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Health Technician (Clinical Assistant)

Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Portland Area

Summary

The position is located in the Indian Health Service, Portland Area Office, at a Federal Service unit, a free-standing health clinic (i.e. not attached to a hospital). Performs nonprofessional nursing care, appointment clerical functions, and receptionist duties, record keeping tasks associated with patient care and treatment, or a combination of all these functions as required in some of the areas. The incumbent of the position reports to a Supervisory Nurse.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
few vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40,736 - $70,682 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 7
Promotion potential
7
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
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-PA-13022393-ESEP/MP
Control number
880349800

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Duties

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  • Perform comprehensive patient intake by obtaining and documenting medical histories, allergies, vital signs, blood glucose levels, and other clinical observations to support patient assessment and treatment.

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment by following infection prevention and control procedures, ensuring equipment readiness, and adhering to established safety protocols.

  • Monitor and document patient responses to treatment, recognize and report changes in patients' physical and emotional conditions, and promptly communicate findings to healthcare providers.

  • Provide patient education regarding medical procedures, treatments, medications, and follow-up care to promote understanding and compliance with provider instructions.

  • Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care, ensure continuity of services, and support timely clinical interventions.

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:

Health Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

Requirements

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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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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 Requirements

General Schedule Qualification Standards - Health Aid and Technician Series 0640

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. OR

Education and Training
For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-05:
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: Experience as a certified medical assistantproviding comprehensive clinical and administrative support in an outpatient medical clinic. Performed patient intake, obtained and documented vital signs, administered immunizations and medications as ordered, assisted healthcare providers. Coordinating patient scheduling, maintained electronic health records (RPMS/EHR), managed medical records and correspondence.

OR

Completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (Must provide transcripts)

OR

Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-05 grade level. (Must provide transcripts)


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-06:
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: Experience as a certified medical assistant providing comprehensive clinical and administrative support by performing patient intake, obtaining and documenting medical histories, allergies, vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and other diagnostic measurements. Administered prescribed medications within scope of practice, documented patient responses, recognized and reported changes in patient condition, and ensured patient comfort and safety throughout the course of care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-07:
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: Experience as a certified medical assistant providing advanced clinical and administrative support for patients with routine, complex, and multi-system medical conditions in a multidisciplinary ambulatory healthcare setting. Independently performed comprehensive patient assessments, obtained and interpreted clinical data, prepared patients for specialized diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor surgical procedures, initiated intravenous therapy, administered medications through multiple routes, monitored patient responses, and recognized changes requiring immediate intervention.

OR

Completion of 1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position. (Must provide transcripts)

OR

Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-07 grade level. (Must provide transcripts)

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR - CERTIFICATION:
In addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements, applicants must meet the following selective placement factor, which has been determined to be essential for the successful performance of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be ineligible for further consideration.

Applicants must possess a current and active Medical Assistant certification from an accredited and nationally recognized certifying organization

Qualifying certifications include:

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA);
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) issued by American Medical Technologists (AMT); or
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).


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 closing date of the announcement.

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)

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. (Yakama Service Unit and Western Oregon Service Unit)

This position is ineligible for the Bargaining Unit. (Warm Springs Service Unit)

Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a one (1) year service agreement will be required.

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates; however, reimbursement is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit:
For IHS - http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/
For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/
For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps

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.

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/13022393

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.

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).

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

Marlen Ramos
Phone
(480) 217-9496
Email
marlen.ramos@ihs.gov
Address
Portland Area Indian Health Service
1414 NW Northrup Street Suite 800
Portland, OR 97209
US

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http://www.ihs.gov

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