Job Listing: NURSING ASSISTANT (RESTORATIVE CARE)

Duty Locations

 01 vacancies - Pittsburgh Metro area, PA

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  VM183294 (Include on all documents)

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

The person in this position will work under the clinical direction of the Restorative Care Coordinator and is located within Patient Care Services at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. The Nursing Assistant is responsible for assisting in and teaching Veterans Restorative Nursing Care functions with the purpose of facilitating optimal functional independence of the Veteran within the HJ Heinz Progressive Care Center.
 
Major duties and responsibilities include:

Assisting in Veterans Restorative Nursing Care functions;
Observing, reporting and documenting pertinent patient information on the clinical record;
Promoting maximal Veteran motivation and independence;
Providing Veterans with a sense of self worth and dignity by fostering self-reliance;
Performing patient care tasks in the Patient Care Service Line when Restorative Care activities are completed;
Therapeutic Duties:

assisting and/or supervising in active or active assisted range of motion exercises,
performing range-of-motion activities,
assisting in splint or brace application and assessing/documenting skin integrity under the device,
performing bed mobility procedures including positioning, moving to either side, turning, moving to head and foot of bed,
performing supportive instruction in amputation and prosthesis care including application/removal of the prosthesis, caring for the prosthesis, assessing the amputation skin integrity,
assisting and/or supervising the patient with oral eating or swallowing of foods and fluid,
assisting and/or supervises the patient with personal hygiene, dressing and/or grooming,
performing supportive instruction, cueing assistant and/or supervision in bowel and bladder continence, and;
Performing other related duties, as assigned.
TOUR OF DUTY:  Rotating shifts to include weekends and holidays.
DUTY LOCATION: Although assigned a primary duty station, incumbent may be requested to perform duty assignments at any of the three facilities (University Drive, Highland Drive, HJ. Heinz) of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date of the announcement (Wednesday, April 09, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 09, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 09, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

VM183294

 

1. Title of Job

NURSING ASSISTANT (RESTORATIVE CARE) 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (05) you will accept for this position.

05
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Nursing Assistant (Restorative Care)
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0537 Pittsburgh Metro area, PA
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

1. Select the one statement below that best describes your education and/or experience to meet the basic requirements for a Nursing Assistant GS-5. Please refer to the Qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for detailed information.

A. I have at least one year of specialized experience which includes nonprofessional nursing care work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home, or other medical, nursing or patient care facility, or in such work as that of a home health aid.
B. I have successfully completed a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelors degree with courses related to the occupation. Transcript or college course listing must be submitted with your application.
C. I have an equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. Transcript or college course listing must be submitted with your application.
D. None of the above, but willing to learn.

2. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 4105C, No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?

A. Yes.
B. No.

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your knowledge, skill and ability. All answers MUST be supported with examples, explanations or additional information in the space provided. Failure to provide adequate information may result in your final rating being reduced. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I am considered an expert in this area, am consulted by others, or have provided training to others in this area.
B- I have above average or superior knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
C- I have average knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
D- I have some knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.
E- I have little or no knowledge, skill, or ability in this area.

3. Ability to communicate with nurses, doctors, patients and family members.

Please provide information to support your answer regarding your ability participate in the interdisciplinary treatment planning of patient care. Give examples of your experience in assisting a patient with a treatment or proper technique exercises.

4. Observing, reporting and documenting changes in patients condition.

Please provide information regarding your experience assessing a patients reaction to treatment and varying emotional states.

5. Performing special procedures.

Please provide details of your experience performing range of motion procedures, stretching exercises and patient ambulation using assistive devices.

6. Ability to provide standardized nursing care procedures including restorative nursing care.

Please provide details of your ability to assist and teach veterans restorative nursing care functions with the purpose of facilitating optimal functional independence of the veterans. Give examples of the types of procedures you have performed such as catheterizing, irrigating, and suctioning patients.

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your experience. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- Yes, I have performed this task as part of a job.
B- No, I have not performed this task as part of a job.

7. Performing supportive instruction, cueing, assistance and/or supervision in active assisted range of motion exercises.

8. Performing supportive instruction, cueing, assistance and/or supervision in splint or brace application and removal.

9. Transferring patients.

10. Assisting patients with personal hygiene, dressing and/or grooming.

11. Assisting patients with eating or swallowing foods and fluids.

12. Assisting patients in bed mobility procedures (positioning, turning patients).

13. Assisting patients with bowel and bladder continence.

14. Assisting patients with ambulation with or without assistive devices.

15. Utilizing common medical terminology, such as terms for the human body, physical and emotional reactions, and nursing care.

16. Maintaining patient privacy and dignity.

For the following item(s), choose the ONE statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have education or training in this task, but have not performed it on the job.
C- I have occasionally performed this task on the job.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task.

17. Assisting patient to develop increasing independence in performing activities of daily living.

18. Applying special techniques of reality orientation with confused, demented residents.

19. Working knowledge of equipment terminology.

20. Working knowledge of drug terminology.

21. Observing universal precautions and aseptic techniques.

22. Entering patient information into electronic records.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Wednesday, April 09, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (VM183294), Position Title (NURSING ASSISTANT (RESTORATIVE CARE)), and grade (05/05);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.  Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.  Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

 

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here - http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf .  Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU-COA

Phone: (610)466-2241

Fax: (478)757-3144

Email: Coatesville.Deu@va.gov


Or write:
VHA DEU Coatesville
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank you, PA 00000

Fax: (478)757-3144


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.