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.

A REAL  be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

• 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.

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  driver's license, it must be REAL ‑compliant.

• 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.
• Immunization policy: IHS Selectees who work in a healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine‑preventable diseases, including the option for vaccine exemption requests.
• Eligibility for contact or control over Indian children requires the agency to ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of, or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to, certain crimes.
• Physical demands: walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients.
• Successfully pass the E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Must set up direct deposit.

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays or a determination of unsuitability.

To qualify for this position, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualification requirements for the applicable grade level. Experience includes paid, unpaid, or volunteer work. The resume must identify duties, responsibilities, and hours worked.

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Specialized
  
  Experience:
  
  One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑04 grade level. Examples include: assisting professional staff in providing social services, case management, or patient support services; interviewing clients for routine information and maintaining case records; assisting individuals in accessing community resources, health services, or social service programs; providing…