Information Technology Specialist Job

Vacancy No. IHS-25-HQ-12743677-ESEP/MP Department Indian Health Service
Salary $142,488.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 14 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/6/2025 Close Date 6/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Location Negotiable After SelectionRockville, MD


Summary

This position is located with the Office of Information Technology, Division of Information Technology Operations. The purpose of this position is to plan, schedule, execute, and implement various information technology (I/T) project efforts to deliver or enhance enterprise technology solutions. The incumbent reports to the Supervisory I/T Specialist or designee.

Duties

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

Product Management Responsibilities

  • Serve as the product owner for Microsoft 365 products and product features with the ultimate responsibility to deliver value to our customers.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) Enterprise Architecture Team to inventory Microsoft products enterprise-wide, track Microsoft product lifecycles, forecast upcoming End-of-Life product versions and coordinate upgrades.
  • Oversee Microsoft license management and cloud consumption to ensure resources are available when needed.
  • Continually increase knowledge of the Microsoft 365 product line to provide subject matter expertise on the latest platform capabilities and to stay abreast of product evolution.
  • Process Indian Health Service (IHS) Data Calls related to any Microsoft products, services, or business relationships including completing the interagency agreement (IAA) 7600 A and B forms for all IHS Areas and Headquarters IAA for Microsoft products/services.
  • Ensure the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of information technology (I/T) products and services.
  • Ensure implementation of security requirements and practices throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) of I/T solutions to minimize risk to the organization.
  • Adjust designs and program solutions based on new threat and attack information rapidly.
  • Evaluate functional requirements and promote the secure development of customer-oriented solutions.
  • Produce Security Assessment and Authorization (SA&A) documentation.
  • Ensure I/T solutions managed obtain an Authorization to Operate (ATO) prior to production release.
  • Implement and manage Plan of and Milestones (POA&M) in new releases and deployment of systems authorized to operate.

Project Manager and Contract Officer Representative Responsibilities
  • Plan, manage, and control I/T projects throughout the SDLC.
  • Manage the scope, schedule, and cost of assigned projects and informs management of status, progress, and results obtained throughout the lifecycle of assigned projects.
  • Manage projects of all sizes including large projects over $10 million and/or multiple projects delivering I/T solutions.
  • Optimize the use of collaboration and productivity tools such as Microsoft SharePoint to organize project documentation, collect data from multiple stakeholders, and share meaningful project status information.
  • Serve as a project management subject matter expert (SME).
  • Provide consultation to senior management on unusual, complex, and/or controversial I/T and project management problems.
  • Advise leadership on project management best practices and improve or develop new project management processes.
  • Provide guidance to project teams and coordinate all project activities of multiple contractors, vendors, government resources and other project participants across multiple locations.
  • Act as the Contract Officer Representative (COR) for I/T contracts.
  • Provide guidance and oversight necessary to meet contract requirements.
  • Ensure development of necessary procurement documents for contract modifications, option periods, and follow-up on acquisitions.
  • Ensure tasks and deliverables provide services desired by management.
  • Perform other COR duties as required.

Customer Service Responsibilities
  • Provide professional support, technical assistance, consultation and training using a customer-focused approach.
  • Develop educational and training materials.
  • Evaluate use and effectiveness of those materials with the intended goal of continuous quality improvement for targeted educational and training materials to promote public understanding of IHS programs.
  • Promote informed decisions based on a holistic awareness of enterprise health information technology (HIT) services.
  • Keep abreast of Microsoft training opportunities and coordinate training sessions with customers and other users of the Microsoft 365 platform.
  • Develop enterprise-wide communication plans, creation of process workflows, establishment of standardized process templates, marketing strategy development, presentation of training sessions, and presenting at departmental and IHS-wide meetings.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

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

Confidential Financial Disclosure Form 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.

  • Incumbent must obtain a current Federal Acquisition Certification-Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR), Level III certification within two (2) years of hire date and earn 40 continuous learning points (CLPs) every two years thereafter beginning with the date of certification.
  • Incumbent must obtain a current Federal Acquisition Certification-Program/Project Managers (FAC-P/PM), Senior Level certification within two (2) years of hire date and earn 80 continuous learning points (CLPs) every two years thereafter beginning with the date of certification.

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.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS
  1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

GS-14:
One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level.

Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks:
  • Serving as the product owner for Microsoft 365 products and product features for an enterprise service.
  • Providing guidance to project teams and coordinating all project activities of multiple contractors, vendors, government resources and other project participants across multiple locations.
  • Developing enterprise-wide communication plans, creation of process workflows, and providing technical consultation using a customer-focused approach.
NOTE: Your resume must demonstrate all specialized experience listed above.


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

There are no education requirements.

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.

A recruitment incentive may be authorized. At least a 6-month service agreement will be required.

This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: https://www.usphs.gov/.

This position has no promotion potential.

This position is being announced concurrently under the Delegated Examining (DE) procedures. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for Excepted Service Examining Plan/Merit Promotion (ESEP/MP) procedures, you may apply under the DE vacancy announcement number IHS-25-HQ-12743678-DE to be considered.

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.

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.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Business Acumen
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)


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/12743677. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 06/12/2025, 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-04.30.25_508.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.


You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 06/12/2025

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 (Amber Cantu, Amber.Cantu@ihs.gov, and/or (301) 412-9874.) 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

Amber Cantu
Address
IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
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.