The VA Northeast Ohio Health Care System is recruiting for Nursing Assistants. The Nursing Assistants will function within the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) in Social Work Service. This is an intensive case management program for homeless veterans, aimed at providing psychosocial services to veterans while residing in stable housing through HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Program. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Training: One year above high school with courses related to the Nursing Assistant occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assistant may also meet in full the experience requirements for GS-3. English Language Proficiency. Nursing Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: GS-3: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4: One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or experience in another medical field (licensed practical nurse, health technician, hospital corpsman, etc.), performing technical and nursing skills requiring knowledge of the human physical and emotional states, therapeutic communication, and technical skills required for basic and intermediate treatments. OR Successful completion of 2 years above high school in an accredited institution with courses related to nursing care, health care or in a field of study appropriate to the specialization of the position, such as education in a program for psychology, psychiatric, or operating room technicians (Transcripts must be submitted). AND Demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Ability to provide a range of patient/resident care and contribute to the completion of the nurse care plan and recovery of patients/residents. 2. Ability to observe patients/residents' or resident's physical or emotional status and refer deviations and/or problems to supervisor in a timely manner. 3. Ability to properly use equipment, materials and supplies in simple diagnostic and treatment procedures such as bladder scan, continuous passive motion device, blood glucose monitoring machine, specimen collection, etc. 4. Ability to communicate effectively with patients/residents, their families and other health professionals. GS-5: One year of progressively responsible assignments and experience equivalent to the GS-4 level which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities that are directly related to the specific assignment. OR Successful completion of a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree that included 24 semester hours of courses related to health care or possession of a bachelor's degree (Transcripts must be submitted). AND Demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 1. Ability to assist in the full range of nursing care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of a Registered Nurse and/or Licensed Vocational Nurse/Licensed Practical Nurse. 2. Ability to communicate orally with patients/residents, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. This includes serving as a preceptor to new Nursing Assistants by assisting with the coordination of their orientation and overseeing/assessing their practical experience while in a clinical setting. 3. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient/resident care situations and intervene while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. Preferred Experience: Experience with Mental Health and Substance Abuse disorder. Experience working with the homeless population. Experience working within the community. References: VA Handbook 5005/81, Part II, Appendix G46. Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: The position requires heavy lifting and carrying, sometimes over 45 pounds, straight pulling for up to 4 hours, pulling hand over head for up to 2 hours, pushing up to two hours, reaching above the shoulder, use of hands Cleveland VA Medical Center fingers and legs, walking and standing for eight hours, kneeling up to two hours, repeated bending, correctable vision and hearing, depth perception and ability to distinguish colors. ["The Nursing Assistant duties include, but are not limited to: Provides patients' personal hygiene by assisting with bathing/showering, shampooing, shaving, dressing and toileting. Toileting includes the use of bed pans and urinals or assistance to and from the bathroom. Assists with glasses, hearing aids, and other personal grooming. Assists with ambulation in the hallway. Provides activities of daily living by assisting with serving meals, dressing and bathing assistance. Ambulates patients/residents including the use of assistive devices. Provides fresh water and nourishment between meals. Provides patient comfort care by utilizing resources and materials including music therapy, reading, backrubs, and spa days for the Community Living Center. Assists with meal monitoring and food security. Runs resident errands as needed (light housekeeping, meal preparation, and providing transportation to medical appointments, community resources, etc.) Completion of health and wellness screenings (clinical reminders) as appropriate. Provides verbal information pertinent to the patient condition to the professional nurse and documents in CPRS Communicates orally with patients, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. Recognizes and reacts to emergent patient care situations and intervenes while waiting for assistance (recognizes need for BLS, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis). Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92668-A (GS-3), 92669-A (GS-4), 92670-A (GS-5) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
