What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Support Assistant (All Specialties) position at Indian Health Service?
Summary
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).
Duties
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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.
Requirements (Continued)
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.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
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.
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.
Qualifications
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:
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)
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
Education
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/.
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-GS-6 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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).
Duties
Help
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.
Requirements (Continued)
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.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
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.
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.
Qualifications
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.
- 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-5. Examples of specialized experience for this grade level are identified by specialty below.
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)
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
Education
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/.
Additional information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)
This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.
Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.
This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.
This position has promotion potential to the GS-GS-6 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.
You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions.
- How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?
- In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness?
- How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role?
- How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements?
- Your responses are optional and will not be scored.
- However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process.
- You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot).
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.