Social Services Assistant

Indian Health Service; Mobridge (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service is seeking a Social Services Assistant to provide general social services to American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The role focuses on addressing social and emotional needs and collaborating with a dedicated team to enhance wellness and community well-being.

Qualified candidates may have GS-05/06/07 level experience or a relevant bachelor's degree. The position includes a federal benefits package and required background investigations, with a REAL ID compliance

Qualifications

• GS-05: One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04; duties include assisting professional staff in providing social services, case management, or patient support services.
• Education: Full four-year degree with 24 semester hours in related subjects or major in social behavior, human behavior, or health care.
• Combination of education and experience may meet 100% of the qualification requirements; only education beyond the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward the specialized experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Assists higher-level staff in implementing resident schedules, structured treatment activities, and cultural programming.
• Monitors resident behavior, conducts bed checks, and documents observations per procedures.
• Escorts and supervises residents during meals and activities while maintaining accountability.
• Assists residents with activities of daily living, treatment assignments, and structured recreational activities under supervision.
• Supports facility operations by assisting with security procedures, monitoring surveillance equipment, and routine safety checks.

Skills

Social services experience

Case management

Interviewing clients

Community resources knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree with 24 semester hours in related subjects

Job description

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.

REAL ID Requirement

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

Duties

• 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.

Financial Suitability Requirement

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

Conditions of Employment

• 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.

Background Investigation Requirement

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.

Qualifications

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.

Minimum Qualifications

GS‑05:

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 guidance and support in community, residential, educational, or healthcare settings; maintaining records, preparing reports, and documenting services; explaining program requirements, policies, or available services to clients and families.
• Education: Successful completion of a full four‑year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position or a major in social behavior, human behavior, or health care.
• Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of specialized experience and education that meets 100 % of the qualification requirements. Only education beyond the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.

GS‑06:

Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑05 grade level. Examples include: assisting social workers, counselors, or other healthcare professionals; coordinating referrals and appointments; maintaining case files and documenting client contacts; monitoring client progress; providing information on resources, benefits, and community services; assisting with program activities, outreach, and support groups. Graduate education may be substituted only when directly related.

GS‑07:

Applicants must possess one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS‑06 grade level. Examples include: independently coordinating social service activities; interviewing clients; monitoring participation; collaborating with multidisciplinary teams; assisting with program implementation; preparing reports; maintaining confidential records; ensuring compliance with agency policies. Graduate education may be substituted only when directly related.

Time In Grade

Federal employees in the competitive service are subject to the Time‑In‑Grade Requirements. Merit Promotion candidates must have completed one year at the next lower grade level. Time‑In‑Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

Additional Information

• Reasonable accommodation requests: If you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, you may request accommodation for online assessments. Decisions are made on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Additional selections may occur within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibility is issued.
• Federal employees earn annual leave based on service years; IHS may offer credit for prior non‑federal or military service.
• The position may be covered by a bargaining unit.
• Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized; at least a 6‑month service agreement is required.
• Position has promotion potential to the GS‑G7 grade level; promotion is at management's discretion and not guaranteed.
• Evaluation per the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.

Selection Process

1. Applicants will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less) to four mandatory questions about their commitment to the Constitution, government efficiency, policy priorities, and work ethic. Responses are optional, not scored, but may be reviewed.
2. Applicants must certify that responses are written in their own words and that they did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence tool.

Benefits

A federal employee enjoys a comprehensive benefits package.