or training in nursing support preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for veterans and monitor patient condition.
• Document observations and care in the chart and on forms.
• Assist with daily living activities and basic nursing tasks.
• Participate in treatment planning meetings and care conferences.

Skills

Nursing Assistant

Education

Two years of education above high school

Job description

Summary

VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is a Level 1A interdisciplinary teaching and quaternary facility with service-lines serving primary care, emergency medicine, medicine, surgery, specialty, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and multiple community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC). VAPORHCS operates a Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) which serves homeless Veterans in downtown Portland,

Summary

VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is a Level 1A interdisciplinary teaching and quaternary facility with service-lines serving primary care, emergency medicine, medicine, surgery, specialty, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and multiple community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC). VAPORHCS operates a Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) which serves homeless Veterans in downtown Portland,

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
10/14/2025 to 09/30/2026

$41,686 to – $68,052 per year

GS 3 – 5

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Portland, OR

1 vacancy

No

No

Not required

No

Permanent

Full-time

Excepted

Promotion potential

5

Job family (Series)

• 0621 Nursing Assistant

No

Other

Yes

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

• Suitability/Fitness

No

No

CBSV-12815226-26-TP

848006300

This job is open to

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Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

Areas of consideration for external candidates: Open to All US Citizens & Other Federal Employees (competitive & excepted service) NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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This job is also open in another announcement to:

The public

Federal employees – Competitive service

Federal employees – Excepted service

Videos

• Utilizes glucose monitoring machine to receive glucose readings for veterans refers deviation to appropriate health care staff
• Provides direct care for complex veterans
• Makes observations of subtle changes in resident’s condition, i. e. behavior shifts, mood, skin coloring, appetite, etc. and takes action accordingly within the NA’s assigned role.
• Documents care given, observations and responses on appropriate tools or forms.
• Responds appropriately to subtle patient changes by contacting the appropriate nursing personal x Administers complete tracheostomy care, including suctioning.
• Monitor and documents patient intake and output reports deviations timely and accurately
• Performs 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: enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, skin care simple dressing, application of braces and prosthetic devices, monitoring of devices.
• Works on small group activities with veterans/residents according to the patients/resident treatment plan.
• Recognizes the residents’ autonomy and promotes independence by means of respect, limit setting and individualized treatment.
• Actively participates in Treatment Planning Meetings
• Utilizes equipment to promote the veteran self-care, such as; lift equipment, Hydro sound Tubs, and Veteran/Resident Wandering System.
• Verbally provides patient information to the treatment team for inclusion in the veteran/residents’ plan of care, participates in treatment team meetings for resident care planning.
• Enters information about the residents’ condition in the chart, utilizing appropriate formats.
• Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment for the patient/resident
• Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations, contributes to infection control, and utilizes proper aseptic technique in performance of duties.
• Serves as the unit safe patient handling liaison
• Serves as preceptor and mentor to other NA’s,
• Orients members of the health care team to the units as appropriate
• Functions as a member of the unit based council
• Manages distributed patient behavior and by appropriately intervenes and request assistant from other health care members.
• Appropriately initiates basic life support, takes actions appropriate action.
• May provide monitoring of patients via a Continuous Video Monitoring with completion of training requirements.

Work Schedule : Days, Nights, Weekends, and Holidays

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 0000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Requirements

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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.
• 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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.

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.

• +English Language +Proficiency+. NAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.

• + [Experience or] Education or Training. +

• (1) [Six months of general experience. Experience must demonstrate the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a NA; OR,]

• (2) One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation; OR,

• (3) Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training course of study or program of less than one year as a NA may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3.

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 : Nursing Assistant

• GS-3 NA (Entry Level)

• (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements.

• GS-4 NA

• (a) Experience. One year of specialized experience as a NA 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 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:

• i Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents.

• ii Ability to observe patients/residents’ or resident’s physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner.

• iii 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.

• iv Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals

Preferred Experience: 6 months of hospital nursing assistant experience, Certified Nursing Assistants, and medical terminology knowledge and experience.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-4.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination. Exceptions: A pre-placement examination is required for any occupation or assignment that requires the operation of a government-owned or -leased motor vehicle in order to properly carry out assigned duties. Examinations may also be required for any occupation or assignment that requires a pre-placement examination by virtue of another policy, regulation, or statute

Education

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 https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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

Help

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

Required Documents

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To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted ‘Resume’ document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the ‘Other’ document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans’ preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Agency contact information

Trevor Potter

[phone] X53044

[e-mail]

VA Portland Health Care System

3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road

Portland, OR 97239

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request