Indian Health Service Logo
Position Title
Medical Support Assistant (OA)
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-20-OK-10830038-ESEP/MP Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, September 4, 2020 to Monday, September 14, 2020
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans' Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
  • retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
3. Are you currently employed by the agency hiring for this position? (limit characters)
4. Are you the parent of an individual who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the Armed Forces?  If yes,
  • the spouse of that parent is totally and permanently disabled OR
  • the parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or, if married, legally separated from his or her spouse
-OR-
Are you the parent of a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran? If yes, confirm
  • the spouse of that parent is totally and permanently disabled OR
  • the parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or, if married, legally separated from his or her spouse
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans)
(limit characters)
5. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm that you are indicated on the PCS orders; and you
  • have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders AND
  • have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
-OR-

Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

-OR-

Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources..
(limit characters)
6. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
7. Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you
  • complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an oversea area
  • receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
  • return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
(limit characters)
8. Are you a current or former time-limited employee of an Industrial Base Facility or Major Range and Test Facility Base who:
  1. Was appointed initially under open competitive examination under subchapter I of chapter 33 of such title to the time-limited appointment;
  2. Who has served under one or more time-limited appointments by a Defense Industrial Base Facility or the Major Range and Test Facilities Base for a period or periods totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years; and
  3. Received performance rating at an acceptable level of performance throughout the period(s), referred to in (2) above.
** Former DoD employees may also apply if they apply for a position within two years after the most recent date of separation, and their most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance. 
 
To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in Section 1132 of Public Law (P.L.) 114-328.
(limit characters)
9. Have you completed three years of substantially continuous service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type Foreign Service appointment that meets a requirement for career tenure?

-OR-

Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
(limit characters)
10. Are you an American Indian/Alaska Native who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of Interior? The Indian Health Service gives qualified American Indian/Alaska Natives preference when filling vacancies in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472), with approved exceptions.

If eligible, submit a copy of your Bureau of Indian Affairs Form 4432, "Verification of Indian preference for employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service," that has been completed by authorized tribal or BIA Officials. For more information, review the IHS Indian Preference guidelines: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/permanentDocs/indianpreference.pdf.
(limit characters)
11. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
12. Are you working for another agency in an established merit system in the excepted service that has an agreement prescribing conditions under which employees may be moved from the agency's system to the competitive service?  For example, OPM has agreements with Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs that covers employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 7401(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104(1) and (3)].  Agreements effective 10/31/79 and 5/12/87; extended indefinitely. Other merit systems are: Tennessee Valley Authority, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) employees of the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Corporation for National and Community Service. See the OPM website for expiration dates and specific on agreements: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=InterchangeAgreementsWithOtherMeritSystems.
If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, excepted service status that show the following:
  • Be currently serving under an appointment without time limit in the other merit system or have been involuntarily separated from such appointment without personal cause within the preceding year; AND
  • Be currently serving in or have been involuntarily separated from a position covered by an interchange agreement (some agreements do not cover all positions of the other merit system); AND
  • Have served continuously for at least 1 year in the other merit system prior to appointment under the interchange agreement as described in item 1 or item 2 below:
  1. A person who previously met this requirement, separated, and later returned to an appointment without time limit, is considered as having met this requirement, regardless of length of service under the current appointment.  (See paragraph on type of appointment received when appointed to a competitive service position.)
  2. Eligible employees under appointment without time limit in the Department of Defense Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities (NAFI) system may include flexible employees, who work the equivalent of a part-time, intermittent, or on-call schedule.
(limit characters)
13. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
  • was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
  • served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
  • performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
  • if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
(limit characters)
14. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?

-OR-

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?

-OR-

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?

If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.

If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
(limit characters)
15. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
(limit characters)
16. Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
17. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
18. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
  • are entitled to veterans' preference
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
19. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years)
  • are a disabled veteran
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. Which hiring plan applies to you and how do you want to be considered for employment? If you are not sure, visit the IHS Jobs Board Which Plan Should I select.
You will only be considered for those that you select. (Select all that apply)
(limit characters)
3. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been arrested for or charged with certain crimes involving a child. Responding yes to this question can make you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been arrested for or charged with a crime involving a child? (limit characters)
4. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, 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 against persons or offenses committed against children. Responding yes to this question makes you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) or guilty to, any felonious offense, or any two or more misdemeanor offenses under federal, state, or tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; or crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children? (limit characters)
5. I certify that (1) my responses to questions one and two are made under penalty of perjury, which is punishable by fine under title 18 of the United States Code, or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both; and (2) I have received notice that a criminal check will be conducted. I understand my right to obtain a copy of any criminal history report made available to the Indian Health Service and my right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of any information contained in the report. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Medical Support Assistant (OA) position with the Indian Health Service. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. (limit characters)
1. Minimum Qualification, GS-03, Medical Support Assistant
From the description below, select the response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-03. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
2. Minimum Qualification, GS-04, Medical Support Assistant
From the description below, select the response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-04. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
3. Minimum Qualification, GS-05, Medical Support Assistant
From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-05. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
4. Typing Proficiency Requirement
Can you type at least 40 words per minute based on a 5-minute sample with three or fewer errors?
 
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Question, interview, or confer with others to obtain or verify information. (limit characters)
6. Verify accuracy and completeness of computerized documents or health record files. (limit characters)
7. Maintain security or confidentiality of records at all times. (limit characters)
8. Maintain records and files required by the office in a manner appropriate with their classification. (limit characters)
9. Organizes various duties (travel arrangements, maintain credential files, meeting minutes, timekeeping, etc.) to maintain an effective workflow. (limit characters)
10. Determine the order of processing for a wide range of activities that have multiple steps and processes. (limit characters)
11. Schedule appointments to include establishing, rescheduling or refusing appointments, and accepting or declining invitations to meetings. (limit characters)
12. Use various learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills. (limit characters)
13. Interpret information relating to regulations for eligible individuals. (limit characters)
14. Identify procedural discrepancies and problems requiring further guidance. (limit characters)
15. Understand department purpose, objectives and priorities to perform recurring assignments. (limit characters)
16. Apply knowledge of the Privacy Act of 1974, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). (limit characters)
17. Experience verifying for accuracy and completeness, computerized documents or health record files. (limit characters)
18. Use a scheduling packages component in Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) or other online Electronic Health Record software program. (limit characters)
19. Use an automated computerized system to perform research on questionable billings. (limit characters)
20. Use an electronic health record system to abstract and analyze data. (limit characters)
21. Use an electronic health records system to retrieve patient information. (limit characters)
22. Prepare various collection reports and reconciliations for submission to the appropriate staff. (limit characters)
23. Respond to health insurance company questions and explains Indian Health Service requirements or other health care provider (i.e., insurance provisions, billing and payment procedures, etc.). (limit characters)
24. Resolve issues related to incomplete/complete claim processing. (limit characters)
25. Perform a daily reconciliation of all documents to ensure that they were accounted for and processed according to established procedures. (limit characters)
26. Act as receptionist for visitors and provides forms and instructions as needed. (limit characters)
27. Answer routine and recurring inquiries and direct others to appropriate personnel. (limit characters)
28. Provide information orally in response to inquiries concerning status of claims, applications, cases, or other actions pending approval or resolution. (limit characters)
29. Maintain effective work relationships with various employees, clients, and patients. (limit characters)
30. Deliver information and explain procedures to patients and their families, using tact, diplomacy and sensitivity. (limit characters)
31. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)