Social Services Assistant
What you'd do
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).
Major duties
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.
What you need to qualify
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.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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