Launch Your Healthcare Career with the Indian Health Service
Are you looking for a career that combines your passion for healthcare with a commitment to service? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking compassionate, dedicated individuals to join our team as a Health Technician (Clinical Assistant). Based in the beautiful surroundings of Crow Agency and Pryor, Montana, this role is a unique opportunity to provide vital support to the medical staff caring for American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health Technician, you will serve as a backbone for the nursing and medical teams. Your daily tasks will include:
- Patient Support: Assisting with the registration and discharge of patients from the nursing unit.
- Clinical Assistance: Taking and recording vital signs, preparing treatment rooms, and operating specialized medical equipment.
- Education: Explaining basic procedures to patients and their families and providing health education.
- Operations: Managing clinic supplies and ensuring exam rooms are clean and ready for patient care.
- Emergency Response: Providing support during emergencies, including performing CPR and other lifesaving maneuvers.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
- Suitability: Must pass a federal background investigation and a financial suitability review.
- Documentation: Must provide a REAL ID-compliant form of identification upon appointment.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range designed to reflect the expertise required for clinical support roles.
| Pay Grade | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-4/5 | $37,193 - $52,957 |
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that supports both personal and professional well-being, including:
- Comprehensive health insurance programs.
- Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for federal career advancement.
Application Tips
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. To ensure your application stands out, verify that your resume clearly documents your experience hours and duties. Always complete all questionnaires and assessments in the USA Hire system promptly; failing to meet assessment deadlines will remove you from consideration. Keep your contact information updated in your USAJOBS profile to receive real-time status alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary role of a Health Technician? A: They support medical and nursing staff by performing clerical and technical tasks such as recording vitals and managing patient data.
Q: Is Indian Preference applicable? A: Yes, qualified applicants can claim Indian Preference by submitting the BIA-4432 form.
Q: Can I update my application after submission? A: Yes, you can edit your application documents until the closing date of the announcement.
If you are ready to apply your technical skills in a supportive, community-focused environment, this is your chance. Join the Indian Health Service and contribute to the essential mission of improving healthcare equity for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Apply via the USAJOBS portal before the October 2026 deadline to begin your federal career journey.
Why This Health Technician (Clinical Assistant) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career in healthcare where your dedication directly improves the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Health Technician (Clinical Assistant) Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Clinical Assistant) to support clinical operations in Crow Agency and Pryor, Montana. This role is integral to our nursing and medical team, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care through efficient clinical support, accurate record-keeping, and compassionate patient interaction.
Requirements for Health Technician (Clinical Assistant)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must be 18 years or older if required by specific agency policies
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Ability to pass a federal background investigation
- Financial suitability check
- Must meet qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing
- Possession of valid, REAL ID-compliant identification
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Clinical Assistant)
- Experience in medical record-keeping and vitals collection
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide basic health education
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Paid federal holidays
💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Clinical Assistant) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Technician (Clinical Assistant) Job
- Register or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
- Prepare your resume and gather necessary documentation (e.g., transcripts, DD214).
- Click the Apply Online button to begin the questionnaire.
- Submit your application and required documents before the closing date.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessments within the designated window.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details the total number of hours worked per week for each position.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and complete to avoid disqualification.
- Prioritize your background investigation forms if selected to prevent processing delays.
- Practice using the USA Hire resource center to familiarize yourself with the assessment format.
- Use your USAJOBS account to track your application status in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this role?
This position has a promotion potential to the GS-5 level, which is subject to management discretion and performance.
Is travel required?
The position is not listed as a travel-intensive role.
How are Indian Preference claims handled?
Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit a completed Form BIA-4432, verified by a Tribal Representative or BIA Official.
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. We operate as an innovative, nationwide organization, and our employees are known for being creative, enthusiastic, and highly professional. Working with the IHS means joining an interdisciplinary team that thrives on problem-solving and community engagement.