Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Therapy Assistant in Kayenta
Are you looking for a position that combines professional growth with a deep sense of community service? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a motivated Therapy Assistant to join our team in Kayenta, Arizona. This role is a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about healthcare and committed to providing excellent support to American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
About the Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service is a nationwide organization dedicated to meeting the individual health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. As a member of our team, you will join an innovative group of healthcare professionals who value compassion, creativity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We serve over 2 million individuals, working to improve health outcomes and solve complex healthcare problems in a supportive, community-oriented environment.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the backbone of our therapy department. Your primary duties will include:
- Assisting physical and occupational therapists with treatments and therapeutic modalities.
- Teaching patients and their families how to perform prescribed home exercise programs.
- Fitting and adjusting mobility aids and other assistive devices.
- Maintaining a clean, safe environment for patient care.
- Documenting patient progress and managing essential clinic operations, such as scheduling and supply inventory.
- Providing culturally sensitive communication, including Navajo interpretation where applicable.
Qualifications
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
Minimum Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of specialized therapy/patient care assistance |
| Education | 4-year degree (alternative to experience) |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Vetting | Must pass a Federal Background Investigation |
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position ranges from $40,736 to $52,957 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Beyond the paycheck, IHS employees enjoy robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement planning, and significant opportunities for student loan repayment through our partnership with programs like the NHSC and HRSA.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your application is complete and error-free. Clearly outline your hours worked per week for every job on your resume, as this is used to calculate your eligibility. Finally, familiarize yourself with the USA Hire Assessment process beforehand to ensure you are comfortable with the format.
Joining the Indian Health Service means more than just a job; it means joining a mission that changes lives. If you are ready to make a difference in Kayenta, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Therapy Assistant Job Matters
Join the Indian Health Service in Kayenta, Arizona, and play a vital role in delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care to Native communities.
Therapy Assistant Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated Therapy Assistant to join our clinical team in Kayenta, Arizona. This position is essential to our mission of improving the health outcomes for American Indians and Alaska Natives. You will work directly under the supervision of physical and occupational therapists, facilitating patient treatments, assisting with mobility aids, and ensuring our clinic operations run smoothly. If you are a compassionate professional who values interdisciplinary teamwork and community-oriented service, we invite you to apply to support our mission of excellence.
Requirements for Therapy Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
- Must be able to successfully pass an E-Verify employment check.
- Completion of Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must maintain financial responsibility and good standing with creditors.
- Ability to provide two valid forms of ID (including a REAL ID-compliant document).
- One year of specialized experience assisting in physical, occupational, manual arts, or corrective therapy, OR a four-year degree above high school.
Preferred Qualifications for Therapy Assistant
- Experience in patient care environments such as hospitals or clinics.
- Fluency in the Navajo language to assist with patient communication.
- Proficiency in clinical office management, including scheduling and electronic health record maintenance.
- Previous experience fitting and teaching the use of assistive medical devices.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Eligibility for federal student loan repayment programs (IHS/NHSC/HRSA).
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
- ✓Retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System.
💡 How to Apply Therapy Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Therapy Assistant Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare your resume according to USAJOBS guidelines.
- Click the Apply Online button to access the application portal.
- Complete the required questionnaire and assessments, including any applicable USA Hire modules.
- Attach all required documentation, such as transcripts, veterans' preference forms, or tribal verification.
- Submit your application package before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly details the total hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Do not wait until the deadline; ensure all assessments are completed promptly.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice before taking your assessments.
- If claiming Indian Preference, ensure you have the signed BIA-4432 form ready.
- Double-check that all uploads are legible and files are correctly formatted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?
Yes, a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree may be substituted for the required experience.
What is the background investigation process?
The position requires a federal background check to verify identity, employment history, and suitability. You must be prepared to submit all forms within five calendar days of the request.