Nursing Assistant-Mental Health
The Nursing Assistant-Mental Health role at Confidential Client involves providing comprehensive nursing care to patients with physical and behavioral health challenges under the supervision of licensed nurses. The position requires strong skills in therapeutic communication, patient observation, emergency response, and the use of diagnostic equipment, with responsibilities including assisting in patient recovery, training new assistants, and managing care in a clinical setting. This role demands the ability to handle multiple tasks in potentially stressful environments while ensuring patient safety and effective interdisciplinary collaboration.
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 seeking a dependable, patient-focused Nursing Assistant — Mental Health to join their clinical team in Alexandria, LA. This full-time role supports nursing staff in delivering direct care to patients with a range of behavioral and mental health needs.
- Provide hands-on patient care under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
- Assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding, mobility) and document care.
- Observe and report changes in patients’ physical or emotional status to supervisory staff in a timely manner.
- Use basic diagnostic and treatment devices (e.g., blood glucose monitors, bladder scan, specimen collection) as directed.
- Support implementation of care plans and participate in therapeutic communication with patients and families.
- Assist in de-escalation and basic supportive interventions during behavioral crises while awaiting additional clinical support.
- Serve as a preceptor/mentor for new Nursing Assistants when assigned.
- Maintain infection control practices and wear personal protective equipment as required.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements (candidates must meet one of the following):
- U.S. citizenship (consistent with client policy).
- English language proficiency sufficient for safe clinical documentation and patient communication.
- Six months of general work experience that demonstrates ability to learn and perform Nursing Assistant duties; OR
- One year of education above high school with coursework related to nursing or allied health; OR
- Completion of an intensive, occupation-related training program of less than one year.
Grade-specific guidance:
- GS-3 (Entry): Meets the basic requirement listed above.
- GS-4: One year of specialized experience as a Nursing Assistant or related medical role OR two years of post–high school education with relevant coursework.
- GS-5 (Full performance): One year of progressively responsible experience equivalent to GS-4 OR a bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours in health-related coursework.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Ability to provide a full range of patient/resident care and contribute to recovery plans.
- Ability to observe and report physical or emotional changes.
- Competence in simple diagnostic/treatment procedures and proper equipment use.
- Strong therapeutic communication skills with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to recognize emergent situations (e.g., need for basic life support, bleeding control) and respond appropriately until help arrives.
Preferred:
- At least one year of experience in a mental health environment.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Typical clinical duties may require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing.
- May require wearing personal protective equipment and periodic TB screening/testing as a condition of employment.
- Work performed in clinical/office settings with normal safety precautions; may involve stressful or multi-task situations.
Compensation & Hours
- Employment type: Full time
- Salary range (from source): $37,544 - $61,299 per year
- Hiring grade range: GS-03 to GS-05 (full performance level GS-05)
(Location: Alexandria, LA — per authoritative job location)
Why Join
- Serve a meaningful mission supporting behavioral health care.
- Work within an interdisciplinary team with opportunities for skill development and mentorship.
- Competitive salary range and federal-grade-based career progression.
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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