The Iowa City VA Health Care System is hiring a Nursing Assistant for the Mental Health Unit. This role provides direct patient care, supports a safe therapeutic environment, and assists with recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care for veterans in acute psychiatric stabilization. The Nursing Assistant assists with activities of daily living, promoting dignity, privacy, and independence.
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties of the Nursing Assistant - Mental Health include, but are not limited to: Support safe ambulation, transfers, and use of mobility devices using safe patient handling practices. Maintain ward cleanliness, handle linens, and apply physical restraints or protective devices as ordered. Participate in safety checks, observation rounds, and environmental safety activities.
Recognize and report changes in behavior, mood, cognition, or physical status to the RN. Use therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques to support veterans in distress. Document care, observations, and safety checks according to policy and unit expectations. Assist with admission, transfer, discharge, and orientation processes for veterans. Work Schedule: Intermittent.
Intermittent employment is defined as non-fulltime employment in which employees serve under an excepted or competitive service appointment without a regularly scheduled tour of duty. A position with an intermittent work schedule is sporadic and unpredictable so that a tour of duty cannot be regularly scheduled in advance. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
IMPORTANT: If basing all or part of your basic qualifications on education or training, an unofficial copy of college transcripts showing completion of one year of education above high school related to the Nursing Assistant occupation or documentation showing completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant is required to verify you meet the basic qualification requirements.
If basing your qualifications on education at the GS-4 or -5 levels, you must submit a copy of all relevant transcripts with your application. You do not need to submit an official copy; however, your submitted transcript must include your name, name of school, name of program, total credits completed, date degree/certificate conferred. Your transcript will be reviewed for relevant coursework; therefore, the copy you submit must be legible.
Candidates who do not yet meet the basic education requirement but are currently enrolled in a post high school technical school, junior college, college, or university completing coursework related to the Nursing Assistant occupation, must provide proof of enrollment at the time of application. 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/.
Jared.Hovde@va.gov · (319) 338-0581 X636734
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $37026 – $60453/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-29.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-22 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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