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Medical Support Assistant (All Specialties)

Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Various Locations across the Agency.

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service and make a meaningful impact in Native communities. In this role, you will support vital healthcare operations that ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. If you're looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports patient services and community well-being, we encourage you to apply.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 09/30/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 2026
Location
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40,736 - $59,031 per year

Salary will be set based on Locality Area.

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 6
Promotion potential
6
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - Most positions filled under this announcement are full-time; however, positions may also be filled under other work schedules, including part-time (less than 40 hours per week) and intermittent (as needed).
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Multiple - Most positions filled under this announcement are permanent appointments; however, this announcement may also be used to fill time-limited positions, including TERM and temporary appointments.
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes - This position may or may not be covered by a bargaining unit, depending on the duty location. Final determination will be made at the time of appointment.
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
IHS-26-HQ-12993779-DE
Control number
874436600

This job is open to

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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.

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Duties

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Purchased/Referred Care (PRC): Assists with processing referrals for medical services provided outside the facility; receives, logs, and tracks referral requests; reviews referral forms for completeness; enters and updates referral and patient data in Resource Patient Management System (RPMS), Electronic Health Record (EHR), or other systems; communicates with clinical staff, patients, and external providers to obtain or relay routine information; maintains files and logs to track referral status.

Business Office: Performs support duties related to billing and revenue cycle operations; assists with preparing and processing claims for third-party payers; reviews billing documents for accuracy; enters billing and payment data into RPMS Third Party Billing or other systems; responds to routine billing inquiries; maintains records related to claims, payments, and accounts receivable.

Patient Registration: Greets patients and provides information on clinic services; collects and verifies demographic, eligibility, and insurance information; registers patients and updates records using RPMS or other systems; assists with forms; schedules appointments and directs patients; ensures confidentiality of patient information.

Office Automation: Performs clerical and administrative support; uses office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) to prepare documents and reports; enters and maintains data in systems or logs; maintains files and records; assists with scheduling, calendars, and coordination of administrative activities; compiles information for routine reports or tracking.

Patient Care (Administrative Support): Provides administrative support to clinical staff; assists with scheduling appointments, referrals, and follow-ups; prepares and maintains patient documentation; communicates routine information to patients; supports patient flow and coordination; ensures compliance with privacy and confidentiality procedures.

The duties described are representative and may be adjusted based on organizational needs.


Requirements (Continued):
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.

Requirements

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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.

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.

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.

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-5:

  • 4 years of education above high school; or,
  • 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4: 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: - Providing customer service by assisting patients, clients, or staff in person or by telephone (e.g., answering questions, directing patients, responding to routine inquiries)- Collecting, reviewing, or entering basic information into paper or electronic systems (e.g., demographic data, appointment information, or service requests)- Maintaining files, records, or logs in accordance with established procedures (e.g., filing patient records, tracking forms, updating logs)- Following written instructions, policies, or procedures to complete routine tasks (e.g., adhering to privacy requirements, completing assigned clerical duties); or,
  • Combining Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements at grades GS-5 and below.
GS-6:
  • 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5. Examples of specialized experience for this grade level are identified by specialty below.
Purchased/Referred Care (PRC): One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to support Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) or referral management functions in an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare program, including experience in:- Assisting with processing referrals and authorizations for outside medical services (e.g., logging referrals, preparing documentation for review)- Reviewing forms and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy (e.g., verifying eligibility information or required signatures)- Entering and updating referral or patient information in electronic systems (e.g., RPMS, EHR, or tracking databases)- Communicating with clinical staff, patients, or external providers to obtain or relay routine information regarding referrals or services

Business Office: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to support healthcare business office or revenue cycle functions within an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare facility, including experience in:- Assisting with billing, claims processing, or payment-related activities (e.g., preparing claims, posting payments, or supporting accounts receivable functions)- Reviewing billing or financial documents for accuracy and completeness prior to processing- Entering billing or financial data into systems (e.g., RPMS Third Party Billing, EHR, or other billing software)- Responding to routine inquiries from patients, insurance companies, or third-party payers regarding billing or payment status.

Patient Registration: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to perform patient registration or front desk support in an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare setting, including experience in:- Collecting and verifying patient demographic, eligibility, or insurance information (e.g., updating patient records, confirming coverage)- Registering patients or updating information using electronic health record systems (e.g., RPMS or similar systems)- Greeting patients and providing instructions regarding forms, services, or clinic procedures- Maintaining confidentiality of patient information in accordance with Federal privacy requirements

Office Automation: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to perform office automation and administrative support duties within an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar organization, including experience in:- Using office automation software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) to prepare documents, spreadsheets, or correspondence- Entering data and maintaining electronic or paper filing systems (e.g., tracking logs, records management systems)- Preparing routine reports, forms, or correspondence based on established formats- Providing administrative support such as scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, or tracking documents

Patient Care/Administrative: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to support patient care activities in an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare environment, including experience in:- Assisting with scheduling appointments or coordinating patient services (e.g., clinic visits, referrals, follow-ups)- Supporting clinical staff by preparing, organizing, or maintaining patient-related documentation- Communicating routine information to patients regarding appointments, services, or instructions- Following procedures to ensure patient privacy and proper handling of sensitive information (e.g., HIPAA compliance)

You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

Education

If you are substituting education for experience: 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

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.

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

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-GS-6 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.

You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.

  1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?
  2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
  3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?
  4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
  • Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
  • However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
  • You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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):

  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • 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/12993779

Your score determines whether you move forward. Candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. The category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of professional or scientific positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

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.

Indian Health Service

Become a part of an innovative, dynamic, nationwide organization of dedicated health care providers working to meet the individual health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Indian Health Service (IHS) employees are considerate in our care, creative in our approach, enthusiastic about our work and compassionate with our patients. Our lifestyle is adventurous, community oriented and focused on service and problem solving as part of a professional interdisciplinary team. Join us in improving the health outcomes of over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Agency contact information

Jennifer Miller
Phone
785-832-4885
Email
Jennifer.Miller@ihs.gov
Address
IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
US

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http://www.ihs.gov

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