Chart Your Course: A Rewarding Nursing Assistant (Mental Health) Career at Coatesville VA Medical Center

Are you seeking a fulfilling career where you can directly impact the lives of those who have bravely served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a unique opportunity for dedicated individuals to serve as Nursing Assistants (Mental Health) at the Coatesville VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania. This role is more than just a job; it's a chance to be part of a mission-driven organization committed to providing comprehensive healthcare to America's Veterans. With competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, and a supportive team environment, this position presents a stable and rewarding career path for compassionate caregivers.

About the Agency: The Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for the men and women who have served in our nation's military, along with their families, caregivers, and survivors. The VA's mission is rooted in the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE). By joining the VA, you become part of a team committed to delivering whole health care, leveraging advanced technology and a patient-centered approach. The Coatesville VA Medical Center, a key component of the Veterans Health Administration, provides a wide array of services, ensuring Veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Job Responsibilities: Making a Difference in Mental Health Care

As a Nursing Assistant (Mental Health) at the Coatesville VA Medical Center, you will play a vital role in the mental health treatment of Veterans. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of direct patient care activities, ensuring a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment. Key duties include:

• Direct Patient Care: Providing essential care to patients experiencing acute to chronic mental health conditions. This includes assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Patient Observation: Vigilantly observing patients for any changes in their physical or emotional state, promptly reporting any concerns or deviations to the nursing supervisor.
• Therapeutic Environment: Maintaining a therapeutic milieu that promotes healing and recovery, adhering to established policies and procedures. This includes engaging patients in therapeutic activities and ensuring a safe living space.
• Intervention and Support: Responding effectively to emergent patient care situations, such as behavioral crises or the need for basic life support, while awaiting further assistance.
• Care Plan Contribution: Participating actively in patient-centered conferences and shift reports, providing valuable input for the development and ongoing review of individual nursing care plans.
• Technical Skills: Utilizing and maintaining medical equipment and supplies for diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as bladder scans and blood glucose monitoring, adhering to strict protocols.
• Communication: Effectively communicating with patients, their families, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure coordinated and holistic care.
• Documentation: Accurately documenting patient information, observations, and interventions in the medical record.
• Safety and Infection Control: Adhering to all safety regulations, contributing to infection control and prevention efforts, and utilizing proper aseptic techniques.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
• Physical Evaluation: Successful completion of a pre-employment physical evaluation is mandatory.
• Background Investigation: Subject to a background and security investigation.
• Onboarding: Completion of an online onboarding process is required.
• Identification: Must provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements. Note that REAL ID compliant identification will be required after May 7, 2025.
• Drug Screening: Selected applicants will undergo urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Application Completion: All application requirements, including those in the 'Required Documents' section, must be fully met.
• Trial Period: A 1 or 2-year trial period may be required as a condition of employment.
• Vaccination Program: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.

Educational and Experience Pathways:

Applicants can qualify based on a combination of education and experience:

• For GS-3 (Entry Level):

  • Six months of general experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of a Nursing Assistant.
  • OR One year of education above the high school level with courses related to the NA occupation.
  • OR Completion of an intensive, specialized occupation-related training program of less than one year as a NA.

• For GS-4:

  • One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or in a related medical field (e.g., LPN, hospital corpsman) performing technical and nursing skills.
  • OR Successful completion of 2 years of study above high school in an accredited institution with relevant coursework (e.g., nursing care, health care, psychology, psychiatric technology).
  • *In addition to experience/education, demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) are required, including patient care, observation, equipment use, and communication.

• For GS-5 (Full Performance Level):

  • One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to the GS-4 level.
  • OR Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, including 24 semester hours of health care-related courses, or possession of a bachelor's degree.
  • *In addition to experience/education, demonstrated professional KSAs are required, including assisting with comprehensive nursing care, effective communication, and recognizing/reacting to emergent situations.

Preferred Experience: Two years of experience in Geriatrics and Extended Care.

Salary Overview: Compensation and Potential

The salary for this Nursing Assistant position ranges from $39,520 to $64,524 per year. The specific grade and step at which an applicant is hired will depend on their qualifications and the needs of the VA. Candidates with higher or unique qualifications may be eligible for an above-minimum rate within the appropriate grade. The VA offers regular salary increases, providing a stable and predictable income progression.

Benefits: Comprehensive Support for Federal Employees

Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs comes with a robust package of benefits designed to support you and your family:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising annual leave (13-26 days), sick leave (13 days), and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension with a 5-year vesting period and a federal 401(k) plan with up to a 5% employer match.
• Health Insurance: Access comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and term life insurance programs, many of which can be carried into retirement.
• Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
• Child Care Subsidy: Full-time employees with a qualifying family income may be eligible for a childcare subsidy.
• Incentives: A recruitment or relocation incentive of up to $3,000 may be available for highly qualified candidates.
• Work-Life Balance: While not explicitly detailed as flexible, the federal system typically offers opportunities for work-life integration through its leave policies and stable work schedules.

Application Tips: Navigating the Process

To ensure a smooth and successful application process, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be Specific: Clearly articulate your experience and skills in your resume. Avoid vague statements and provide concrete examples of your accomplishments and responsibilities.
• Complete All Sections: Thoroughly complete the entire occupational questionnaire. Your answers are critical for determining your qualifications.
• Gather Documents Early: Prepare all required documents, such as transcripts (if using education to qualify), SF-50s (for current/former federal employees), and DD-214 (for veterans), well in advance.
• Submit on Time: Ensure your complete application package is submitted before the closing date of September 21, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET.
• Contact for Assistance: If you encounter any issues with the online application system or require an alternative submission method, reach out to the agency contact provided in the announcement.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q1: What is the salary range for this position? A: The annual salary ranges from $39,520 to $64,524.

Q2: What are the basic requirements to apply? A: Key requirements include U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, passing a physical and background check, and completing all application steps and documentation.

Q3: What grade levels are available? A: The position is open for grades GS-3 through GS-5, with GS-5 being the full performance level.

Q4: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, Permanent Change of Station (relocation assistance) is not authorized for this vacancy.

Q5: What is the typical work schedule? A: The standard schedule is 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with the possibility of rotation to other tours, including holidays and weekends.

Q6: Can I receive a sign-on bonus? A: Yes, a recruitment or relocation incentive of up to $3,000 may be authorized for eligible, highly qualified candidates.

Embark on a fulfilling career path as a Nursing Assistant (Mental Health) with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide vital care to Veterans, benefit from a stable federal employment structure, and contribute to a mission of national significance. If you possess the compassion, skills, and dedication required to serve our heroes, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of the VA healthcare team.