This position is located with the Office of Information Technology (OIT), Health Information Management (HIM) Branch. The purpose of this position is to develop and implement policies and procedures for processing legal, medical documents, insurance and correspondence requests in accordance with federal, state, and local statues as the Privacy Officer. The incumbent reports to the HIM Supervisor (Lead HIM Consultant) or designee.
Summary
This position is located with the Office of Information Technology (OIT), Health Information Management (HIM) Branch. The purpose of this position is to develop and implement policies and procedures for processing legal, medical documents, insurance and correspondence requests in accordance with federal, state, and local statues as the Privacy Officer. The incumbent reports to the HIM Supervisor (Lead HIM Consultant) or designee.
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.
Serve as a Privacy Officer and as a lead on the Indian Health Service (IHS) Privacy Incident Response Team.
Develop and maintain an IHS Breach Response Team.
Coordinate breach response exercises and ensure timely reporting of suspected or confirmed privacy breaches.
Work with the Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP) to obtain breach notification approvals.
Conduct breach risk assessments and maintain breach compliance documentation.
Provide support and advice on data loss prevention strategies and the implementation of encryption policies for Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Coordinate the integration of privacy protections in mobile applications and ensure secure encryption practices for applicable devices and systems.
Protect the privacy of all PII under the management of the agency.
Respond to requests for access to personal information and complaints about privacy violations.
Initiate and engage in information technology (I/T) privacy breach investigations relating to the work of individuals employed by IHS directly affecting internal security.
Participate in or has access to investigations involving PII and/or Protected Health Information (PHI) to ensure that other employee's duties are discharged honestly and with integrity.
Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) and Compliance Reporting
Facilitate Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA), PIA, and other privacy assessments.
Ensure accuracy and compliance prior to Health & Human Services (HHS) SAOP review.
Maintain an updated inventory of PIA.
Monitor IHS privacy documentation and support ongoing compliance reporting.
Work closely with the IHS Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Health Information Technology (HIT) Electronic Health Record (EHR) Information System Security Officers and relevant stakeholders to harmonize privacy and cybersecurity policies.
Prepare position papers, executive submittals, presentations, memoranda, and other correspondences related to information privacy assurance, enterprise-wide information privacy security and/or system development life cycle policy and standard requirements or modification of existing organizational arrangements.
Privacy Program Development and Education
Develop, implement, and guide IHS privacy program and services at the Headquarters level to ensure regulatory compliance and address IHS-specific privacy risks.
Lead the establishment, monitor, and adjust privacy policies, directives, guidance, standards, and procedures that align with current and emerging HHS requirements of federal and Health Information Management (HIM) privacy regulations from the HHS SAOP.
Establish procedures for privacy policy compliance across IHS systems and programs handling PHI.
Develop, maintain and oversee mandatory privacy training programs for IHS personnel ensuring compliance with HHS and federal requirements.
Develop strategies to provide training and collaborate with the development of processes to mitigate risk.
Coordinate with IHS leadership to deliver role-based privacy training for IHS staff members and contractors with updates to reflect regulatory changes.
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
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
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:
Managing an institution's Privacy Program to include conducting and completing privacy breach investigations, reviewing and approving Privacy Threshold Analysis (PTA)/Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) and providing instruction through a privacy training program.
Providing recommendations and expert level written opinions in response to inquiries concerning the Privacy Act (PA), Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009, Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records (CFR 42, Part 2) and various other rules, regulations and laws pertaining to the privacy of an institution's data and records.
Developing, maintaining and/or managing a Privacy Breach Response Plan.
NOTE: Your resume must meet all examples of 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/.
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.
Interpersonal Skills
Oral Communication
Planning and Evaluating
Technical Competence
Writing
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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
Complete the assessment questions.
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.
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 ~ ~ ~
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
Complete the assessment questions.
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.
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 ~ ~ ~
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
