Launch Your Healthcare Career: Nursing Assistant at the Albany VA Medical Center

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a lasting impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Nursing Assistant for the Inpatient Mental Health unit at the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, New York. This role is a vital component of our multidisciplinary team, dedicated to the recovery and well-being of those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Nursing Assistant in an inpatient mental health setting, your duties will be diverse and highly rewarding. Key responsibilities include:

Patient Rapport: Assisting with admissions, orienting patients to the unit, and explaining unit rules and patient rights.
Clinical Support: Providing direct care for acutely or chronically ill patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Environment Safety: Participating in maintaining a safe, recovery-oriented environment and instituting interventions during behavioral incidents.
Team Collaboration: Working as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and contributing to care planning.
Technical Assistance: Utilizing specialized medical equipment such as bladder scanners and assisting with complex procedures or dressing changes.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Language	Proficient in written and spoken English
Vetting	Must pass a background security investigation and drug test
Certification	Maintain current CPR, BERT, and PMDB certifications
Fitness	Must meet physical requirements (lifting, walking, standing)

Salary and Compensation

This position offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $33,463 to $54,635 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The VA provides regular salary increases and opportunities for step-rate adjustments based on unique skills or the agency's special needs.

Benefits of Working at the VA

Federal employment is synonymous with security and stability. Employees enjoy:

Robust Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
Retirement: A federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous leave package (up to 50 days of total leave/holidays annually).
Parental Support: 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, follow these expert tips:

Use the Right Resume: Download and use the standard Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA website.
Be Precise: When describing your experience, avoid generalizations. Use concrete examples of your nursing duties.
Check Your Documents: Ensure that all certificates, transcripts, and identification forms are current and uploaded correctly in the requested fields.

Serving our Veterans is more than just a job; it is a calling. If you are a compassionate, skilled Nursing Assistant ready to join a supportive and mission-driven team in Albany, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs today.

Why This Nursing Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes. Join the Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center as a Nursing Assistant and provide compassionate, specialized care to Veterans in an inpatient mental health setting.

Nursing Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Nursing Assistant for an inpatient mental health unit in Albany, New York. In this role, you will work under the supervision of Registered Nurses to provide direct patient care, support patient recovery, and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to serve those who have served our country while developing professional nursing skills in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary setting.

Requirements for Nursing Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Must complete an online onboarding process and background security investigation.
Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting, prolonged standing, and extensive walking.

Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant

Previous experience in inpatient psychiatry or mental health settings.
Demonstrated ability to perform patient care planning and implementation.
Technical proficiency with diagnostic tools like bladder scanners and blood glucose monitors.
Experience in behavioral crisis intervention and basic life support.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave).
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Child care subsidy programs for eligible employees.
✓Career development and mentorship opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nursing Assistant Job

Visit the USAJobs portal to create or log into your account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, the mandatory one-page clinical resume, and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, SF-50s).
Submit your full application package before the deadline of August 5, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and clear when describing your work history; the agency cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Ensure you upload the mandatory one-page clinical resume document exactly as provided by the VA link.
Double-check your application for completeness before hitting submit, as missing documents may affect your eligibility.
Monitor your email regularly for status updates regarding your application and potential interview requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the work schedule for this position?

This is a full-time night shift position (12:00 AM – 8:00 AM), which includes rotating weekends and holidays.

Are there opportunities for relocation assistance?

No, this position does not offer relocation assistance (Permanent Change of Station).

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this is an on-site clinical position that is not eligible for telework.

What shift is this position?

This is a full-time night shift position (12:00 AM – 8:00 AM) that requires working rotating weekends and holidays.

Can I work from home?

No, this position is exclusively on-site at the medical facility.

Is there a trial period?

Yes, all new appointees to this position are subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate their fitness for the role.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates with a clear and profound mission: to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families. Working at the Stratton VA Medical Center means becoming part of a community that values clinical excellence, compassion, and innovation. We provide a whole-health approach to care, ensuring our Veterans receive the high-quality support they deserve.