U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Laborer (Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) Training Program)


Pay$19.32 - $22.52 / hour
LocationSaint Cloud/Minnesota
Employment typePart-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: 785391100

      The Investing in VA Nursing (IVAN) program assists those who want to start their nursing career at the VA. This position participates in a 6-month training, serving as an assistant and is responsible for supporting the daily needs of Veterans in the Community Living Center and other Rehab and Extended Care programs. The incumbent will receive occupational training, leading to a potential conversion as a Nursing Assistant in our medical center upon completion of training and competency review.


      Duties


      This announcement will be used to capture applicants for current and future vacancy opportunities. The first round of applicants for our next class will be reviewed starting 04/12/2024 and no later than 05/17/2024 for the class starting on 06/16/2024

      Candidates hired for this IVAN position will receive supervised clinical training. After successful completion of the program, each IVAN employee has up to 24 months to take the Nurse Aide Training Competency, however this is not a requirement. They may continue to work as an IVAN employee until they are hired permanently, or until notice is given to discontinue participation in the IVAN program, up to 6 months from the start date.

      This position has high visibility throughout the institution and requires excellent customer service skills. The employee assists in all aspects of support for patient care including the movement of patients, equipment, supplies and staff assistance.

      Major Duties and Responsibilities:


      Requirements


      • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
      • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
      • May serve a probationary period
      • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
      • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
      • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
      • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
      • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

      Qualifications


      To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

      EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

      SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The screen-out element for this position is defined as experience that reflects the ability to be part of a team of orderlies transporting patients, facilitating safe patient handling requirements, assisting with cleaning/disinfecting equipment, and assist with moving supplies and equipment, as appropriate, for patient care.

      The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
      • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
      • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
      • Dexterity and Safety
      • Reliability and Dependability
      • Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat, Clean, and in Order)


      Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

      Note: A full year of 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 nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

      Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

      Working Conditions: Work will be performed on the grounds of the Saint Cloud VA Health System, primarily within the facility. Main duties include lifting and positioning patients, assisting with disruptive behavior patients in a clinical setting, transporting and moving patients, and cleaning reusable medical equipment. Pushing and pulling hospital equipment, walking distances, taking stairs, and answering cell phone will be daily occurrences. Retrieving equipment from around the hospital and grounds, and delivering equipment to various areas is expected. Assisting clinical staff with obtaining equipment and other patient support items will be needed. Work is in a Medical Center setting and involves possible exposure to contagious disease which will require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified.
  • About the company

      The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with integrating life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.