Therapy Assistant

Summary

Join the Indian Health Service and make a meaningful impact in Native communities. In this role, you will support vital healthcare operations that ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. If you're looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports patient services and community well-being, we encourage you to apply. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Duties

Teach patients and families home exercise programs, therapy instructions, and proper use of assistive devices. Assist physical and occupational therapists with treatments and therapeutic modalities under direct supervision. Fit and adjust mobility aids, document patient care, provide Navajo interpretation, and maintain a safe, clean environment. Assist therapists with clinic operations, including patient scheduling, inventory management, supply ordering, and coordinating patient needs. Schedule appointments with outside medical facilities, obtain consultation and postoperative reports, answer phone calls, and communicate fluently. Use computers and scheduling systems to manage appointments, prepare reports and correspondence, maintain accurate supply records, and provide courteous, culturally sensitive patient service.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS 05: One (1) year of specialized experience that included work as an assistant to one of the specialized therapies such as occupational, physical, manual arts, corrective, or educational therapy; or experience gained as an assistant or aid in patient care, social work, or psychology where the duties involved actual participation in physical medicine and activities of a hospital or clinic. Examples Include: Assisting physical and occupational therapists with patient care; teaching prescribed home and clinic exercise programs under therapist direction; reinforcing education on physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes; fitting and teaching the use of assistive devices; documenting care; scheduling inpatient and outpatient appointments; and using computer systems to support clinic operations, communication, and supply management. -OR- 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

Education

If you are substituting education for experience; You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.