Social Services Assistant

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).

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
• 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.

Requirements

• Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S.
• Citizenship is required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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 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.

Education

There are no education requirements. If you are substituting education for experience: You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Required Documents

• 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.
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
• 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.
• Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application.
• You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades.
• Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
• Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable.
• Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.
• You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern
• 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.