Within the Mental Health Residential Treatment Program (MH RRTP), the LPN/LVN is responsible for providing a wide range of patient care, diagnostic services, treatments, and documentation in psychiatric or substance use disorder settings under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN). The LPN/LVN performs assigned duties under the guidance of the Nurse Manager or designee, requiring advanced technical competence and skill.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties of the LPN/LVN - MH RRTP include, but are not limited to: Provides therapeutic, rehabilitative, and preventive care to patients, including patient and family education on disease processes, medications, and treatment plans. Observes and identifies physiological and psychological changes in patient condition; accurately report and document findings, procedures, and medications administered.
Prepares, administers, and monitors prescribed medications (oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous) safely, recognizing contraindications and effectiveness. Performs basic and specialized nursing procedures under supervision (e.g., catheterization, nasogastric feeding, suctioning, sterile dressing application, suture removal) while maintaining aseptic technique and infection control protocols.
Responds promptly to urgent and emergent situations such as cardiac or respiratory arrest, seizures, assaultive behavior, or suicidal/homicidal crises; initiate emergency measures and seek assistance as needed. Reviews patient charts, medical history, and care plans to communicate effectively and distinguish patient needs; deliver thorough hand-off reports.
Monitors behavioral changes, provide emotional support, and escalate concerns to RN or provider; assist with mechanical restraints and monitor patients under suicide precautions, seclusion, or restraint per policy. Complies with safety standards, universal precautions, and facility protocols, including fire/disaster drills and security measures; report equipment malfunctions and safety hazards.
Builds constructive relationships with patients, families, and staff, incorporating customer service standards and respecting privacy and dignity. Serves as a responsible member of the nursing team, orienting and training less experienced staff; act as a preceptor when need. Performs support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized procedures, including patient preparation, assisting during exams, and monitoring condition.
Completed assignments independently, prioritize tasks, and resolve conflicts using sound judgment and interpretation of regulations. Seeks educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and share new insights with colleagues to improve practice. Work Schedule: 7:30 pm - 8 am, with rotating weekends and holidays (80 hrs./pay period), subject to change based on the needs of the facility.
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: 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.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01464F, 01465F, 01466F, 01467F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
(i) Knowledge and skill in performing support duties for complex diagnostic tests and/or specialized practices or procedures, which include preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure.
Serves as a preceptor in orienting, educating, and training less experienced LPNs/LVNs or NAs/HTs related to support duties for these more complex, specialized tests/procedures. (j) Actively seeks out educational opportunities to enhance nursing knowledge and skills, sharing new knowledge gained with other staff to improve and advance nursing practice. Preferred Experience: 2 years of mental health and/or substance use disorder experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.
May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.
However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
april.bookout@va.gov · 315-800-7297
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $39099 – $71159/yr.
Applications close on 2026-11-09.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-28 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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