Health Technician (Clinical Assistant)
What you'd do
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.
Major duties
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)
What you need to qualify
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 assistant providing 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.
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.
Don't miss the next one.
Get an email the moment a similar federal job opens — postings can close in as little as 5 days.