Therapy Assistant

Indian Health Service • Kayenta, AZ

12d

About The Position

The Therapy Assistant supports healthcare operations at the Indian Health Service, helping patients receive timely, high-quality care and supporting patient services and community well-being in Native communities. Under the direct supervision of physical and occupational therapists, the assistant supports treatments and therapeutic modalities, teaches patients and families home exercise programs and therapy instructions, and helps patients use assistive devices safely. The position also supports clinic operations by documenting care, coordinating patient needs, managing appointments and supplies, and providing courteous, culturally sensitive service, including Navajo interpretation.

The role uses computers and scheduling systems to manage appointments, prepare reports and correspondence, maintain supply records, and communicate with patients and outside medical facilities. Appointment coordination includes obtaining consultation and postoperative reports. A REAL ID-compliant state-issued identification document or driver's license is required if presented as one of the two valid forms of identification, in accordance with the stated requirements.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
• Complete a federal background investigation as a condition of employment; required forms must be completed within five calendar days of issuance.
• Meet the financial suitability requirement, including demonstrating financial responsibility and satisfying legal financial obligations.
• Present two valid forms of identification before appointment; any state-issued ID or driver's license presented must be REAL ID-compliant.
• GS-05 qualification through one year of specialized experience assisting with occupational, physical, manual arts, corrective, or educational therapy, or assistant/aide experience in patient care, social work, or psychology involving participation in physical medicine and hospital or clinic activities; alternatively, a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation.
• Competitive-service merit promotion candidates must have completed one year at the next lower grade level; this time-in-grade requirement does not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan.
• Applicants substituting education for experience are encouraged to provide transcripts or course lists; official transcripts are required from selectees before an official offer.
• Only education from schools accredited by institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• If requesting reasonable accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit the request and supporting documentation before starting the assessments.
• If invited to complete USA Hire assessments after the announcement closes, complete them within 48 hours of receiving the access URL.
• Applicants must certify that optional essay responses are their own work and were not written with assistance from a consultant or AI tool.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Assist with clinic operations, including patient scheduling, inventory management, supply ordering, and coordinating patient needs.
• Schedule appointments with outside medical facilities and 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.

Benefits

• Federal annual leave accrual of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period, based on years of federal service.
• IHS may credit directly related previous non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual.
• Potential eligibility for student loan repayment programs through IHS, NHSC, or HRSA; these programs are competitive, separate from hiring, and depend on agency priorities and available funding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level