Health Technician (Clinical Assistant)

The position is located in the Indian Health Service, Portland Area Office, at a Federal Service unit, a free-standing health clinic (i.e. not attached to a hospital). Performs nonprofessional nursing care, appointment clerical functions, and receptionist duties, record keeping tasks associated with patient care and treatment, or a combination of all these functions as required in some of the areas. The incumbent of the position reports to a Supervisory Nurse.

• Perform comprehensive patient intake by obtaining and documenting medical histories, allergies, vital signs, blood glucose levels, and other clinical observations to support patient assessment and treatment.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment by following infection prevention and control procedures, ensuring equipment readiness, and adhering to established safety protocols.

• Monitor and document patient responses to treatment, recognize and report changes in patients' physical and emotional conditions, and promptly communicate findings to healthcare providers.

• Provide patient education regarding medical procedures, treatments, medications, and follow-up care to promote understanding and compliance with provider instructions.

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care, ensure continuity of services, and support timely clinical interventions.

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Health Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

Requirements (continued): This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, 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.

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.

Basic Requirement(s)

Individual Occupational Requirements
General Schedule Qualification Standards - Health Aid and Technician Series 0640

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled.

In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-05: 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: Experience as a certified medical assistant providing comprehensive clinical and administrative support in an outpatient medical clinic. Performed patient intake, obtained and documented vital signs, administered immunizations and medications as ordered, assisted healthcare providers. Coordinating patient scheduling, maintained electronic health records (RPMS/EHR), managed medical records and correspondence.

OR

Completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (Must provide transcripts)

OR

Possess a combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. The total percentage equals at least 100 percent to qualify for this GS-05 grade level. (Must provide transcripts)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, GS-0640-06: 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: Experience as a certified medical assistant providing comprehensive clinical and administrative support by performing patient intake, obtaining and documenting medical histories, allergies, vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and other diagnostic measurements. Administered prescribed medications within scope of practice, documented patient responses, recognized and reported changes in patient condition, and ensured patient comfort and safety throughout the course of care.

In addition to the Minimum Qualifications, you must also meet the Selective Placement Factor stated below.

SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR - CERTIFICATION:
In addition to meeting the minimum qualification requirements, applicants must meet the following selective placement factor, which has been determined to be essential for the successful performance of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be ineligible for further consideration. Applicants must possess a current and active Medical Assistant certification from an accredited and nationally recognized certifying organization Qualifying certifications include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA);
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) issued by American Medical Technologists (AMT); or
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

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 by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.

The first cutoff date will be November 13, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Future cutoff dates will be each Friday thereafter at 11:59 pm EST until the closing date. Your application will remain active for 90 days from the submission of application.

There are no education requirements. If you are substituting education for experience; You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.

Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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

IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

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.