Social Services Assistant

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). 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. 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 respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration. 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. 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 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. 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/.