Summary This position serves a Hospital Liaison Specialist who will be a liaison and resource between patients, their families, visitors and Pine Ridge Service Unit, Tribal and IHS Leadership. This position is located in the Administrative Services Department of the Pine Ridge Service Unit in Pine Ridge, SD. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer. Responsibilities Provides a channel through which patients and Tribal Officials can seek solutions to problems, concerns and unfulfilled needs. Receives and documents complaints/grievances from patients and Tribal officials regarding hospital care and other services. Coordinates and works with Tribal Health Administration on initiatives regarding healthcare services. Ensures patients are aware of their rights, distributing and explaining the provisions of the "Patient Bill of Rights" and supporting their interests if violations of those principles occur. Recommends modifications of hospital practices and policies that may be associated with repeated patient concerns. Requirements Conditions of Employment Selectee may be subject to a probationary period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 The work requires standing for long periods of time and walking to various areas within the hospital and to other locations within the service unit. This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process. 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: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Broad knowledge of the Agency and Tribal's organization, operations, rules, regulations, procedures and policies, knowledge to work with clinical staff in the coordination of discharge planning activities, ability to explain hospital policies and procedures, knowledge of medical terminology and Joint Commission Standards. Or Completed a master's or equivalent degree or two full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to do the work. Or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Or A combination of graduate education and specialized experience that when combined fully meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Only graduate education in excess of the first year is creditable toward meeting the experience requirement when combining experience and education. You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the respective cut-off date for application review. Education You may qualify for this position with education. 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/. Additional Information This announcement is advertised as Open Until Filled. Applications should be submitted ASAP to ensure you will be considered for this position. The first "cut-off" for review of applications will be 10 working days from the opening date, which is 11/22/2024, and every 10 working days thereafter unless the position has already been filled before the next cut-off date. Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed. Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. At least a 6 month service agreement will be required. The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit: For IHS - https://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/ For NHSC - https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/ For HRSA Nurse Corps - https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loansscholarships/nursecorps