The Atlanta VA Health Care System is currently recruiting for Nursing Assistants to support the Mental Health Nursing Service Line. 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 NA occupation. Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related course of study of less than one year as a nursing assist may also meet in the full experience for GS-3. Proficient in both spoken and written English. 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-5 (Full Performance Level): 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the professional KSAs below OR Education. 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; AND Demonstrated 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 Vocation 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 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: Mental Health experience References: Nursing Assistant Qualification Standard GS-621 Veterans Health Administration, VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G46. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5 Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15lbs); Light carrying (under 15 lbs); Reaching above shoulders; Use of fingers; Walking (2 hrs); Standing (2hrs); Repeated bending (2hrs)' Working closely with others. ["The Nursing Assistant (NA) serves as a direct caregiver, patient advocate, and participates in the daily plan of care for the patients in accordance with the established nursing and facility policy/ procedures. Duties include but are not limited to: Serves as a liaison between Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, and Registered Nurses. Provides personal nursing care to mental health patients and serves as an active, participating member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. Participates in the admission of the patients by obtaining information, orienting patients to the unit and treatment team and checking patients and their belongings for hazardous items. Checks vital signs, collects specimens and assists the professional nurse or physician with diagnostic testing. Escorts patients to lab, x-ray, or another unit. Encourages independence in patients by instructing, guiding, and assisting patients as needed in activities of daily living. Utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including individual, re-motivation and reality orientation on a one-to-one and group interaction level. Recognizes and reports behavioral changes, and changes in the patient's condition that may be related to medications or sensory distortions. Conducts peer reviews and monitors to ensure that services are being delivered to patients properly and as prescribed. Documents patients' physical and emotional status and responses to nursing interventions, using the problem orientation medical record format. Performs other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule: Monday - Sunday; 07:30 am to 8:00 pm. Rotating shifts.\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: PD508-505684\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]