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Social Services Assistant

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

Summary

Join the IHS as a Social Services Assistant and provide general social services to American Indian and Alaska Natives, addressing social and emotional needs that affect health. Work with a dedicated team to strengthen wellness, resilience, and community well-being. Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a mission-driven career that truly matters. Apply today!

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 today · 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
Yes—Certain locations may authorize for reimbursement of relocation expenses or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$40,736 - $76,476 per year

Salary is determined by Duty Station. Certain locations are covered by a Locality Pay Table.

Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Promotion potential
7
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Multiple Schedules - The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are full-time. This announcement may also be used to fill various work schedules, including full-time, 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 - The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are permanent. This announcement may also be used to fill time-limited appointments such as TERM and Temporary.
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
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-12999028-DE
Control number
875404000

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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  • 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.

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 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.

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.

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

Education

There are no education requirements. 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 Competency Based 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)

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.

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-GS-7 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):

  • 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/12999028

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

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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Learn more about what it's like to work at Indian Health Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.ihs.gov

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