WDVA Nursing Assistant Certified, In-Training, Washington Soldiers Home

Get paid while you train!  We are excited to announce this unique opportunity to obtain your nursing assistant certification (NAC) at the historic Washington Soldiers Home in scenic Orting, Washington! Connect with your goals to become a Nursing Assistant and change lives by helping support our mission of "Serving Those Who Served!" Apply today! There are only 7 available spots within this in-training cohort opportunity! 

This program is completely FREE!

Qualified candidates start at $21.43/hr.!

While in-training, you will follow the below plan:

• Selected candidates are hired into non-permanent nursing assistant positions. 
• Selected candidates are hired under this in-training posting will be required to attend 6 weeks of full-time paid training (both classroom and on the job) immediately upon hire. All training occurs on-site at the Washington Soldiers Home. 
• While in the training program, employees will work a temporary schedule 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• At the conclusion of the 6-week training program, employees will revert to On-call status and may be considered for full-time, non-permanent assignments. On-call staff may have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours per week, although the positions have no minimum hour guarantee.
• Training comes at no cost to the employee! WDVA covers the cost of the Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) Department of Health (DOH) credential to enable employees to work as an NAR while completing the program and gaining on-the-job experience. 
• Upon graduation, employees will test for the state skills exam, and WDVA will cover the cost of the Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) DOH Credential. 
• Once the NAC credential is active, employees will increase their pay to $23.52/hr.! 
• Employees may be considered for permanent, full-time vacancies as they occur through the agency's open competitive process.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 Veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to Veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star Families.

Bring your willingness to learn and start your healthcare career by applying now!

Please Note: This posting will be used to fill multiple positions. There are 7 positions available. This position is currently an overtime eligible shift. Schedule must be flexible to meet program needs, specifically related to safety for residents and staff.  

*This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules.   

*Position(s) at this location will also receive 5% Premium Pay for 24/7 facilities. Employees must physically work at the facility 3 days per workweek to qualify.  The 5% Premium Pay is in effect until June 29th, 2025.

• Assist residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, hygiene, toileting, eating, and assisting with monitoring/feeding of meals.
• Assist with range of motion exercises, practice infection control techniques, and observe for and report to licensed personnel changes in resident condition.
• Accurately obtain and record vital signs and other resident data; document intake and output records, encourage liquids, and provide collection of specimens for laboratory use.
• Perform basic nursing procedures such as applying anti-embolism stockings, applying creams or lotions to intact skin, etc.
• Use Hoyer lifts, oxygen tanks, scoop stretchers, and other special equipment as needed.
• Dispose of contaminated waste as appropriate.
• Adhere to infection control procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, and harmonious environment.
• Mark clothing and keep closets and drawers neat and in order.
• Gather and bag dirty and soiled linen and transfer linen to basement.
• Clean bedpans, washbasins, urinals, commodes, beds, nightstands, and over-bed tables.
• Perform other cleaning chores as assigned.
• Attend training/classes within 30 days of hire and then thereafter when annually due or assigned by the training coordinator, supervisor, or Director of Nursing.
• And more!

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have the ability to:
  • Speak, read, and write in the English language for medical charts and perform data entry.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Follow written and verbal directions.
  • Document and report observed changes in patient condition and behavior.

• Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening in accordance with DVA policy 670.000 Tuberculosis Testing.
• Requires medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the Washington Industrial Safety and Act standards. Must be able to wear a respirator, medical gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other personal protection as required by a job or task.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. and be capable of reaching a minimum of 36" for resident repositioning or accessing supplies. Prolonged walking, standing, and sitting are required throughout the workday. Must be capable of pushing or pulling with sufficient strength to accomplish tasks such as pushing wheelchairs.
• Must maintain regular and reliable attendance, proper call-in/call-out, and be willing to work as needed.
• Must become familiar and comply with all DVA policies and procedures and the Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees.
• Must remain current on the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act Registry.
• Must maintain a valid NAC license from the DOH to HR and scheduler.
• Candidates who are offered a job with WDVA must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• Must be able to meet WFSE On-Call expectations including being available to work as needed, with a minimum availability of three shifts per week on two different shifts, and being available for a minimum of two weekend shifts per month.
• Candidates must be able to obtain an NAR credential at the start of the program and obtain and maintain an NAC credential at the completion of the training program. Employees must attain their NAC certification within 120 days of being hired. 

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA! 

Application Process:   

Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.
 
Please include the following documents with your application:
  1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
  2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers. 

Other Information:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at: recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.  

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.

Salary : $21 - $27