Licensed Practical Nurse-Mental Health, Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program

Licensed Practical Nurse-Mental Health, Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Program

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Base pay range: $53,222.00/yr - $87,647.00/yr

This Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is assigned to the Mental Health Service - Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at the Saint Cloud VA Medical Center. The LPN provides direct patient care activities and clerical support under the direction of the Registered Nurse or provider. Veterans receive comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency.
• Proficient in basic written and spoken English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).
• Education – Graduate of a school of practical or vocational nursing approved by the appropriate State agency and/or accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) at the time of program completion.
• Licensure – Active, full, current, and unrestricted licensure as a Graduate Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or of the District of Columbia.
• May qualify for Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (applicable to current VHA employees).
• Grade Determinations – In addition to the basic requirements, the following qualification criteria must be met for each grade.
• Grading: GS‑03 – None beyond the basic requirements.
• GS‑04 – Six months of qualifying experience as an LPN or LVN or graduation from an approved school with one year of practice experience.
• GS‑05 – Completion of at least one year of qualifying experience at the GS‑4 level or equivalent.
• GS‑06 – Completion of at least one year of additional qualifying experience at the GS‑5 level or equivalent.
• Candidate must demonstrate competence required for the grade.

• Deliver comprehensive physical and emotional support to Veterans facing mental health challenges.
• Administer medications and injections in accordance with facility policies.
• Collect urine samples and administer breathalyzer tests.
• Complete clinical reminders and report findings to the clinician, provider, or registered nurse.
• Facilitate therapeutic communication with Veterans and their families.
• Initiate and evaluate Veteran participation in community groups and meetings.
• Conduct assessments and implement non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
• Communicate deviations from the baseline to the RN or provider.
• Educate veterans and families about medical conditions and treatment plans.
• Record observations and relevant information in the electronic medical record system.
• Identify, address, and report urgent and non‑urgent situations as required.
• Assist with proper counting and maintenance of controlled substances.
• Participate in daily nursing report and treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with clinical coordinators and telehealth personnel to assess and enhance telehealth programs.
• Perform other selected duties as assigned.
• Work Schedule:
  
  Full‑time, rotating shifts Sunday through Saturday (day/evening or day/night).
• Additional Pay:
  Shift Differential – 10%, Weekend Premium – 25%, Holiday Pay – 2× basic hourly rate.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, and handling of patients with unpredictable behaviors.

• SSP, Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) – up to $40,000 annually and up to $100,000 lifetime.
• Shift Differential – 10% between 6pm and 6am.
• Weekend Premium – 25% for work between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday.
• Holiday Pay – 2× basic hourly rate on designated holidays.
• Paid Time Off: 37‑50 days of annual paid leave (13‑26 days of paid leave, 13 days sick leave, 11 federal holidays).
• Parental Leave: up to 12 weeks of paid leave after 12 months of employment.
• Childcare Subsidy: up to 25% of eligible childcare costs for households below $144,000.
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and 401(k) with up to 5% contribution.
• Health coverage:
  Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long‑term care insurance.

Entry level

Full‑time

Health Care Provider

Government Administration