Nursing Assistant- Inpatient Mental Health
The Nursing Assistant in Inpatient Mental Health provides essential patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, assisting patients with physical and behavioral health needs in a hospital setting. This role involves therapeutic communication, monitoring patient status, using medical equipment for diagnostic and treatment procedures, and supporting patient recovery and safety. The position also includes precepting new nursing assistants and responding to emergent care situations to ensure comprehensive mental health care delivery.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Healthcare & Nursing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is seeking a full-time Nursing Assistant — Inpatient Mental Health to join their care team in Sioux Falls, SD. This role supports inpatient behavioral health patients by delivering direct patient care, observing and reporting changes in patient condition, and assisting licensed nursing staff with therapeutic and clinical tasks. The full performance level for this vacancy is GS-5; the selection grade may range from GS-3 to GS-5 based on experience and qualifications.
What You’ll Do
You will provide hands-on patient care and support the nursing team in an inpatient mental health setting. Key duties include:
- Provide direct patient/resident care that contributes to the nursing care plan and patient recovery
- Observe and document patients’ physical and emotional status; report deviations to supervisors promptly
- Assist licensed nursing staff with basic and intermediate treatments and use of equipment (e.g., bladder scan, blood glucose monitoring, specimen collection)
- Support behavior management and safety interventions; recognize emergent situations and initiate basic life support or other immediate measures while awaiting assistance
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other health professionals
- Serve as a preceptor/mentor to new Nursing Assistants as required (for higher grade assignments)
Qualifications
Minimum requirements (applicants must meet one of the options below):
- Six (6) months of general experience demonstrating the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform the work of a Nursing Assistant (NA) OR
- One year of education above high school with courses related to the NA occupation OR
- Completion of an intensive, specialized, occupation-related training program of less than one year that prepares the candidate for NA work
Grade-specific guidance:
- GS-03: Entry-level; meets the basic requirements above
- GS-04: One (1) year of NA or related medical experience OR two (2) years post-high-school education with relevant coursework. Must demonstrate KSAs such as providing a range of patient care, observing and reporting patient status, proper use of basic diagnostic/treatment equipment, and therapeutic communication.
- GS-05: One (1) year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-04 or a bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework. Must demonstrate advanced KSAs including assisting in full-range nursing care for patients with physical and/or behavioral problems, oral communication with the care team, serving as a preceptor, and recognizing/reacting to emergent patient care situations.
Additional requirements:
- U.S. citizenship or appointment eligibility per applicable policy
- Proficiency in basic written and spoken English for direct patient care positions
- Ability to safely perform physical tasks required in inpatient nursing care
Compensation & Schedule
- Employment type: Full-time
- Salary range: $40,121 - $58,612 per year (provided by the client)
- Location: Sioux Falls, SD (on-site role)
Why Apply via Careertakes
Careertakes acts as a third-party recruiting platform for confidential client opportunities in Healthcare & Nursing. We provide streamlined application support and may present additional matched roles to qualified applicants. Final hiring decisions and employment are made by the confidential client.
Additional Notes
- This role operates in an inpatient mental health environment. Candidates should be comfortable working with patients experiencing behavioral health needs and be prepared to follow facility policies and safety protocols.
- The final grade offered will depend on qualifications and documented experience.
- All employment offers are subject to verification of qualifications and any required background checks or clearances.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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