Advance Your Nursing Career: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the VA
Are you a dedicated Nurse Practitioner passionate about serving our nation's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Jacksonville, Florida, is currently seeking a motivated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to support our critical HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) program. This role is a unique opportunity to provide specialized, life-changing mental health care for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Job Responsibilities
In this capacity, you will serve as a key member of the interdisciplinary mental health team. Your primary focus will be providing compassionate, high-quality care to Veterans dealing with serious mental illness and housing instability. Key duties include:
- Assessment & Planning: Conduct thorough clinical evaluations and develop comprehensive, individualized care plans.
- Direct Clinical Care: Perform history and physical examinations for new admissions and provide essential nursing functions.
- Collaborative Practice: Work alongside interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care delivery.
- Program Support: Utilize clinical data to contribute to program evaluation and improvement of care delivery models.
- Veteran Outreach: Educate Veterans on medication, disease management, and community resources to ensure long-term stability.
Comparison: Nurse Practitioner Grades
| Feature | Nurse II (Entry) | Nurse III (Experienced) |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | No experience required | 1+ year specialized APN experience |
| Clinical Scope | Proficiency in managing panels | Expertise in complex care management |
| Leadership | Team-based contribution | Initiates/leads interdisciplinary teams |
| Professionalism | Develops expertise | Disseminates knowledge internally/externally |
Requirements
To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the basic VA qualification standards for the 0610 series:
- Education: A Master's or Doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program.
- Licensure: An active, full, and unrestricted APN license in any U.S. State or territory.
- Certification: Must maintain active board certification as a PMHNP (ANCC, AANPCB, etc.).
- Proficiency: Excellent English communication skills.
- Screening: Willingness to undergo physical exams and drug testing.
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a robust Total Rewards package that reflects the importance of this role. Salaries for this position range from $132,000 to $191,356 per year, depending on qualifications and grade level. Additionally, employees enjoy:
- Student Loan Assistance: Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
- Generous Time Off: 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
- Federal Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance that often carries into retirement.
- Stability: A standard Monday–Friday, 0800–1630 schedule, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a chance to honor the men and women who served our nation. If you are an experienced PMHNP ready to make a significant impact on Veteran homelessness and mental health, we encourage you to apply. This position is the perfect fit for a clinician who is as dedicated to professional development as they are to compassionate patient care.
Why This Nurse Practitioner - Hudvash- Mental Health Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country as a HUD-VASH Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida.
Nurse Practitioner - Hudvash- Mental Health Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to join our team in Jacksonville. In this role, you will provide essential mental health services, clinical oversight, and holistic care specifically tailored to Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This position offers the opportunity to combine your clinical expertise with a mission-driven approach to social work and psychiatric care, supported by a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and student loan repayment options through the EDRP.
Requirements for Nurse Practitioner - Hudvash- Mental Health
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Active, full, and unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from an accredited institution.
- Board certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from a recognized certifying body.
- English language proficiency (written and spoken).
- Pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening.
- Background investigation and security clearance eligibility.
- Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse Practitioner - Hudvash- Mental Health
- Prior experience working in mental health and homeless assistance programs.
- Dual certification in both Mental Health and Family Practice.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex patient panels independently.
- Experience in interdisciplinary team leadership and collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular pay increases.
- ✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for student loan reimbursement.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401k-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Generous PTO: 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Flexible work-life balance with a standard Monday-Friday schedule.
💡 How to Apply Nurse Practitioner - Hudvash- Mental Health Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse Practitioner - Hudvash- Mental Health Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a detailed federal-style resume including employer addresses and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents (licenses, transcripts, DD-214, etc.) via the application portal.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Do not leave room for assumptions. Quantify your experience and describe your duties clearly.
- Review all required documents before hitting submit; missing items can result in disqualification.
- Ensure your resume includes month/year dates for all employment history.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure your DD-214 is included to claim your preference points.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HUD-VASH program?
HUD-VASH is a collaborative program between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the VA that combines housing choice vouchers with VA case management and clinical services to assist homeless Veterans.
Is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for the EDRP student loan reimbursement program for those who qualify.
Is there a probationary period for this job?
Yes, selected applicants may be required to serve a probationary period.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a member of our healthcare team, you will be joining an agency that prioritizes whole-health care, community integration, and evidence-based mental health support.