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.

• 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.

• REAL will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
• Financial Suitability
  :
  Candidates must demonstrate financial responsibility and maintain good standing with creditors, meet all legal obligations, and not have substantial unresolved financial obligations such as delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted loans, court‑ordered fines, or child support arrears.
• Applicants must present two valid forms of identification; one must be REAL ‑compliant if it is a state‑issued  driver’s license.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• All candidates must successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• A federal background investigation, completed within five (5) calendar days of receipt of instructions, is required.

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

Specialized

Experience:

One (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the GS‑04 grade level in the federal service or comparable private/public sector experience. Qualifying experience includes assisting staff in providing social services, case management, patient support, interviewing clients, maintaining records, assisting community resources, and maintaining reports.

Education: Successful completion of a four‑year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The degree must include at least 24 semester hours directly related to the position or a major in social behavior, human behavior, or health care.

Combination: A combination of specialized experience and education that meets 100 % of the qualification requirements.

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑05 grade level. Qualifying experience includes assisting social workers, counselors, or healthcare professionals, coordinating referrals, maintaining case files, monitoring client progress, and supporting program activities. Graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position may substitute for experience.

One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑06 grade level or one year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position. Qualifying experience includes independently coordinating social service activities, interviewing clients, assessing needs, referring individuals, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and preparing reports.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, and leave benefits. Contact the hiring agency for details specific to your position.