Nursing Assistant- Intermittent Mental Health
The Nursing Assistant in Mental Health at Confidential Client provides comprehensive nursing support to patients with physical and behavioral health needs under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. This role involves direct patient care, observation, emergency response, and assisting in therapeutic communication, with responsibilities extending to precepting new nursing assistants. The position requires physical stamina, proficiency in medical procedures, and the ability to work effectively in stressful and dynamic healthcare environments.
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.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is hiring a Nursing Assistant (Intermittent — Mental Health) to provide compassionate, patient-centered support in a behavioral health care setting. Typical responsibilities include:
- Provide daily direct patient care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Monitor and record vital signs, observations, and behavioral status
- Assist licensed nursing staff with clinical tasks and patient care plans
- Perform simple diagnostic/support tasks (e.g., specimen collection, blood glucose checks, bladder scans) under supervision
- Contribute to therapeutic communication and de-escalation during behavioral crises
- Report changes in patient condition and participate in care-team communication and documentation
- Support orientation/precepting of new Nursing Assistants when assigned
- Follow infection control, safety, and isolation procedures as required
Qualifications
Minimum qualifications (applicants must meet at least one pathway listed below):
- United States Citizenship (exceptions only where statutory or client policy permits)
- One of the following to meet the basic Nursing Assistant requirements:
- Six (6) months of general work experience that demonstrates ability to acquire NA knowledge and skills; OR
- One year of education beyond high school with courses related to nursing or healthcare; OR
- Completion of an intensive, occupation-related training program (less than one year) for Nursing Assistants
- English language proficiency sufficient for safe, effective written and spoken communication in direct patient-care roles
- Ability to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) expected for the assigned level (see grading below)
Experience/level guidance:
- Entry level (GS-3 equivalent): Meets basic requirements; works under close supervision
- Intermediate (GS-4 equivalent): One year of specialized NA experience or 2 years of relevant post‑secondary education plus demonstrated KSAs (therapeutic communication, technical skills for basic/intermediate treatments)
- Full performance (GS-5 equivalent): One year of progressively responsible experience at the GS-4 level, or related bachelor’s degree with health‑care coursework, plus demonstrated ability to assist in the full range of nursing care and serve as a preceptor when assigned
Preferred
- Mental health or behavioral health experience
- Prior Nursing Assistant / CNA experience
- Experience in veteran-focused or federal healthcare settings (helpful but not required)
Physical & Other Requirements
- Visual acuity, keen hearing, clear speech, and manual dexterity
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, sit, push, pull and transfer patients/objects for potentially long periods
- Ability to don personal protective equipment and follow infection-control procedures
- Ability to respond to emergent situations (basic life support, bleeding control, behavioral crises) while awaiting additional help
- Must complete annual employee health requirements (e.g., TB screening/testing)
- Must be mature, flexible, and able to work effectively in stressful, changing environments
Compensation & Work Type
- Employment type: Full-time (per source)
- Salary range: $38,547 - $62,936 per year (as posted by the client)
- Additional benefits and leave are provided per Confidential Client policy and applicable law
Why Apply
- Work in a meaningful mental-health support role within a multidisciplinary care team
- Opportunities for growth and to gain specialized behavioral-health experience
- Competitive pay (range listed) for Martinsburg, WV
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range