Launch Your Career as an Administrative Support Assistant with the Indian Health Service

Are you seeking a career that combines administrative excellence with a mission-driven purpose? The Santa Fe Indian Health Center, an agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, is currently inviting applications for the position of Administrative Support Assistant. This role is a cornerstone of our facility, ensuring that the health professionals who serve our community have the organizational support they need to provide the best care possible.

Job Responsibilities

As an Administrative Support Assistant, your daily routine will be diverse and engaging. Key responsibilities include:

Office Operations: Managing the flow of office documents, files, and administrative records.
Logistics: Coordinating meetings, schedules, and complex travel arrangements for staff.
Communication: Acting as the primary liaison between patients, staff, and external partners.
Support Services: Assisting with timekeeping, inventory tracking, and routine procurement requests.

Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a rigorous background check. Other vital requirements include:

Financial Responsibility: A review of your financial history is part of the suitability determination.
Security: Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Safety: Compliance with federal drug-testing policies for designated roles.
Documentation: Providing two valid forms of ID, including REAL ID compliance.

Comparison Table: GS-05 vs GS-06 Roles

Feature	GS-05 Level	GS-06 Level
Scope	Foundational support	Independent administrative management
Primary Focus	Data entry & routine clerical tasks	Meeting coordination & complex report prep
Experience Req	1 year at GS-04 level or 4 years education	1 year at GS-05 level

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $41,178 to $59,671. Beyond the salary, employees receive a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
Federal retirement planning (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of selection:

Tailor your resume: Ensure every role listed includes hours per week and clear descriptions of your duties.
Transcript readiness: Have your unofficial transcripts ready to upload.
Assessment Focus: Take the USA Hire Assessment seriously; it is a mandatory part of the evaluation process.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to support the healthcare infrastructure for indigenous communities. If you have the organizational skills and the desire to serve, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is telework available for this position? A: This position is not currently listed as telework-eligible.

Q: What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment? A: You will be found ineligible for the position if you do not complete the assessment within the designated window.

Q: Is this a permanent position? A: Yes, this is a competitive federal service position subject to a probationary period.

Why This Administrative Support Assistant Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career supporting healthcare excellence for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in the heart of Santa Fe.

Administrative Support Assistant Job Overview

The Santa Fe Indian Health Center is seeking a dedicated Administrative Support Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will provide critical clerical and operational support to ensure our facility runs smoothly. You will serve as a vital point of contact for staff, patients, and visitors while maintaining the integrity of our records and office systems. This position offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about public service and administrative efficiency to grow within the federal healthcare system.

Requirements for Administrative Support Assistant

U.S. Citizenship
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Successful completion of a federal background investigation
Must meet financial suitability and responsibility requirements
Compliance with Public Law 101-630 (child safety vetting)
Completion of a two-year trial/probationary period
Adherence to drug testing requirements for reasonable suspicion and post-accident situations
Must be able to present two forms of ID (including a REAL ID-compliant document)

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Assistant

One year of specialized experience at the GS-04 or GS-05 level (depending on the target grade)
Proficiency in office automation software and data management systems
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential correspondence and records
Strong interpersonal skills for effective customer service
Background in managing travel coordination and meeting logistics

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and step increases
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression

💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Support Assistant Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS website and upload your federal-formatted resume.
Click the 'Apply' link on the announcement page.
Complete all required online questionnaires and provide honest, accurate answers.
Submit your application package, including transcripts and any eligible preference documentation (e.g., DD214, Indian Preference form).
Monitor your email for a notification to complete the required USA Hire Assessments.
Complete the assessment within the specified timeframe to remain eligible.
Check your application status via your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in hours-per-week format.
Do not use AI tools for your optional essay responses; authenticity is reviewed.
Submit your documents well before the deadline to account for technical issues.
Attach your unofficial transcripts early; they verify your eligibility for higher pay grades.
Double-check your Indian Preference forms and DD214 copies for completeness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of this role?

The Administrative Support Assistant handles essential daily office tasks, including scheduling, document management, and serving as the first point of contact for the Santa Fe Indian Health Center.

Do I need previous federal experience to apply?

Not necessarily. While experience equivalent to GS-04/05 is required, it can be obtained in the public or private sector, including volunteer work or academic programs.

What if I previously applied to this position?

This is a re-advertisement. If you have already applied, you do not need to apply again unless you wish to update your existing materials.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a dynamic organization dedicated to raising the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. By joining our team in Santa Fe, you become part of a nationwide network of providers and support staff committed to excellence, compassion, and innovation in healthcare delivery.