Nursing Assistant - Mental Health

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Mental Health Nursing Assistant to provide direct, recovery‑oriented support to Veterans in inpatient and domiciliary settings.

You will assist with daily living activities, monitor changes in behavior and health, and contribute to treatment planning in a safe, therapeutic environment. Responsibilities include basic nursing procedures, 1:1 monitoring, crisis intervention, and collaboration with treatment teams.

Qualifications

• Direct care for Veterans with complex physical or behavioral needs, assisting ADLs.
• Observe and report changes in mood, behavior, skin, appetite or cognition.
• Submit required transcripts or documentation to verify basic qualification requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for Veterans with complex physical or behavioral needs, supporting ADLs such as hygiene, ambulation, dressing, and meals.
• Observe and report subtle changes in mood, behavior, skin condition, appetite, or cognition, taking action within assigned scope.
• Perform nursing procedures including tracheostomy care, suctioning, I&O monitoring, enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, and simple dressings.
• Support therapeutic groups and treatment goals, promote independence and structured engagement, and participate in planning meetings.
• Provide continuous observations (including 1:1) and intervene during behavioral crises.

Skills

ADL assistance

Observation

1:1 monitoring

Behavior change detection

Education

Nursing assistant education/certification

GS-4/5 qualification transcripts

Tools

Tracheostomy care

Suctioning

Enemas

Catheterization

Colostomy care

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Join the Central Iowa VA Health Care System as a Mental Health Nursing Assistant, providing direct, recovery-oriented support to Veterans in inpatient and domiciliary settings. You will assist with daily living needs, monitor behavioral and physical changes, participate in treatment planning, and help maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties include, but not limited to: Provide direct care for Veterans with complex physical or behavioral needs, supporting ADLs such as hygiene, ambulation, dressing, and meals. Observe and report subtle changes in mood, behavior, skin condition, appetite, or cognition, taking action within assigned scope.

Perform assigned nursing procedures including tracheostomy care, suctioning, I&O monitoring, enemas, catheterization, colostomy care, and simple dressings. Support therapeutic groups and individualized treatment goals by promoting independence, respect, and structured engagement. Participate in treatment planning meetings. Provide continuous observations, including 1:1 monitoring, and intervene appropriately during behavioral crises.

Initiate basic life support and emergency response actions when needed. Work Schedule: Six shifts from 1930-0800 and one shift from 2330-0800 (bi-weekly) with rotating weekends and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized SLRP: This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP).

Repayment is limited to $10,000 annually, up to $60,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. 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) Physical requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.

As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements & Education

IMPORTANT: If basing all or part of your basic qualifications on education or training, an unofficial copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the Nursing Assistant occupation or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant is required to verify you meet the basic qualification requirements.

If basing your qualifications on education at the GS-4 or -5 levels, you must submit a copy of all relevant transcripts with your application. You do not need to submit an official copy; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, date degree/certificate conferred. Your transcript will be reviewed for relevant coursework; therefore, the copy you submit must be legible.

Candidates who do not yet meet the basic education requirement but are currently enrolled in a post high school technical school, junior college, college, or university completing coursework related to the Nursing Assistant occupation, must provide proof of enrollment at the time of 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: 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 $42269 - $69012/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-21.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.