Health Technician (CMA) Job

Vacancy No. IHS-25-PX-12723590-ESEP/MP Department Indian Health Service
Salary $36,049.00 to $67,943.00 Grade 4 to 7
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/14/2025 Close Date 4/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Phoenix, AZPolacca, AZ


Summary

The Health Technician (CMA), serves as a front-line health care professional and provides comprehensive, skilled and competent patient care within their scope of practice. The incumbent is a member of the patient care team that will perform basic patient care services and technical tasks.

Duties

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:
Health Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

Patient Care and Support Duties (85%)

  • Conducts intake procedures; obtains general medical information, including allergies and drug sensitivities; and takes and records vital signs (TPR-temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, weight).
  • Participates in pre-visit planning for scheduled patients. Communicates the patient needs and recommended treatment to the patient's healthcare team.
  • Incorporates and applies protocols in health promotion for well populations and treatment interventions for chronic conditions (i.e., Diabetes, Renal and heart disease, etc.). In some instances, contacts with patients and families are difficult, resistant or abusive, patients are unable to understand or follow instructions and technician must exercise skills in influencing and communicating with these patients.
  • Provides pretreatment, treatment and post treatment evaluation of patients to ensure adequate preparation for treatment to include patient screening, evaluation of vital signs and blood glucose monitoring. Utilizes diagnostic tools, e.g., stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, peak flow meter, glucometer, etc., to obtain and/or validate observations.
Unit Duties (15%)
  • Ensures medical records are prepared and available. Ensures proper computer entry of patient data and equipment settings.
  • Provides technical guidance for medical support assistants and volunteers; spot checks work to ensure compliance of policies and procedures; serves a preceptor and participates in teaching designated paraprofessional staff, including newly assigned personnel. Initiates consults to establish communication between patient and provider.
  • Ensures the sterile condition and adequacy of supplies in patient care areas and storage rooms. Monitors emergency carts for operational readiness and ensure sufficient stock levels.


Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Must pass pre-employment examination.
Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required.

IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Your resume must demonstrate at least six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-04) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples Include: Performing clinical duties such as taking and recording vital signs and preparing patients for examination, typical of medical assistant or health education positions.
  • General Experience: Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation.
  • Specialized Experience: Conducts intake procedures; obtains general medical information, including allergies and drug sensitivities; and takes and records vital signs (TPR-temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, weight), Participates in pre-visit planning for scheduled patients. Communicates the patient needs and recommended treatment to the patient's healthcare team, Incorporates and applies protocols in health promotion for well populations and treatment interventions for chronic conditions, Ensures medical records are prepared and available. Ensures proper computer entry of patient data and equipment settings, Provides technical guidance for medical support assistants and volunteers; spot checks work to ensure compliance of policies and procedures; serves a preceptor and participates in teaching designated paraprofessional staff, including newly assigned personnel. Initiates consults to establish communication between patient and provider.
OR

Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position.

OR

Posses a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-04 grade level. Note: For GS-4 level positions, determine the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the 1 year of experience required for GS-4; then determine the applicant's education as a percentage of the 2 years of education that meets the requirements for GS-4. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for GS-4.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-05:Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-04) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples Include: Determining patient assessment, distinguishing between normal and abnormal findings, and administering intervention as prescribed by the provider, typical of medical assistant or health education positions.

OR

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. Note: (Transcripts required for this option)

OR

Posses a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-05 grade level. Note: (Transcripts required for this option)


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-06:Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples Include: Venipuncture, collecting lab specimens, performing basic wound/skin care measures, and administering oral medication, typical of experienced medical assistant or health education positions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-07: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-06) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples Include: Providing complex health care to high risk patients, using specialized equipment such as cardiac monitors, EKG, & IV fluid pumps, interpreting examination requests accurately and recognizing a need for additional tests, and establishing a patient care plan, typical of experienced or senior medical assistant or health technician positions.

OR

Completed at least 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. Note: (Transcripts required for this option)

OR

Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-07 grade level. Note: (Transcripts required for this option)

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR - TRAINING This position requires Medical Assistant education. To meet this requirement you must have on of the following:
  • Completed an approved medical assistant training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or by any accrediting agency recognized by the United State Department of Education, OR,
  • Completed a medical services training program of the Armed Forces of the United States that provided clinical proficiency with the necessary scope of knowledge to perform the duties as described in this vacancy announcement.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR - CERTIFICATION This position requires a Medical Assistant certification. To meet this requirement you must have on of the following:
  • Possess a current and active Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), OR,
  • Possess a current and active Registered Medical Assistant certification (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT), OR,
  • Possess a current and active National Certified Medical Assistant certification (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
  • Possess a current and active Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Health Career Association
The only exception to the requirement for active and current certification is for Armed Forces of the United States trained medical assistants who have completed medical service training that provides clinical proficiency in these necessary scope of knowledge and clinical skills. Preferably, the medical assistant must also demonstrate that they have maintained clinical proficiency through recent or ongoing work in a clinical setting.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives may be authorized and is subject to availability and service unit approval. If offered, you will be required to sign a one (1) year or two (2) year service agreement. Failure to fulfill the service agreement will result in repayment of the incentive.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-07 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

To determine if you are qualified for this position, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against the qualifications as defined in the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement and your responses to the assessment questions.
You will be further evaluated/rated based on the information provided in your resume (your resume must state specific duties that relate to this position) and your responses to the assessment questions to determine your competency in the following.

  • Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
  • Healthcare


You will receive a numeric rating based on your responses to the assessment questionnaires. If after reviewing your resume and responses to the assessment questions, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration.

The following links below provide information on how you may be eligible for various hiring authorities. If you are a Veteran, qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligible, or an individual with a disability, please refer to the following links below for additional guidance. CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Workforce Restructuring Career Transition website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12723590. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 04/21/2025, to be considered.

Required Documents

Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer; supervisor name and telephone number.

Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:

  • Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/1076-0160_indian-pref_expires-2.28.25_508%28w.omb%29.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
  • Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
  • Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
  • Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
  • Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
  • Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 04/21/2025

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

  1. Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
  2. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
  3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
  4. Complete the assessment questions.
  5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.
The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Megan Silversmith, Megan.Silversmith@ihs.gov, and/or (602) 364-5219.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

Agency contact information

Megan Silversmith
Address
Phoenix Service Unit
1616 E Indian School Rd Suite 360
Phoenix, AZ 85016
US

Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJobs that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line occupational questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

~ ~ ~ Indian Health Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~ ~ ~


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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