Join the Indian Health Service and make a meaningful impact in Native communities. In this role, you will support vital healthcare operations that ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. If you're looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports patient services and community well-being, we encourage you to apply. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-5: 4 years of education above high school OR; 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: - Providing customer service by assisting patients, clients, or staff in person or by telephone (e.g., answering questions, directing patients, responding to routine inquiries)- Collecting, reviewing, or entering basic information into paper or electronic systems (e.g., demographic data, appointment information, or service requests)- Maintaining files, records, or logs in accordance with established procedures (e.g., filing patient records, tracking forms, updating logs)- Following written instructions, policies, or procedures to complete routine tasks (e.g., adhering to privacy requirements, completing assigned clerical duties) OR; Combining Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements at grades GS-5 and below GS-6: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5. Examples of specialized experience for this grade level are identified by specialty below. Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to support Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) or referral management functions in an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare program, including experience in:- Assisting with processing referrals and authorizations for outside medical services (e.g., logging referrals, preparing documentation for review)- Reviewing forms and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy (e.g., verifying eligibility information or required signatures)- Entering and updating referral or patient information in electronic systems (e.g., RPMS, EHR, or tracking databases)- Communicating with clinical staff, patients, or external providers to obtain or relay routine information regarding referrals or services Business Office One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to support healthcare business office or revenue cycle functions within an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare facility, including experience in:- Assisting with billing, claims processing, or payment-related activities (e.g., preparing claims, posting payments, or supporting accounts receivable functions)- Reviewing billing or financial documents for accuracy and completeness prior to processing- Entering billing or financial data into systems (e.g., RPMS Third Party Billing, EHR, or other billing software)- Responding to routine inquiries from patients, insurance companies, or third-party payers regarding billing or payment status. Patient Registration One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to perform patient registration or front desk support in an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare setting, including experience in:- Collecting and verifying patient demographic, eligibility, or insurance information (e.g., updating patient records, confirming coverage)- Registering patients or updating information using electronic health record systems (e.g., RPMS or similar systems)- Greeting patients and providing instructions regarding forms, services, or clinic procedures- Maintaining confidentiality of patient information in accordance with Federal privacy requirements Office Automation One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to perform office automation and administrative support duties within an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar organization, including experience in:- Using office automation software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) to prepare documents, spreadsheets, or correspondence- Entering data and maintaining electronic or paper filing systems (e.g., tracking logs, records management systems)- Preparing routine reports, forms, or correspondence based on established formats- Providing administrative support such as scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, or tracking documents Patient Care/Administrative One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 level in the Federal service that demonstrates the ability to support patient care activities in an Indian Health Service, Tribal, or similar healthcare environment, including experience in:- Assisting with scheduling appointments or coordinating patient services (e.g., clinic visits, referrals, follow-ups)- Supporting clinical staff by preparing, organizing, or maintaining patient-related documentation- Communicating routine information to patients regarding appointments, services, or instructions- Following procedures to ensure patient privacy and proper handling of sensitive information (e.g., HIPAA compliance) Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the date of application.
Purchased/Referred Care (PRC): Assists with processing referrals for medical services provided outside the facility; receives, logs, and tracks referral requests; reviews referral forms for completeness; enters and updates referral and patient data in Resource Patient Management System (RPMS), Electronic Health Record (EHR), or other systems; communicates with clinical staff, patients, and external providers to obtain or relay routine information; maintains files and logs to track referral status. Business Office: Performs support duties related to billing and revenue cycle operations; assists with preparing and processing claims for third-party payers; reviews billing documents for accuracy; enters billing and payment data into RPMS Third Party Billing or other systems; responds to routine billing inquiries; maintains records related to claims, payments, and accounts receivable. Patient Registration: Greets patients and provides information on clinic services; collects and verifies demographic, eligibility, and insurance information; registers patients and updates records using RPMS or other systems; assists with forms; schedules appointments and directs patients; ensures confidentiality of patient information. Office Automation: Performs clerical and administrative support; uses office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook) to prepare documents and reports; enters and maintains data in systems or logs; maintains files and records; assists with scheduling, calendars, and coordination of administrative activities; compiles information for routine reports or tracking. Patient Care (Administrative Support): Provides administrative support to clinical staff; assists with scheduling appointments, referrals, and follow-ups; prepares and maintains patient documentation; communicates routine information to patients; supports patient flow and coordination; ensures compliance with privacy and confidentiality procedures. The duties described are representative and may be adjusted based on organizational needs.