The position works at an ambulatory health care center as a medical assistant to complete administrative and clinical tasks for primary care specialty physicians or other providers. Duties vary with the location and specialty.
We are accepting applications year-round with eligible applicants being placed on a standing register and eligible candidates referred for consideration as vacancies occur with referral at multiple grade levels and locations and type of appointments.
Summary
The position works at an ambulatory health care center as a medical assistant to complete administrative and clinical tasks for primary care specialty physicians or other providers. Duties vary with the location and specialty.
We are accepting applications year-round with eligible applicants being placed on a standing register and eligible candidates referred for consideration as vacancies occur with referral at multiple grade levels and locations and type of appointments.
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy if you are applying for permanent appointments and certain locations: Colville Service Unit. Other locations may determine on a case by case if it is difficult to fill the position and critical to the mission. No to other types of appointments.
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.
The general duties of the position are listed below:
Assist health care provider to examine or treat patients.
Take and record vital signs and medical histories, prepare patients for examination, draw blood, and administer medications as directed by health care provider
Provide interpretation of technical information.
Maintain safe and clean working environment.
Ensure supply area is kept stocked and clutter-free.
The incumbent receives progressively more responsible assignments as experience and training are gained for advancement to the target level position.
For grade GS-07 duties, the target level position, examples of duties are listed below:
Provide health care to a range of patients presenting with complex or multiple systems dysfunctions and/or disorders.
Perform procedures within the scope of practice to include sterile dressing application and packing, enemas, suture/staple application and removal; applies orthopedic splints as prescribed by Provider.
Assist Provider in performing diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor surgical procedures ranging from routine to specialized for example, biopsy, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and electrocardiogram.
Initiate intravenous (IVs), regulates flow rate, and monitors prescribed IV fluids.
Administers prescribed oxygen and respiratory therapy treatments,
Act as liaison between patients and the primary professional medical care provider.
Serve as an assistant during procedures: handling instruments, redirecting lighting, and repositioning patients. Instructs patients regarding preparation for procedures, post-procedure expectations, and signs/symptoms of potential complications. Prepare rooms for procedures; select and arrange appropriate instruments, packs, fittings, adaptors; initiates IVs, draping, positioning, grounding, and ensuring an aseptic examination area. Prepares required medical supplies and equipment necessary for such procedures.
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
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.
Adherence to the IHS Employee Immunization Policy, SGM 21-04, and the IHS Circular 2016-04 requiring Measles and Rubella, COVID-19, and seasonal influenza immunizations for staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities OR an exemption request will need to be submitted.
The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain licensure requirements. If license is not 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: 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.
Individual Occupational Requirements:
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-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position. 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.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Grade GS-04:
Your resume must demonstrate 1 year of combination of general and specialized experience. Resume must show evidence of at least 6 months of general experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter of the position to be filled AND 6 months of specialized experience that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-03 level in the Federal service. Examples Include: experience working in the field of health and medicine answering medical office telephones, receiving patients, utilizing electronic health records; obtaining vital signs for patients; removing and applying wound dressings as directed; preparing and restocking exam rooms; ensuring general cleanliness of exam rooms; and ability to clean and autoclave supplies and instruments.OR
Completed 2 years of education above high school that included at least 12 semester hours in subjects related to the position. OR
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-04 grade level.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Grade GS-05:
Your resume must demonstrate you possess 1 year of specialized experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This specialized experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service. Examples Include: work experience as a certified medical assistant in medical treatments, performing supporting diagnostic tests (peak flow, EKGs, venipuncture, and blood glucose testing upon Provider direction), administering age-appropriate vaccines as directed by the Provider; assisting in the collection of needed specimens for laboratory testing; ensuring patients understand the providers instructions regarding home care and any follow-up required; and attending Provider Team meetings to determine what scheduled patients may require in the way of services. 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 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Grade GS-06
Your resume must demonstrate you possess 1 year of specialized experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience is related to the work of the position and equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service. Examples Include: work experience as a certified medical assistant in a family medicine orientated medical facility working as part of a health care team that provides acute and chronic care for patients from birth to geriatrics, administer testing and vaccines as directed by the Provider Team; assist with in advanced clinic procedures, including, but not limited to, minor surgical procedures, woman's health, and wound care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Grade GS-07
Your resume must demonstrate experience that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Examples Include: work experience as a certified medical assistant providing complex health care to high risk patients, using specialized equipment such as cardiac monitors, EKG, & IV fluid pumps, interpreting examination requests accurately and recognizing a need for additional tests, and establishing a patient care plan; responsible medical administrative work such as monitoring inventory and coordinating supply ordering for the whole medical clinic, collaborate with Provider and RN on chronic medical care of patients with chronic conditions and panel management, coordinate referral care for identified chronic patients and maintaining vendor lists for referral care, coordinate telehealth clinics including scheduling, patient preparation and presence during telehealth visit with outside providers.
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: GS-05, or GS-06, or GS-07
Certified Medical Assistant from an accredited institute.
If you possess current certification, submit a copy with your application as a supporting document.
Certification is essential to perform the duties of the position. Candidates who do not meet a selective placement factor are ineligible for further consideration. There are many certifications such as American Association of Medical Assistants, National Center for Competency Testing, National Health career Association, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, which are widely recognized.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT Grade GS-04
You must be able to obtain certification as a Medical Assistant within 1 year of entrance on duty.
A condition of employment refers to something that both the employee and employer agree to at the beginning of a selected candidate employment. You may gain certification through completion of an accredited medical assisting program and passing a medical assistant certification examination leading to certification as a Medical Assistant OR through possession of 1 year of medical assisting employment and passing a medical assistant certification examination leading to certification as a Medical Assistant.
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 established cut-off date or the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable.
Successfully completed post-high school education is qualifying for grades GS-3 through GS-5. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business or technical school.
NOTE: Graduate education or an internship meets the specialized experience required above GS-5 only in those instances where it is directly related to the work of the position. One full year of graduate education meets the requirements for GS-7. Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree meets the requirements for GS-9. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
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 at following servicing Units.
Western Oregon Service Unit, Salem, Oregon
Yakama Service Unit, Toppenish, Washington
Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a one year service agreement will be required.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-07 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.
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.
Administration and Management
Clerical
Healthcare
Injection Techniques
Interpersonal Skills
Technical Competence
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.
Click here to view vacancy questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12665821. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the established cut-off date or closing date of, 12/31/2025 to be considered.
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-1.31.25_508%28w.omb%29.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. 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 established cut-off date or the closing date: 12/31/2025.
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 10 days after the JOA open date.
Cut-off dates are established based on the date the human resources office receives management request for a list of eligibles or 10 days after the job announcement opens if a management request was made before job announcement was opened or 10 days after no selection on a certificate of eligibles.
Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 (Margaret Horn-Sampson, Margaret.Horn-Sampson@ihs.gov, and/or 503-414-7734.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Portland Area Indian Health Service
1414 NW Northrup Street Suite 800
Portland, OR 97209
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-1.31.25_508%28w.omb%29.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. 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 established cut-off date or the closing date: 12/31/2025.
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 10 days after the JOA open date.
Cut-off dates are established based on the date the human resources office receives management request for a list of eligibles or 10 days after the job announcement opens if a management request was made before job announcement was opened or 10 days after no selection on a certificate of eligibles.
Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for eight months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 (Margaret Horn-Sampson, Margaret.Horn-Sampson@ihs.gov, and/or 503-414-7734.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Portland Area Indian Health Service
1414 NW Northrup Street Suite 800
Portland, OR 97209
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.
