Launch Your Career: Health Services Assistant with the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Are you looking to pivot your administrative skills into a career that truly matters? The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) at Yankton, South Dakota, is seeking a dedicated Health Services Assistant to join its team. This unique role sits at the intersection of healthcare administration, financial management, and public safety.
About the Bureau of Prisons
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is a component of the Department of Justice. Our mission is to protect society by confining offenders in the controlled environments of prisons and community-based facilities that are safe, humane, cost-efficient, and appropriately secure. Employees at the Yankton facility are committed to preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.
Job Responsibilities
The Health Services Assistant is a vital role within the institution. Your daily tasks will include:
- Administrative Support: Managing and inventorying medical and financial records.
- Data Management: Keying sensitive medical data into computer systems with high precision.
- Liaison Duties: Acting as the primary point of contact between the Health Services Department and outside community medical consultants.
- Patient Scheduling: Coordinating routine and emergency medical transfers, securing transportation, and obtaining necessary approvals.
- Security: As a staff member in a correctional institution, you share the primary responsibility of maintaining the security of the facility above all other duties.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet specific standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | 4 years above high school or an equivalent combination of education and experience. |
| Experience | 1 year of specialized experience in medical/financial record keeping. |
| Citizenship | Must be a United States Citizen. |
| Age | Maximum entry age of 36 applies for original appointments. |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $50,241 to $62,462 per year. This compensation is part of the robust federal benefits package.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides long-term stability. Benefits include:
- Federal Health Insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous leave accrual (vacation and sick time).
- Opportunities for promotion and professional development.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Clearly list dates of employment in MM/YYYY format and include your hours worked per week.
- Check Your Documents: Ensure all uploaded transcripts or SF-50 forms are legible and free of special characters in the file name.
- Prepare for Assessment: You will likely be required to complete the USA Hire assessment. Take the practice tests available on the OPM website to increase your confidence.
If you are an organized professional ready to contribute to a secure, mission-driven environment, the position of Health Services Assistant in Yankton is an excellent next step. Ensure you submit your application before the closing date to be considered for this crucial role.
Why This Health Services Assistant (Health Services Assistant) Job Matters
Launch your career in federal administration where security meets service—join the Bureau of Prisons in Yankton, SD.
Health Services Assistant (Health Services Assistant) Job Overview
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking a motivated Health Services Assistant to join our team in Yankton, South Dakota. This role is essential to maintaining both operational efficiency and the safety of our correctional environment. You will serve as a key administrative bridge between financial management and medical departments, ensuring that inmate care, billing, and resource procurement run smoothly. If you thrive in structured environments and want to contribute to public safety through correctional support, this is your opportunity to serve.
Requirements for Health Services Assistant (Health Services Assistant)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Completion of a background investigation, physical, and urinalysis.
- Must pass credit and criminal history checks (NCIC).
- Must be willing to complete the three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training at Glynco, Georgia.
- Must possess four years of education above high school OR at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- A combination of education and experience is acceptable.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 1957.
- Maximum entry age of 36 applies for original appointments to BOP positions (exceptions for prior federal law enforcement or veteran status).
Preferred Qualifications for Health Services Assistant (Health Services Assistant)
- Proven experience in managing and maintaining complex medical and financial records.
- Proficiency in inputting medical data into computerized information systems.
- Strong skills in processing administrative reports, accruals, and medical procurement documents.
- Experience serving as a liaison for outside hospital billing and scheduling.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate patient transfers and medical appointments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance options
- ✓Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement and internal promotion
- ✓Access to life insurance and long-term care programs
💡 How to Apply Health Services Assistant (Health Services Assistant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Services Assistant (Health Services Assistant) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details.
- Prepare your federal resume, ensuring it includes hours worked per week and specific dates (MM/YYYY).
- Click the Apply Online button via USAJOBS.
- Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documentation (SF-50, transcripts, DD-214).
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the USA Hire Assessment requirement.
- Complete the required assessments within the provided deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly demonstrates your specialized experience.
- Attach all required transcripts or proof of eligibility at the time of application to avoid disqualification.
- Do not use special characters in file names (e.g., #, @, %).
- If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your SF-50 is unredacted.
- Check your application status frequently via your USAJOBS account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a background check required for this position?
Yes, all candidates are subject to a thorough background investigation, credit check, and a review of criminal history through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
What is the maximum entry age for this job?
The maximum entry age is 36. However, exceptions may apply for qualified preference-eligible veterans or those with prior federal law enforcement coverage.
Do I need to travel for training?
Yes, successful candidates must complete a three-week 'Introduction to Correctional Techniques' training course located in Glynco, Georgia.