Launch Your Career: Social Services Assistant at the Unity Healing Center

Are you looking for a career path that combines professional growth with a deep sense of purpose? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a committed individual to serve as a Social Services Assistant at the Unity Healing Center in Cherokee, North Carolina. This position is vital to our mission of providing high-quality behavioral health support to youth struggling with substance use and co-occurring dependencies.

Job Responsibilities

As a Social Services Assistant, your day-to-day work will directly impact the recovery journey of residents aged 12 to 17. Your responsibilities will include:

Facility Management: Overseeing daily routines, such as housekeeping and meal attendance, to ensure a structured environment.
Guidance and Support: Assisting residents with homework, personal hygiene, and interpersonal etiquette.
Crisis Management: Recognizing behavioral deviations and providing non-professional counseling or crisis de-escalation when necessary.
Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Working daily with psychologists, nurses, and counselors to contribute to individualized patient care plans.
Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate daily logs and incident reports according to facility policies.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific criteria defined by federal guidelines. Below is a comparison of typical qualification paths.

Requirement Path	Details
Work Experience	1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-6.
Education	1 year of graduate-level education in a related field.
Identification	Must possess REAL ID-compliant documentation.
Clearance	Successful completion of a federal background investigation.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $50,460 to $65,599 per year. Beyond the competitive base pay, the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:

Annual leave accrual based on federal service years.
Access to federal health insurance and retirement plans.
The potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.

Application Tips for Success

Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps to improve your chances:

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly list the number of hours worked per week for each job entry.
Highlight Specialized Skills: Emphasize any experience you have with crisis management or working in a residential treatment setting.
Use Available Resources: Visit the USAJOBS Help Center to ensure your resume meets modern federal requirements.
Stay Responsive: Monitor your email for notifications regarding USA Hire Assessments; missing these will disqualify your application.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a life-changing mission in a supportive, team-oriented environment. If you are passionate about helping youth overcome significant challenges, we encourage you to apply for the Social Services Assistant position at the Unity Healing Center today. Your contributions could be the turning point for a young person on their path to recovery.

Why This Social Services Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth in recovery by joining the dedicated interdisciplinary team at the Indian Health Service Unity Healing Center.

Social Services Assistant Job Overview

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a compassionate Social Services Assistant to support the behavioral health needs of youth aged 12 to 17 at the Unity Healing Center in Cherokee, North Carolina. This role involves providing direct care, supervision, and crisis intervention for residents dealing with substance use and co-occurring disorders. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team—including psychologists, nurses, and social workers—to foster a safe, therapeutic, and structured environment. This is an essential position for individuals passionate about mental health and dedicated to improving the wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

Requirements for Social Services Assistant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must complete a federal background investigation.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level, or one full year of directly related graduate education.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Must possess a REAL ID-compliant identification document.

Preferred Qualifications for Social Services Assistant

Experience in crisis intervention and management of difficult behavioral situations.
Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary health care team.
Demonstrated skill in non-professional counseling and patient emotional support.
Proficiency in maintaining detailed daily records and incident logs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on years of service.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the IHS.
✓Meaningful work serving native populations.

💡 How to Apply Social Services Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Social Services Assistant Job

Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
Prepare a federal-style resume detailing your relevant experience.
Click the 'Apply Online' button to start the questionnaire.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments within the required timeframe.
Upload all necessary documentation, including transcripts and Indian Preference forms if applicable.
Submit your application before the closing date of November 12, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly lists the number of hours worked per week for each position.
Double-check that all supporting documents are legible before uploading.
Complete your USA Hire Assessments as early as possible to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
Save your responses to the application questionnaire for future reference.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the Unity Healing Center?

The center focuses on providing high-quality behavioral health and substance use treatment for youth aged 12 to 17, emphasizing a therapeutic and structured environment.

Do I need a degree to apply?

While no specific degree is required, you must have either one year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level or one year of directly related graduate education.

Is Indian Preference applicable for this role?

Yes, qualified candidates may claim Indian Preference by providing the BIA-4432 form, which must be signed by an authorized Tribal Representative.

Job from Indian Health Service

The Indian Health Service is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. We are dedicated to improving the health outcomes of over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives across the United States. Our employees are known for their creativity, enthusiasm, and compassionate approach to medicine and social care. When you join the IHS, you become part of a community-focused team dedicated to solving complex health challenges.