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Social Services Assistant
Department of Health and Human Services
Indian Health Service
Various Locations across the Agency
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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).
Learn more about this 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).
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
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:
Sacaton, AZ
Davis, CA
Hemet, CA
Cherokee, NC
Acoma, NM
Wadsworth, NV
Mobridge, SD
No matching locations found.
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 $37,193 - $55,183 per year
Salary is determined by Duty Station. Certain locations are covered by a Locality Pay Table.
Pay scale & grade
GS 4
Promotion potential 7
Learn more about pay scale and grade
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-12998253-DE Control number 875400000
This job is open to
Help
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Native Americans
Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.
Clarification from the agency
The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interiors 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.
Help
This job is also open in another announcement to:
Federal employees - Competitive service
Federal employees - Excepted service
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Land and base management
Veterans
Military spouses
Individuals with disabilities
Family of overseas employees
Native Americans
Videos
Duties
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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 individuals 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 possess the required experience and/or education to perform the duties of the position.
Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid work, including volunteer service performed through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, or social). Credit will be given for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part-time work. Your resume must clearly identify your duties and responsibilities, the beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the total number of hours worked per week.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Individual Occupational Requirements (GS-04)
Specialized Experience
Applicants must possess six (6) months of general experience and six (6) months of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-03 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector.
General experience is any work that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position or provides familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the occupation.
Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:
OR
Education and Training
For GS-04: Successful completion of two (2) years of study that:
OR
Combination of Education and Experience
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
Education
There is no positive education requirement for this position. However, applicants may use qualifying education as a substitute for specialized experience if they meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the GS-0186 Social Services Aid and Assistant Series.
If you are using education to substitute for specialized experience, you are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses that includes course titles, credit hours completed, and grades earned. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted with your application. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees before an official offer of employment is made.
Only education from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be credited. Applicants may verify accreditation by visiting: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must submit a credential evaluation (Certificate of Foreign Equivalency) with your transcripts to receive credit for that education. For additional information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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 may be 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-7 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at managements 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.
Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicants 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 drivers license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.
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.
Expand Hide additional information
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.
Benefits
Help
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.
Review our 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.
If you meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, your application will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Once the application process is complete, a review of your qualifications will be conducted to determine if you are qualified for this job. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The quality categories are: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within each of these categories, applicants eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-preference eligibles.
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.
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. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Managements 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/12998253.
All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of, 09/30/2026, to be considered.
Benefits
Help
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.
Review our 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.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 09/30/2026
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 5 days after the JOA open date. After that, applications may be reviewed and referred at any time as vacancies occur.
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur; however, there may not be immediate openings at all locations.
During the application process, you may select up to three locations and will only be considered for positions in those locations. Candidates with complete applications will remain eligible for consideration for up to three months from the date of application or until the announcement closes, whichever occurs first. Consideration will be based on your selected locations, qualifications, and job preferences.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.
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. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Agency contact information
Jennifer Miller
Phone 785-832-4885 Email Jennifer.Miller@ihs.gov Address IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
US
Next steps
Stay Updated with Text Alerts
You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature:
Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply.
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 eligibility 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 applicants 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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center - https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 09/30/2026
The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 5 days after the JOA open date. After that, applications may be reviewed and referred at any time as vacancies occur.
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur; however, there may not be immediate openings at all locations.
During the application process, you may select up to three locations and will only be considered for positions in those locations. Candidates with complete applications will remain eligible for consideration for up to three months from the date of application or until the announcement closes, whichever occurs first. Consideration will be based on your selected locations, qualifications, and job preferences.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
Help
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/.
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. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Jennifer Miller
Phone 785-832-4885 Email Jennifer.Miller@ihs.gov Address IHS Headquarter
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
US
Next steps
Stay Updated with Text Alerts
You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status. To enable this feature:
Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply.
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 eligibility 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 applicants 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.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Additional locations
Acoma, NM
Wadsworth, NV
Mobridge, SD
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
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at Indian Health Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
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).
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
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:
Sacaton, AZ
Davis, CA
Hemet, CA
Cherokee, NC
Acoma, NM
Wadsworth, NV
Mobridge, SD
No matching locations found.
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 $37,193 - $55,183 per year
Salary is determined by Duty Station. Certain locations are covered by a Locality Pay Table.
Pay scale & grade
GS 4
Promotion potential 7
Learn more about pay scale and grade
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-12998253-DE Control number 875400000
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