Registered Nurse Domiciliary Mental Health – Full-Time Veteran Healthcare Career in Leeds, MA

By /
Share with Friends

Job Overview

The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System (CWM) is actively seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and skilled professional for a full-time Registered Nurse Domiciliary Mental Health position. Located at our historic campus in Leeds, Massachusetts, this permanent position provides a vital foundation of care for our nation’s Veterans. Working within a domiciliary mental health setting means you will play an invaluable role in a residential, rehabilitative environment.

Veterans in this program are often working through complex challenges. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use recovery, depression, and generalized transition struggles. As a staff nurse here, you are not just managing clinical symptoms. You are helping individuals rebuild their lives, establish healthy self-management routines, and regain their independence.

This specialized assignment requires clinical precision, deep empathy, and a strong collaborative mindset. You will join an interdisciplinary care team dedicated to holistic healing. This full-time position requires a 40-hour weekly commitment, structured around an evening shift model from 3:30 p.m. to Midnight. It features rotating weekends, holidays, and regular days off.

If you are a mission-driven professional who wants to give back to those who served, this role offers an incredible community environment, unparalleled federal benefits, and immense professional fulfillment.

TitleDescription
Job Title:Registered Nurse (Domiciliary Mental Health)
Jobs Posted Date / Updated:01/06/2026
Jobs Category / Sector:Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Health Administration)
Jobs Advertised at:usajobs.gov
Education / Qualifications Required to Apply for Jobs:Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Diploma in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited program
Job Vacancy Location:Leeds, Massachusetts, United States
Organization:Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Health Administration)
Job Type:Full-Time (Permanent, Excepted Service)
Expected Last Date:June 9, 2026
Salary$86,532 – $144,248 per year (Based on grade and step approval)
Remote Work:–
IndustryGovernment / Healthcare / Psychiatric Nursing
Experience Required:Open to all levels (Entry-level Nurse I up to advanced Nurse III based on education and experience; 2–3 years of mental health psychiatric nursing experience preferred)
How to ApplyApply Now
Registered Nurse (Domiciliary Mental Health) – Full-Time Veteran Healthcare Career in Leeds, MA
Registered Nurse (Domiciliary Mental Health) – Full-Time Veteran Healthcare Career in Leeds, MA

3. Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing or supervising direct patient care. Your daily duties will include the following core clinical responsibilities:

  • Comprehensive Patient Assessments: Conduct initial and ongoing biopsychosocial assessments of Veterans residing in the domiciliary facility, paying close attention to mental health stability, substance withdrawal risks, and physical health needs.
  • Care Planning and Implementation: Develop, update, and implement individualized, age-specific nursing care plans that align with the Veteran’s personal recovery goals and therapeutic milestones.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work side-by-side with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, addiction counselors, and vocational specialists to ensure a seamless, coordinated approach to rehabilitation.
  • Medication Administration and Management: Safely administer prescribed psychiatric and medical treatments while educating Veterans on medication compliance, therapeutic actions, and potential side effects.
  • Crisis Prevention and Intervention: Utilize therapeutic communication, de-escalation techniques, and evidence-based mental health interventions to manage complex behavioral situations and emotional distress.
  • Patient Education and Self-Management: Lead interactive group sessions and one-on-one discussions focused on relapse prevention, coping mechanics, sleep hygiene, and independent living skills.
  • Clinical Documentation: Maintain meticulous, electronic health records detailing patient behaviors, response to treatment plans, and medical indicators in compliance with VA policies.
  • Quality Improvement and Leadership: Execute position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to the management of complex client care to actively improve clinical outcomes.

4. Required Skills & Qualifications

To qualify for this federal nursing position, all applicants must meet basic eligibility standards and specific grade determination criteria established by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Basic Requirements

  • 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: Applicants must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Educational Credentials: Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) at the time of graduation. (Note: Master’s level bridge program students and graduates of foreign nursing schools with formal degree equivalency validation may also qualify).
  • Active Licensure: Possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
  • Pre-Employment Screenings: Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination and a urinalysis drug screen to test for illegal drug use.
  • Background Security Investigation: Subject to a background and suitability/fitness investigation.
  • Vaccination Mandate: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

>>>> Read Also <<<<

Murphy USA Cashier Job 2026 Part Time

Grade Determinations

Your initial salary, grade level, and step placement will be determined by the VA Nurse Professional Standards Board based on your combined education and specialized experience:

  • Nurse I, Level I: Entry-level tier for nurses holding an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing with no additional professional experience. Focuses on developing technical competencies.
  • Nurse I, Level II: Requires an ADN/Diploma with 1 year of specialized experience, OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional experience needed.
  • Nurse I, Level III: Requires an ADN/Diploma with 2 years of experience, OR a BSN with 1 year of experience, OR a Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a related field with no additional experience.
  • Nurse II: Requires a BSN with 2 years of professional experience, OR an MSN with 1 year of specialized experience, OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or a related field with no experience. Demonstrates leadership in improving holistic care.
  • Nurse III: Requires an MSN or related Master’s degree with a BSN and 2 years of specialized experience (one equivalent to Nurse II), OR a Doctoral degree with 1 year of specialized experience. Must demonstrate leadership and creative approaches to complex care beyond the immediate practice setting.

5. Preferred Qualifications

While not strictly mandatory for selection, candidates who possess the following background characteristics will be highly competitive during the review process:

  • Specialized Experience: 2 to 3 years of dedicated experience in mental health psychiatric nursing or residential substance abuse rehabilitation.
  • Professional Certification: Current Board Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
  • Advanced Degree: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
  • Military Culture Familiarity: Prior experience working with military Veterans or a deep understanding of military culture, trauma-informed care models, and deployment-related stress.

>>>> Read Also <<<<

Starbucks Store Manager Nashville Tennessee Full Time Leadership Position

6. Benefits & Perks

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a robust, industry-leading total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security, and long-term career growth.

  • Extensive Paid Time Off: Enjoy up to 50 days of paid time off each year. This is broken down into 26 days of annual leave (vacation), 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
  • Federal Retirement Pension: Secure your future with a traditional federal pension (vested after just 5 years of service) along with automatic enrollment in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a federal 401(k) match program offering up to 5% in matching contributions by the VA.
  • Comprehensive Insurance Coverages: Access a premium selection of federal health, dental, vision, term life, and long-term care insurance programs. Notably, many of these health insurance options can be carried directly into your retirement.
  • Financial Rewards: Benefit from regular, predictable salary increases, shift differentials for evening/weekend hours, and potential performance awards.
  • Licensure Portability: Maintain your single, unrestricted state nursing license. Because this is a federal facility, you can practice in Leeds, MA using a valid license from any U.S. state or territory.

7. Work Environment

The physical work environment is located on the scenic, historic campus in Leeds, Massachusetts. Unlike an acute-to-chronic medical-surgical hospital floor or a locked emergency psychiatric ward, a domiciliary mental health unit is designed as a residential, community-based treatment center.

Veterans live in the facility while undergoing active rehabilitation. This structure creates a distinct workplace dynamic where nurses interact with the same individuals over several weeks or months. This long-term contact allows you to observe real progression and build meaningful therapeutic alliances.

The day-to-day environment involves significant movement across the unit, residential rooms, and group meeting spaces. It requires physical stamina for walking, standing, and assisting patients. The shift schedule for this position is fixed from 03:30 p.m. to Midnight, which includes a rotation of weekends, holidays, and varied days off. This shift structure is ideal for nursing professionals who prefer morning flexibility or want to avoid traditional early-morning clinical shifts. Please note that telework or remote work structures are not available for this role.

>>>> Read Also <<<<

Member Health Assessor Job at Molina Healthcare

8. Salary Information

The approved annual salary range for this position is $86,532 to $144,248.

This position is covered under a special salary rate structure for nurses, ensuring pay remains highly competitive with the private healthcare sector in western Massachusetts. Your exact starting salary, grade tier (Nurse I to Nurse III), and specific step level will be calculated during the onboarding process. This calculation evaluates your official academic transcripts, total verified years of post-licensure clinical practice, and professional nursing achievements.

9. How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete digital application package through the USAJOBS portal before the closing deadline on June 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Follow this clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure your application passes the initial qualification filters:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation

Gather your professional documentation. Note that the traditional federal 2-page resume limit does not apply to this position. Ensure your documents include:

  • A comprehensive resume detailing your nursing experience, specific dates of employment (month/year), and weekly hours worked.
  • A copy of your official or unofficial nursing school transcripts verifying degree completion.
  • If you are a current federal employee, you must attach your most recent non-award SF-50 form from the current calendar year showing your position, grade, and step. (Award SF-50s are not accepted).

Step 2: Navigate to the Application Portal

Visit the official USAJOBS announcement. Log into your established USAJOBS account, or create a new profile if you do not have one.

Upload your resume, transcripts, and supporting documentation into your USAJOBS document library, then attach them directly to this specific vacancy announcement (Announcement Number: CBTD-12974113-26-DT).

Step 4: Complete the Online Assessment Questionnaire

Click the “Apply” button to be redirected to the secure VA online application system. You will be required to answer a series of detailed occupational questions designed to assess your skills across core nursing dimensions (Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence-Based Practice).

Step 5: Review and Submit

Carefully review your answers and document attachments for accuracy. Submit the application package. You can monitor your application status online through your personal USAJOBS dashboard.

A Day in the Life: Practical Scenario

To understand what this role truly looks like on the ground, consider a typical shift in the Leeds domiciliary unit.

When you clock in at 3:30 p.m., you receive a handoff report from the day shift nurse. You learn about a Veteran named Robert, a former Army sergeant who arrived three weeks ago to address severe PTSD and related alcohol dependency. Robert had a difficult therapy session earlier in the day and is showing signs of high anxiety and social withdrawal.

Instead of just waiting for medication time, you use your evening rounds to check in on him in a common lounge area. You apply your mental health training, using open-ended questions to let him discuss his frustrations without judgment. You review his coping strategies, reminding him of the grounding exercises he practiced with his therapist.

By taking ten minutes to listen, you help him de-escalate his stress naturally. Later, during evening medication pass, Robert approaches the clinic window visibly calmer, expresses appreciation for your time, and goes on to attend his peer support group.

As a Registered Nurse Domiciliary Mental Health professional, this is your true impact. You provide the steady, therapeutic presence that helps Veterans navigate their darkest moments and transition safely back into the community.

10. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal law.

The VA is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workforce that mirrors the diverse population of Veterans we serve, providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with documented disabilities.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a Domiciliary Mental Health Nurse do at the VA?

A Domiciliary Mental Health Nurse provides clinical care, emotional support, and rehabilitation guidance to Veterans living in a residential treatment facility. Responsibilities include conducting mental health assessments, managing psychiatric medications, teaching self-care, and collaborating with a clinical team to treat PTSD, substance use, and depression.

What is the salary range for the Registered Nurse position in Leeds, MA?

The salary range for this position is $86,532 to $144,248 per year. The exact starting pay rate depends on your educational background (ADN, BSN, or MSN) and your verified years of professional nursing experience, as evaluated by the VA Nurse Professional Standards Board.

What are the hours and work schedule for this nursing job?

This is a full-time, permanent position requiring 40 hours per week. The designated shift runs from 03:30 p.m. to Midnight (evening shift). It features rotating days off, weekends, and holidays to ensure continuous care coverage for the residential unit.

Can I apply for this position if my nursing license is from another state?

Yes. Because the Department of Veterans Affairs is a federal agency, you can practice in Leeds, Massachusetts as long as you hold one current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nursing license from any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.

Is there a specific resume length requirement for this VA job?

No. While many federal job openings require a strict document limit, the standard 2-page resume restriction does not apply to this specific job announcement (CBTD-12974113-26-DT). You should provide a comprehensive resume that fully outlines your relevant clinical experience.

What benefits are included in the VA Nurse total rewards package?

The VA offers an exceptional benefits package that includes up to 50 days of paid time off annually (26 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 11 federal holidays), a traditional federal pension plan, a 401(k) Thrift Savings Plan with up to a 5% employer match, and comprehensive healthcare insurance options that carry into retirement.

Source: usajobs.gov


Share with Friends
x