Health Technician (Cultural Technician)
Department of Health and Human Services
Summary
The purpose of this position is to develop, implement and monitor cultural programming and educational activities and acting as a cultural liaison with families and tribes. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Duties
- Total Compensation Package – Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Health Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) Utilize all available resources to provide cultural and spiritual awareness activities to all adolescents; Schedules cultural educational outings and/or experiential outings to participate or observe ceremonies.
- Promote an appreciation of the American Indian culture, traditions, and spiritualism; the incumbent is expected to possess excellent skills in cultural awareness and knowledge of traditional values.
- An understanding of traditional, mainstream, and bicultural factors will assist in the interactions with residents, staff members, parents, referring programs, and tribal entities.
- The work is to provide comprehensive services to American Indian adolescents requiring treatment for AOD abuse and dependency, to resolve related problems, and to establish a lifelong recovery process.
- Excellent skills in the use of tact and diplomacy and the use of judgment will assist in the work.
- The work is mostly sedentary with some physical activity such as in wilderness outings, obtaining materials for and preparing the Inipi, and vocational/recreational therapy on occasion.
- Prolonged periods of walking, standing, and climbing are sometimes required as well as the ability to lift, bend, and stoop in helping residents perform traditional activities.
- There may be need for occasional intervention or management of emergency situations (may require physical effort to restrain residents), and occasional lifting of objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.
- Training will be provided on non-violent crisis intervention, as this is the policy of our facility.
Requirements
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required
Conditions of employment include:
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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. 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. 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.
Education
There are no education requirements.
Required Documents
Prepare the documents below before applying. Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position:
- USAJOBS Help Center – Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements.
- Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume.
- USAJOBS Help Center – Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements: Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records.
- For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432.
- Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
- Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy).
- To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation.
- For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
- Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
- Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.
About this role
The Health Technician (Cultural Technician) position with the Department of Health and Human Services is based in Wakpala, South Dakota. The purpose of this position is to develop, implement and monitor cultural programming and educational activities and acting as a cultural liaison with families and tribes. The role pays $45,409 to $59,031 per year.
Day to day, the work involves the core duties of the Health Technician role as detailed in the announcement below. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
This role calls for United States citizenship, the ability to obtain and hold a security clearance, and a valid driver's license. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Health Technician (Cultural Technician) position with the Department of Health and Human Services in Wakpala, South Dakota, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
The posted pay of $45,409 to $59,031 per year places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. The security clearance requirement means a longer hiring timeline, so patience and an early application help. Based in Wakpala, South Dakota, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on July 16, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.
