Licensed Practical Nurse Job

Vacancy No. IHS-25-GP-12596937-DH Department Indian Health Service
Salary $45,420.00 to $71,680.00 Grade 4 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/31/2024 Close Date 10/29/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Kyle, SDWanblee, SD


Summary

This position is under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Nurse for either Kyle Health Center or Wanblee Health Center. This recruit will fill two (2) vacant positions, one position located at Kyle Health Center and one vacant position located at Wanblee Health Center. The incumbent will provide care to patients as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Incentive authorized up to 25% of base pay

  • Recruitment Incentive - New Appointees
  • Relocation Incentive - Current Federal Employees

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. The IHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Duties

  • Provide direct patient care through Dressing changes, ambulation, administer prescribed medications such as PO, IM, and IV, respiratory treatments.
  • Perform patient screening, nursing reassessments, obtain physiological measurements (BP, T, R, HR and WG, HT), label and transport specimens.
  • Use a variety of automated data systems to update patient medical records, enter patient status, research medical history, comply with patient medical record confidentiality and safeguard patient medical forms.
  • Communicate with patients of all ages with the sensitivity to diverse medical and nursing diagnoses. Will communicate with other professional health care personnel through the patient care process.
*This position is being announced concurrently under the Excepted Service/Merit Promotion procedures. Please review vacancy announcement number IHS-25-12596936-ESEP/MP; for eligibility requirements. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary 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.

Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.

COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.

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.

BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR)
  • In order to qualify for this position, you must have current license to practice as practical or vocational nurses in a State or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or must have applied for a license to practice.
In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below-

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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:

GS-04: Six (6) months of nursing experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-03 grade level in the Federal service. Examples Include: nursing experience in a hospital, outpatient clinic, nursing home or other supervised patient care facility providing direct patient care administering medication by IV, PO, IM and respiratory treatments, obtain physiological measurements such as body weight, height, temperature, and vitals.
-OR-
Successfully completed a practical nurse program of at least nine (9) months duration combined with 1 year of nursing assistant experience.
-OR-
completion of a 2-year degree program in an accredited community college, junior college, or college or university in practical nursing.

GS-05: One (1) year of specialized experience with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This specialized experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service. Examples Include: independently provide nursing care to patients such as Dressing changes, ambulation, assist with antibiotic therapies, immunization status and formulate next vaccine, use automated specimens labeling system, identify immediate health care/maintenance need, use automated system to update patient medical record and review patient history.

GS-06: One (1) year of specialized experience with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This specialized experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service. Examples Include: independently assess patient to identify chief complaint, provide patient care according to clinical diagnosis and multidisciplinary plan of care, explain process and procedure of health plan to patient, document observations and outcomes, use diagnostic reasoning to engage additional health inquiries.

The application rating period will be 10 days from the opening date of the vacancy announcement. The rating process will continue every 10 days thereafter for the life of the recruit or until all vacant positions are filled.

Education

There are no education requirements.

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

Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.

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 or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-06 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.

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.

This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and Veterans' Preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet. Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and any other requirements.

Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12596937. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 10/29/2025, to be considered.

The application rating period will be 10 days from the opening date of the vacancy announcement. The rating process will continue every 10 days thereafter for the life of the recruit or until all vacant positions are filled.

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/dup/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/1076-0160_INDIAN-PREF_Expires-10.31.24_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.
  • 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.
  • 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: 10/29/2025

The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be days after the JOA open date.

The application rating period will be 10 days from the opening date of the vacancy announcement. The rating process will continue every 10 days thereafter for the life of the recruit or until all vacant positions are filled.

Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After eight (8) months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.

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.
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

Joseph Dudley
Address
Pine Ridge Service Unit
PO Box 1201
E Hwy 18
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
US
Learn more about this agency

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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