Nursing Assistant - Community Living Center

Veterans Health Administration • Erie, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nursing Assistant provides compassionate, resident-centered care to Veterans in the Erie VAMC Community Living Center Alpha. Under the direction of licensed nursing staff, the assistant provides personal care, monitors resident health and safety, supports clinical care, and contributes to a safe, therapeutic environment. The role involves working as a member of the nursing care team with residents in acute, sub-acute, or chronic states of illness, including residents with dementia or behavioral health needs. At the full-performance level, the Nursing Assistant may guide lower-graded assistants, support new-assistant orientation, and help maintain unit operations through effective prioritization and time management.

The position is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and consists of six 12-hour shifts and one 8-hour shift per biweekly pay period. This is not a virtual position, and telework is not available. The vacancy has a full-performance level of GS-5, with selection possible at GS-3 through GS-5.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA policy exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet one of the basic qualification pathways: six months of general experience demonstrating ability to acquire Nursing Assistant knowledge and skills; one year of education above high school with courses related to the occupation; or completion of an intensive, specialized occupation-related Nursing Assistant course of study lasting less than one year.
• For GS-4 consideration, meet either the experience pathway of one year of specialized Nursing Assistant or related medical-field experience performing relevant technical and nursing skills, or the education pathway of two years of post-high-school study in a relevant field; and demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-4 consideration, demonstrate ability to provide a range of resident care and contribute to nurse care plans; observe and promptly report physical or emotional changes; properly use equipment and supplies for simple diagnostic and treatment procedures; and communicate effectively with residents, families, and health professionals.
• For GS-5 consideration, have one year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 and demonstrate the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities, or have a bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours of health-care-related coursework or a bachelor's degree, as specified in the posting.
• For GS-5 consideration, demonstrate ability to assist with the full range of nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse; communicate orally with residents, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other personnel; and recognize and respond to emergent care situations.
• Selected applicants must complete applicable pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and identification requirements; VA Health Care Personnel must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• A one- or two-year trial period is required, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions may be used to qualify; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an inpatient or long-term care setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, dressing, feeding, toileting, and mobility.
• Obtain, measure, and record vital signs, and report changes in residents' physical, mental, or behavioral status to nursing staff.
• Assist with restorative and rehabilitative care, including positioning, transfers, range-of-motion exercises, and safe ambulation using appropriate equipment.
• Observe and document resident condition, including pain levels, skin integrity, intake and output, functional status, and safety concerns.
• Collect specimens and provide basic clinical support, including applying non-sterile dressings, assisting with wound care, and performing simple treatments as directed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment by conducting environmental rounds, cleaning equipment, and stocking supplies.
• Engage residents in therapeutic activities and provide emotional support, including structured interactions for residents with dementia or behavioral health needs.
• Communicate resident observations, contribute to care-planning discussions, and coordinate with interdisciplinary team members to meet care goals.
• At the full-performance level, provide guidance to lower-graded Nursing Assistants and support unit operations through effective time management and prioritization.
• At the GS-5 level, assist with new Nursing Assistant orientation and oversee or assess practical experience in a clinical setting.
• Recognize and respond to emergent resident-care situations and intervene while awaiting assistance.

Benefits

• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Eligible full-time employees may qualify after 60 days for a child-care subsidy of up to 25% of eligible child-care costs, subject to income, child-eligibility, and monthly-maximum limits.
• Traditional federal pension, with five-year vesting, and federal 401(k) with up to 5% in VA contributions.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.
• Selected applicants may qualify for annual-leave accrual credit based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed