Indian Health Service Logo
Position Title
Social Services Assistant (Resident Assistant)
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-25-CA-12719463-DE Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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 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.
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3. 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.
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4. 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.
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5. 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.
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Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT 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. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire.
SECTION I. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND FACTORS.
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1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-0186-05
Select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-05 level. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
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2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-0186-06
Select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-06 level. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
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3. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, GS-0186-07
Select one response below that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-07 level. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
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Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
4. Document in patient electronic record using Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan (SOAP) notes. (limit characters)
5. Record/document daily logs or incident reports into an automated system. (limit characters)
6. Utilize a variety of standard computer applications (e.g., email, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.). (limit characters)
7. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (such as psychologists, nurses, social workers) concerning patient care plans and patient management. (limit characters)
8. Communicate effectively with individuals who are victims of violence (limit characters)
9. Demonstrate respect and safe reassurance to treatment facility patients and their families to eliminate any fear or distrust. (limit characters)
10. Motivate treatment patients to a healthy positive lifestyle to provide a foundation healthy living. (limit characters)
11. Provide information to team members for the development and evaluation of patient care plan/treatment goals. (limit characters)
12. Deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations. For example: tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, or dangerous situations. (limit characters)
13. Deal with individuals in a constructive manner when they are distressed, agitated, or displaying difficult behavior. (limit characters)
14. Maintain composure and direction in high pressure situations. (limit characters)
15. Recognize deviations from normal behavior in individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues. (limit characters)
16. Resolve issues that result in an opportunity to reinforce positive interpersonal relationships and team cohesiveness to achieve the mission of the organization. (limit characters)
17. Use verbal de-escalation skills to abate aggressive or difficult behavior. (limit characters)
18. Adhere to confidentiality policies to protect patient privacy/rights. (limit characters)
19. Assist adolescent or adult patients with activities of daily living (ADL's) such as personal health and hygiene, personal organization, courtesy, etiquette, etc. (limit characters)
20. Assist adolescents or adults with program work assignments/homework. (limit characters)
21. Assist in chemical dependency instruction and education in accordance with resident treatment plans set up by the multi-disciplinary team. (limit characters)
22. Supervise adults or adolescents in a treatment facility environment. (limit characters)
SECTION II. CERTIFICATION OF INFORMATION ACCURACY
As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy.

Certification of Information Accuracy - If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position.
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23. 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)