Nursing Assistant- Inpatient Mental Health

Veterans Health Administration

Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)

On-site

USD 40,000 - 65,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

The Pittsburgh VA Medical Center seeks a Nursing Assistant for the Inpatient Psychiatry/Behavioral Health Units. The role delivers direct patient care to Veterans and supports the treatment team in pursuing care plans.

Responsibilities include vital signs, admissions support, and assisting physicians, with emphasis on safety, independence, and patient participation in therapy. Shifts include weekends and holidays as part of rotating tours.

Qualifications

Education or degrees must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for federal employment.
Foreign education must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency if used to meet qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide care to patients as directed and assist the treatment team in implementing the plan.
Record vital signs, collect specimens, and support diagnostic tests with the physician.
Assist with patient admissions, orient patients to the unit, and ensure a safe, supportive environment.
Promote patient participation in therapy and monitor progress toward goals.

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located at the Pittsburgh VAMC. The nursing assistant will be assigned to the Inpatient Psychiatry/Behavioral Health Units.

Key Responsibilities

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent will serve as an integral member of the Behavioral/Health Inpatient Psychiatry unit at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. Incumbents within this unit provide quality care to Veteran residents and patients using a variety of treatment procedures in one-on-one as well as group settings (i.e.

reality orientation, small group therapy).Major duties include, but are not limited to: Providing care to patients as directed and serving as an integral member of the treatment team by motivating patients and redirecting their behavior toward treatment plan goals; participating in the admission of patients by collecting information, orienting patients to the unit, checking them for contraband when indicated, and assisting the Nurse in formulating appropriate nursing actions; accurately and efficiently vital signs, obtaining specimens, and supporting the Physician with any other diagnostic tests; identifying and meeting the needs of patients for information and guidance in daily living.

Promoting patient participation in therapeutic communities by fostering increased self-reliance and independence through education and involvement of their treatment plan; reporting any changes in patient condition or behavior in a timely manner to the appropriate personnel on the ward; being able to concisely describe and report any subtle behavior changes and interactions among patients and nursing staff.

Performing patient care treatments such as foot soaks or changes of sterile dressings; encouraging patients to maintain self-care and monitoring their physical and emotional progress using the designated charting techniques; maintaining a safe and secure environment oriented toward future independent living; adhering to all Medical Center policies and procedures as directed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Rotating tours including weekends and holidays 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) 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. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & 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/.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $40021 – $65343/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-05.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.