Social Services Assistant

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.

• Assists higher-level staff in implementing established resident schedules, structured treatment activities, and cultural programming.
• Monitors resident behavior and activities, conducts routine bed checks, and documents observations in accordance with established procedures.
• Escorts and supervises residents during meals, educational, recreational, and approved off-unit activities while maintaining resident accountability.
• Assists residents with activities of daily living, treatment assignments, and structured recreational activities under the direction of supervisory or clinical staff.
• Supports facility operations by assisting with security procedures, monitoring surveillance equipment, performing routine safety checks, and maintaining a safe, orderly residential environment.
• Reports resident status, behavioral observations, and unusual incidents to supervisory or clinical staff.

Requirements: (Continued)
Financial Suitability Requirement:

This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

Conditions of employment

Selectee may be subject to a probationary 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

IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

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.

Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

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 Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you meet the Minimum Qualification requirements for the grade level(s) for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, community, or social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part-time experience. Your resume must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities for each position held, as well as the total number of hours worked per week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
GS-05: Applicants must meet one of the following:

Specialized Experience: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service or comparable experience obtained in the private or public sector. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Assisting professional or technical staff in providing social services, case management, or patient support services; Interviewing clients to obtain routine information and maintaining case records; Assisting individuals in accessing community resources, health services, or social service programs; Providing guidance and support to individuals or groups in community, residential, educational, or healthcare settings; Maintaining records, preparing reports, and documenting services provided; Explaining program requirements, policies, or available services to clients and families.

OR

Education: Successful completion of a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that:

• Included at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position; or
• Included a major in social behavior, human behavior, or health care.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and education that meets 100 percent of the qualification requirements. Only education beyond the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.

GS-06

Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service or comparable experience obtained in the private or public sector. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Assisting social workers, counselors, or other healthcare professionals in providing services to patients, families, or community members; Coordinating referrals and appointments with community agencies and healthcare providers; Maintaining case files and documenting client contacts and services; Monitoring client progress and reporting concerns to professional staff; Providing information regarding available resources, benefits, and community services; Assisting with program activities, outreach efforts, and support groups.

Graduate education may be substituted only when it is directly related to the work of the position in accordance with the OPM qualification standard.

GS-07

Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service or comparable experience obtained in the private or public sector. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Independently coordinating social service activities and assisting with case management services; Interviewing clients, assessing needs, and referring individuals to appropriate medical, behavioral health, or community resources; Monitoring client participation and documenting case activities in accordance with program requirements; Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support patient or client care plans; Assisting professional staff with program implementation, outreach, education, and community engagement activities; Preparing reports, maintaining confidential records, and ensuring compliance with agency policies and procedures.

OR

Education: One full year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position.

OR

Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of graduate education and specialized experience that meets 100 percent of the qualification requirements.

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 by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

How you will be evaluated

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

This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants.

There is no "pass/fail" outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation process to determine applicant qualifications. However, if you do not take the assessment within the assessment window timeframe you will be found ineligible for this position. For more information, visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reading Comprehension
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12999029

Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of 09/30/2026, to be considered.

Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements

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: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS 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: 09/30/2026

The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 5 days after the JOA open date. After that, applications may be reviewed and referred at any time as vacancies occur.

This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur; however, there may not be immediate openings at all locations.

During the application process, you may select up to three locations and will only be considered for positions in those locations. Candidates with complete applications will remain eligible for consideration for up to three months from the date of application or until the announcement closes, whichever occurs first. Consideration will be based on your selected locations, qualifications, and job preferences.

Next steps

Additional locations