Advance Healthcare Quality: Nurse Consultant Careers with HHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a pivotal role in protecting the health of all Americans. If you are an experienced nursing professional looking to move beyond the bedside and into a strategic, policy-driven role, the Program Support Center is currently hiring a Nurse Consultant (Quality). This role is designed for leaders who want to use their clinical expertise to influence systemic quality and organizational performance.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nurse Consultant (Quality), you will serve as an expert analyst. Your daily tasks will include:
- Policy Assessment: Evaluating clinical policies and administrative proposals to ensure they align with current nursing practice and regulatory guidance.
- Quality Improvement: Developing and monitoring projects that improve healthcare delivery within occupational health settings.
- Data Analysis: Interpreting complex clinical data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for operational improvement.
- Reporting: Communicating program performance metrics to senior leadership through detailed briefings and dashboards.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in nursing and prior leadership experience. Key requirements include:
- Education: A graduate, bachelor's, or associate degree from an accredited nursing program.
- Licensure: A current, active, and unrestricted RN license in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (or private sector equivalent) in quality assurance and clinical leadership.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Comparison: Bedside vs. Consultant
| Feature | Bedside Nursing | Nurse Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Direct patient care | Program & policy optimization |
| Metrics | Patient recovery rates | Quality assurance data & outcomes |
| Collaboration | Immediate medical team | Interdisciplinary, agency-wide |
| Schedule | Shift-based | Professional/Business hours |
Salary Overview
This position is categorized under the General Schedule (GS) system. The salary range for this role is $121,785 to $158,322 per year, depending on qualifications and location-based pay adjustments.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and Wellness: Access to comprehensive health insurance programs.
- Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Work-Life Balance: Telework opportunities and flexible scheduling.
- Stability: Career advancement opportunities within the federal civil service.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: Describe your accomplishments using dates and hours worked.
- Keep it Brief: Your resume must not exceed two pages.
- Prepare for Assessments: The USA Hire assessment is a required component of your application. Set aside time to complete it carefully.
This is a unique opportunity to apply your clinical skills on a national level. If you are ready to drive change within the U.S. healthcare infrastructure, apply today before the 75-application threshold is reached.
Why This Nurse (Consultant/Quality) Job Matters
Elevate healthcare standards nationwide as a Nurse Consultant with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—a critical role where your clinical expertise shapes policy and protects American health.
Nurse (Consultant/Quality) Job Overview
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Nurse Consultant to join the Program Support Center in a vital quality assurance capacity. This position serves as an expert analyst tasked with evaluating and improving healthcare delivery within occupational health settings. You will work within an interdisciplinary team to influence clinical standards, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive data-driven improvements in healthcare operations. This is a unique opportunity for a nursing professional to pivot into a high-level consultative role that influences outcomes across multiple federal locations.
Requirements for Nurse (Consultant/Quality)
- Possession of a graduate, bachelor's, or associate degree in nursing from an accredited program.
- Current, active, and unrestricted RN license in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
- Successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 federal grade level.
- Expertise in assessment and supervision of medical review and quality assurance programs.
- Proficiency in clinical documentation analysis, risk management, and identifying health trends.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications for Nurse (Consultant/Quality)
- Proven experience presenting complex clinical metrics to senior leadership.
- Extensive knowledge of The Joint Commission standards and OSHA regulations.
- Strong background in interdisciplinary collaboration and operational workflow improvement.
- Ability to interpret clinical policy and legislative proposals effectively.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Generous leave policies including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including potential telework eligibility.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Nurse (Consultant/Quality) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nurse (Consultant/Quality) Job
- Create or log into your account on the official federal employment portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, ensuring all dates (MM/YY) and hours worked are included.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire and review all requirements.
- Submit your application and all supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50s if applicable) before the 75-application limit or the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding the required USA Hire assessment.
- Complete all assessments within the provided timeframe.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy and paste the job announcement text into your resume; provide specific accomplishments from your career.
- The 2-page limit for your resume is strictly enforced; focus on high-impact, relevant achievements.
- Use the resume builder tool provided on the platform to ensure all required federal format details are included.
- Be prepared for the USA Hire assessment by setting aside at least three hours of uninterrupted time.
- Ensure your documentation clearly links your previous experience to the GS-12 level as defined in the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closing date for this application?
The announcement is scheduled to close on November 2, 2026, or once 75 applications have been received, whichever occurs first.
Can I work remotely?
The position is telework-eligible, though it is not classified as a fully remote position. Specific arrangements may be discussed upon selection.
Does this role require a background check?
Yes, once a tentative offer is made, you will undergo a suitability and security background investigation.
How many people will be hired?
The agency is looking for a select number of qualified candidates to fill current vacancies.
Do I need to be in Washington D.C.?
No, the position is located in multiple cities across the U.S. Check the job listing for the specific commuting area near you.
Job from Program Support Center
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. The Program Support Center (PSC) provides administrative, financial, and logistical support to the agency, ensuring that HHS has the infrastructure to respond to national health crises, research emerging diseases, and maintain high standards of patient care. Joining the PSC means joining a team dedicated to excellence, safety, and innovation.