Supporting Our Heroes: A Career as a Nursing Assistant at the Pittsburgh VA
If you are a dedicated nursing professional looking to advance your career while making a tangible difference, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) in Pittsburgh has a rewarding opportunity for you. We are currently recruiting a Nursing Assistant for our Community Living Center. This position offers a unique chance to provide high-quality, compassionate care to the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nursing Assistant, you will play a critical role in the daily lives of Veterans residing in our Community Living Center. Your responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Assisting with personal hygiene, mobility, and activities of daily living.
- Clinical Monitoring: Performing tasks such as blood glucose monitoring, tracheostomy care, and monitoring patient output.
- Documentation: Accurately recording patient progress and vital signs using our medical information systems.
- Communication: Acting as a bridge between the patient, their families, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Environment: Maintaining a safe and sanitary environment by adhering to infection control protocols.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Feature | GS-3 Level | GS-4 Level | GS-5 Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Req. | Entry/Basic | 1 Year Specialized | 1 Year Adv. Exp |
| Role Complexity | Foundational | Technical/Intermediate | Full Performance |
| Independence | High Supervision | Moderate Supervision | Higher Autonomy |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet basic federal requirements, including U.S. citizenship, English language proficiency, and successful completion of a background check. You must also be prepared to comply with the agency's mandatory influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $40,021 to $65,343 per year. The VA is committed to fair compensation, and we offer regular salary increases. Furthermore, we may consider higher step rates for applicants with exceptional qualifications or experience beyond the minimum requirements.
Benefits
Working for the VA means more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term success, including:
- Federal health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Federal pension and 401(k) savings programs.
- Parental leave and childcare subsidies.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Clearly highlight your experience with direct patient care and long-term care settings.
- Submit All Documents: Don't miss out due to a missing transcript or SF-50. Review the document list twice.
- Be Clear: Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties; write them out clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is prior experience in a hospital required?
While hospital experience is helpful, we welcome applicants with relevant experience in clinics, long-term care, or other medical environments.
Can I work remotely?
No, this is a patient-facing role that requires on-site presence at the Pittsburgh facility.
This position is more than a job; it is a calling. If you are ready to serve those who have served, we encourage you to apply. Join the VA today and help us provide the world-class care that our Veterans deserve.
Why This Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining our dedicated nursing team in Pittsburgh.
Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a compassionate Nursing Assistant for the Community Living Center at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center. In this role, you will provide essential care to Veterans, working directly with a team of healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for our residents.
Requirements for Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must possess proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Must complete an online onboarding process and pre-employment requirements.
- Must participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be subject to mandatory pre-employment drug screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center
- At least one year of specialized experience in a medical setting such as a nursing home, hospital, or clinic.
- Strong clinical background in long-term care environments.
- Demonstrated ability to perform technical procedures such as blood glucose monitoring, catheterization, and tracheostomy care.
- Strong communication skills for patient advocacy and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive Federal Health, Vision, and Dental insurance plans.
- âś“Federal 401k plan with up to 5% employer matching.
- âś“Generous paid time off package (13-26 days of annual leave plus 13 days of sick leave).
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays per year.
- âś“Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
- âś“Childcare subsidy program for eligible full-time employees.
- âś“Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
đź’ˇ 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.
- Review the full job announcement and required documentation list.
- Prepare your resume and any required transcripts or certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documents, including proof of education or prior federal service (SF-50).
- Submit your application package before the closing date of November 13, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific and detailed in your resume regarding your experience to ensure you meet grade-level requirements.
- Double-check that you have uploaded all required supporting documents, such as transcripts or military discharge papers.
- Monitor your email for status updates after the vacancy closes.
- Ensure your driver's license or identification meets REAL ID requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This role involves rotating tours, which include weekends and holidays, typically in 8-12 hour shifts.
Can I qualify for a higher step in the pay scale?
Yes, pay may be set above the minimum rate based on unique qualifications or specialized experience.
Is Veterans' Preference applicable to this role?
Due to a critical staffing shortage, traditional Veterans' Preference rules are waived for this specific announcement, though veterans remain eligible for full consideration.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional care that meets their unique needs. Guided by our "I CARE" values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—we strive to create an environment where both our patients and our staff can thrive.