Social Services Assistant

About the role

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!

Responsibilities

• Affords assistance to higher-level staff in implementing established resident schedules, structured treatment activities, and cultural programming.
• Maintains oversight of resident behavior and activities, conducts routine bed checks, and documents observations in accordance with established procedures.
• 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

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).

Qualifications

• GS-05: One 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.
• GS-06: One 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.
• GS-07: One 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.

Benefits

Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a mission-driven career that truly matters.

Pay

The pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

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

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.

Background Investigation Requirement

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

Physical Demands

The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests

If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.