About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located at the Indian Health Service, Northern Cheyenne Service Unit, Lame Deer, MT. The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive clerical and administrative support to patients and health care staff. Incumbent reports to the Supervisory Health System Specialist. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
QualificationsTo 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-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: Provides front office and administrative support for a healthcare clinic by greeting and assisting patients, scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, and completing clerical tasks. Responsibilities include verifying patient information and insurance, coordinating referrals and follow-up care, preparing and processing administrative documents, updating electronic health records (EHR), ensuring HIPAA compliance, and delivering professional customer service to support efficient clinic operations and quality patient care. OR Four (4) years of education above high school (Must provide transcripts) OR A combination of education and experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. GS-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: independently performing patient registration and verifying demographic, eligibility, and insurance information; entering, updating, reviewing, and correcting patient information in electronic health records (EHR) or related systems; scheduling and coordinating appointments and follow-up care across multiple clinics, specialties, or providers; maintaining patient records and other patient-care documentation; identifying and resolving routine scheduling, records, or patient-processing discrepancies; and communicating with patients, families, clinical staff, and administrative staff to coordinate services and support patient care. 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 closing date of the announcement.
Major DutiesTotal Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Medical Support Assistant Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) Interview patients or representatives to obtain Patient Registration information including demographic and insurance information. Processes consultations, orders, referrals, and authorizations to support clinical care. Prepares, organizes, and files medical records both electronically and paper-based. Assist with third party billing, such as Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurance. Answer telephone, schedules appointments, take messages, and resolves routine problems or complaints utilizing clinic operations and referring complex issues to appropriate departments.RequirementsSelectee 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.