Launch Your Healthcare Career with the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System
Are you looking for a career that combines clinical excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is currently recruiting for Nursing Assistants (Community Living Center) to join our dedicated team. This is your chance to provide compassionate, whole-person care to the Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant at a Community Living Center, your primary goal is to ensure the comfort, safety, and independence of our residents. Your daily duties will include:
- Assisting Veterans with Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
- Implementing Restorative Plans of Care, including range-of-motion exercises.
- Monitoring vital signs and documenting patient health status.
- Supporting clinical procedures such as dressing changes and oxygen therapy.
- Collaborating with Registered Nurses and interdisciplinary teams on care planning.
Role Comparison Table
| Level | Focus | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Entry-level, closely supervised | Basic requirements met |
| GS-4 | Developmental, assisting clinical team | 1 year specialized experience |
| GS-5 | Full performance, mentoring others | 1 year experience at GS-4 level |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific federal requirements, including:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Proficiency: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Screening: Candidates must pass a pre-employment physical and background check. A drug test is also required.
- Vaccination: Participation in the mandatory influenza vaccination program is required.
Salary and Benefits
The VA provides a competitive "Total Rewards" package designed to support both your professional and personal life.
- Compensation: Salary range of $42,127 to $68,781 depending on experience and grade level.
- Paid Time Off: 13–26 days of annual leave plus 13 sick days per year, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
- Retirement: Access to a federal pension and a 401k-style thrift savings plan.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and a chance to make a tangible difference. If you are ready to serve those who have served, we invite you to submit your application and join our team in the Pacific Northwest.
Why This Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center Job Matters
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the compassionate, world-class nursing team at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System.
Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated Nursing Assistants to provide high-quality, compassionate care at our Community Living Centers in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. In this role, you will work closely with Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses to support the daily health, wellness, and comfort of Veterans. You will play a vital role in our interdisciplinary care teams, ensuring that our geriatric and rehabilitative patients receive the respect, dignity, and specialized care they deserve. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance your healthcare career within the most complex and robust VA healthcare system in the country.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Pass a pre-employment physical evaluation
- Must undergo a background and security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Complete a 1 to 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center
- At least one year of professional experience in a nursing home setting
- Demonstrated ability to perform intermediate nursing care and patient treatments
- Experience working within an interdisciplinary medical team
- Strong communication skills for patient advocacy and family interaction
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Traditional federal pension and 401k-style savings plan with employer matching
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 sick days annually
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
- ✓Childcare subsidies for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your long-form resume ensuring it includes dates, hours per week, and detailed duties.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as transcripts, licenses, or certifications.
- Submit your final application package by the closing date of September 30, 2027.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed—the HR team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly states if positions were full-time or part-time.
- Verify your license and education documentation matches the requirements for the specific GS-grade you are targeting.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues on the closing day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay scale for this position?
This role is currently offered at the GS-3 to GS-5 level, with a starting salary range of $42,127 to $68,781 per year, depending on qualifications.
Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes, as a federal employee at the VA, you have access to continuous training and development, with the potential for career growth across various specialized service lines.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, this position is open to the public; however, we strongly encourage veterans to apply and offer various tools to support their transition into VA careers.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families." The VA Puget Sound Healthcare System is a premier, Level 1a teaching institution. With facilities in both Seattle and Tacoma, we provide a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized rehabilitation.