About the opportunity
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a Medical Support Assistant to perform essential support services, including record keeping, file system maintenance, and clerical assistance. The role involves reviewing patient information to determine eligibility for care, coordinating supply inventories, and providing customer service to patients and visitors. This position is located in South Dakota and is covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring specific background checks due to contact with Indian children. The role has promotion potential to the GS-5 grade level, though promotion is at management’s discretion. Candidates must demonstrate financial responsibility and pass a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
Salary and benefits
- Federal salary range: $37,193 – $52,597 per annum
- Annual leave accrual based on years of federal service
- Potential credit for directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty military service for leave accrual purposes
- Comprehensive federal benefits package
Who can apply?
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must pass a federal background investigation and E-Verify check
- Must demonstrate financial responsibility and good standing with creditors
- GS-04: 1 year of general experience or 2 years of education above high school
- GS-05: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04 or 4 years of education above high school
- Must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing date
Required documents
- Resume (must include duties, responsibilities, and hours per week)
- Form BIA-4432 (if claiming Indian Preference)
- DD214 Form (Member 4 copy, if claiming Veterans Preference)
- SF-15 Application (if claiming 10-Point Veterans Preference)
- SF-50 (for current or former Federal employees)
- Transcripts (official or unofficial, if using education to qualify)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on September 16, 2026
How to apply
- Read the full announcement and instructions on USAJOBS
- Click the 'Apply Online' button
- Complete all required questionnaires and assessments
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation
- Submit the application package by the deadline
- If notified, complete the USA Hire Assessments via the unique link provided
Additional information
- This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit
- A REAL ID-compliant identification is required for employment
- Applicants must complete four optional short essay questions regarding their commitment to federal service and work ethic
- The use of AI tools for essay responses is prohibited
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Individuals with clerical or administrative experience in a medical setting.
- Candidates comfortable with detailed record-keeping and file system maintenance.
- Applicants who meet the GS-04 or GS-05 qualification standards.
What should you think carefully about?
- Requires on-site work in Eagle Butte or Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
- Mandatory federal background investigation and financial responsibility check.
- Promotion potential to GS-5 is at management's discretion, not guaranteed.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent entry point for those looking to build a career within the Federal health system. It provides stable employment, federal benefits, and the chance to gain experience in medical support services while serving the needs of the local community.
Our take
Candidates who are detail-oriented and meet the federal background requirements should apply; those looking for immediate advancement or remote work options should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
