Advance Your Nursing Career with the Indian Health Service

Are you looking to transition from clinical bedside care to a position that shapes community-wide health? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently hiring for a Community Health Nurse (GS-11) to serve at our units in Fort Thompson and Lower Brule, South Dakota. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to practice nursing in a way that respects cultural diversity and addresses the unique healthcare needs of American Indian and Alaska Native populations.

Job Responsibilities

As a Community Health Nurse, your daily tasks will be diverse and highly rewarding. You will:

Assess Health Needs: Evaluate the requirements of families and individuals within the community context.
Develop Care Plans: Implement family-centered plans that prioritize prevention and early intervention.
Community Outreach: Conduct home and school visits to ensure continuity of care.
Public Health Strategy: Use surveillance findings to guide health initiatives and prevention programs.
Collaboration: Partner with community resources and patients to facilitate informed health decision-making.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: Completion of an accredited professional nursing program.
Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted license as a professional nurse.
Background Check: Successful completion of a federal background investigation.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is strictly required.

Comparison of Qualifications

Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
GS-11	PhD or Doctoral degree in Nursing/Related Field	1 year of professional nursing (GS-9 equiv.)
GS-11	Master's/Bachelor's/Associate degree	1 year of specialized public health experience

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $98,244 to $127,725 per year. Beyond the base pay, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Federal health, vision, and dental insurance programs.
Participation in the FERS retirement system.
Potential access to the IHS or HRSA Student Loan Repayment programs.
Accrual of annual and sick leave based on length of federal service.

Application Tips

To stand out, make sure your resume clearly details your experience performing chart reviews and public health planning. Ensure your documentation is legible and that you respond to the application questionnaire honestly and thoroughly. Because this is a federal position, attention to detail is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a PhD to apply? No, a PhD is one of the ways to qualify, but candidates with a lower-level nursing degree and at least one year of relevant specialized experience are also encouraged to apply.

Is there a probationary period? Yes, ESEP appointees typically serve a two-year trial period to assess performance.

Can I work remotely? No, this position requires active presence at the service unit in South Dakota.

If you are a nurse who values service, community, and professional growth, the Indian Health Service welcomes your application. Apply before the closing date of July 29, 2026, to be considered for this vital public health role.

Why This Nurse (Community Health) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on public health while serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities in South Dakota.

Nurse (Community Health) Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Community Health Nurse to join our interdisciplinary team in Fort Thompson or Lower Brule, South Dakota. This role offers the opportunity to provide essential public health nursing services, including direct patient care, home and school visits, and population-based health interventions. By joining our team, you become part of a nationwide network of healthcare professionals committed to improving health outcomes for over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives through compassionate and innovative care.

Requirements for Nurse (Community Health)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must possess a current, active, unrestricted professional nursing license from a U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
Must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Must have completed an accredited professional nursing educational program.
Must pass a federal background investigation.
Must register with the Selective Service if a male born after 12/31/1959.
Must maintain financial responsibility and good standing with creditors.
Must demonstrate competency in attention to detail, stress tolerance, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Community Health)

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in nursing or a related medical science field.
At least one year of professional nursing experience at the GS-9 level or equivalent.
Experience performing chart reviews against public health quality measures.
Proven history of independently planning and managing community health programs or clinics.
Experience providing primary health care to generalized public health populations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for Student Loan Repayment Programs (LRP) for qualifying health disciplines.
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Potential recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
✓Supportive, mission-driven work environment.

💡 How to Apply Nurse (Community Health) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Nurse (Community Health) Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJobs carefully.
Create or update your resume to highlight relevant professional experience and education.
Prepare required documentation, including nursing transcripts and proof of licensure.
Click the 'Apply Online' button and complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your application and all supporting documents before the closing date.
Check your email for instructions to complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week for all nursing positions.
Take the USA Hire Assessment as soon as possible after submitting your application to avoid missing the deadline.
If claiming Indian Preference, ensure Form BIA-4432 is signed and attached.
Submit unofficial transcripts early, but be prepared to provide official copies if selected.
Double-check that your resume is compliant with USAJOBS formatting guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Community Health Nurse at IHS?

You will provide direct nursing care to individuals and families, conduct home and school visits, and lead population-based assessments to improve public health outcomes.

Are recruitment incentives available for this position?

Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates at the discretion of the agency.

What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment deadline?

Failure to complete the mandatory assessments within the designated timeframe will result in an ineligible status for the position.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary provider of federal healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We pride ourselves on creating an environment that is adventurous, community-oriented, and focused on innovative problem solving.