Launch Your Career as a Contact Representative with the Indian Health Service
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with meaningful public service? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking compassionate, detail-oriented individuals to fill Contact Representative (PRC) positions across multiple locations. This role is essential to our mission of providing high-quality healthcare to American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By helping patients navigate complex insurance and eligibility requirements, you act as a critical advocate in their healthcare journey.
Job Responsibilities
As a Contact Representative, you will handle a diverse range of tasks designed to ensure patients receive the care they need. Key responsibilities include:
- Eligibility Determination: Verifying patient eligibility for various programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Tribal resources.
- Authorization Management: Issuing medical authorizations and managing denial determinations in accordance with federal regulations.
- Financial Oversight: Monitoring fund control records, applying accounting codes, and ensuring fiscal accountability.
- Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for patients, healthcare providers, and insurance agencies to ensure continuity of care.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Specialized Experience: At least one year of work equivalent to the next lower grade level, demonstrating skills in record maintenance, interviewing, or eligibility analysis.
- Suitability: Successful completion of a federal background investigation and E-Verify check.
- Immunization: Compliance with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Key Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-06 | 1 Year Specialized Exp | Basic Eligibility & Data Entry |
| GS-07 | 1 Year Specialized Exp | Authorizations & Coordination |
| GS-08 | 1 Year Specialized Exp | Complex Analysis & Fiscal Control |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $78,272 per year, depending on experience and grade level. Beyond the salary, federal employment includes:
- Excellent health and retirement benefits.
- Accrued annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for career progression and internal promotion.
Application Tips
- Use the Resume Builder: This ensures you capture all required data fields like salary, hours per week, and supervisor contact info.
- Be Thorough: Clearly document your specialized experience; do not assume the hiring manager knows your daily tasks.
- Monitor Your Email: You may receive important notifications regarding the USA Hire Assessment; check your inbox and your USAJOBS account daily.
Serving as a Contact Representative with the IHS is a rewarding pathway to impact public health directly. If you are ready to apply your skills toward a noble mission, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and submit your application before the closing date. Your work will directly support the health and vitality of our Native communities.
Why This Contact Representative (Prc) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Native American healthcare communities by joining the Indian Health Service as a Contact Representative.
Contact Representative (Prc) Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking dedicated professionals to serve as Contact Representatives (PRC). In this role, you will be the vital link between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring American Indians and Alaska Natives receive access to necessary care. You will navigate complex insurance and eligibility requirements, manage authorizations, and support the continuity of patient care, all while building a stable career within a mission-driven federal agency.
Requirements for Contact Representative (Prc)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must pass a federal background investigation and E-Verify employment check.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy.
- Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- Must be able to maintain financial responsibility and good standing with creditors.
Preferred Qualifications for Contact Representative (Prc)
- Experience with Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) programs.
- Proficiency in interpreting federal, state, and Tribal healthcare regulations.
- Background in financial documentation analysis and fund control record-keeping.
- Exceptional ability to navigate complex medical insurance and eligibility verification.
- Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution regarding controversial benefit issues.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with promotion potential to GS-08.
- ✓Structured annual leave accrual based on total federal service.
- ✓Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the federal retirement system.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Health and Human Services.
💡 How to Apply Contact Representative (Prc) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Contact Representative (Prc) Job
- Prepare your resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Gather supporting documentation, including BIA-4432 forms for Indian Preference or DD214 for Veteran's Preference.
- Log in to USAJOBS and access the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application, including all assessments, by the closing date.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessment if prompted by the system.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates, hours worked per week, and detailed descriptions of your duties.
- Complete your background investigation forms promptly when requested by your Personnel Security Specialist.
- Review your application status frequently through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
- Double-check all uploaded documents for legibility before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this position?
This position has a full performance level of GS-08. Promotions are at management's discretion based on performance and mission needs.
Can I work remotely?
No, this position is not listed as eligible for remote work and requires presence at an IHS facility.
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our interdisciplinary teams are defined by their commitment, creativity, and compassion. When you join the IHS, you are not just taking a job; you are becoming part of a community-oriented organization that prioritizes solving complex problems to improve health outcomes.