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Nurse (Public Health)
Career Insights for Public / Community Health Nurse
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Scorecard
Based on South Dakota data
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What they do
A Public or Community Health Nurse provides health care to community members and addresses community health issues ranging from infectious diseases to substance abuse, focusing on prevention and education as well as treatment. Works with a team of health care professionals; may work in a clinic, and travel within a community or between different communities. May serve as the primary health care provider in underserved communities.
$59,291 / year median in South Dakota
+7% projected growth
Job Description
A REAL ID
will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021). This job is open to The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Native Americans Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation. Clarification from the agency The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. Duties Independently plans, prioritizes, and delivers community/public health nursing services to individuals, families, groups, and defined populations, integrating public health principles with clinical practice (e.g., primary prevention, chronic disease management, maternal/child health, and communicable disease prevention/control). Conducts comprehensive population and community assessments by analyzing demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic data to identify trends, priority health issues, high-risk groups, and disparities, and translates findings into targeted prevention and early intervention strategies. Leads or coordinates communicable disease investigations and outbreak response activities and develops, implements, and evaluates community-based health programs in collaboration with public health entities and community/tribal partners. Serves as a clinical and public health resource through consultation, mentoring, and training, and advances program effectiveness through evaluation, quality improvement, accurate documentation, and adherence to nurse practice acts and public health nursing standards. Total Compensation Package- Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job: Registered Nurse Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.
Background Investigation Requirement:
This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.Financial Suitability Requirement:
This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant. 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.BASIC REQUIREMENT
(S) :Individual Occupational Requirements Note:
Employees currently assigned to positions in this occupational series as of September 2017 will be considered to have met the basic requirements for the position occupied. Basic Requirements Education A graduate or higher level degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, or diploma from an accredited professional nursing educational program is required. This education must have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education(external link) , Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs(external link) , Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education(external link) , or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education(external link) at the time the degree was obtained. Degree fromForeign Nursing School :
Official certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (external link) is required for individuals who graduated from foreign nursing schools. Licensure For all grade levels and positions, applicants must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination(external link) . In addition, they must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a professional nurse from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Additional License Requirements forAdvanced Practice Nurse Positions:
Applicants for Advanced Practice Nurse positions must be licensed or registered by a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States in the clinical specialty required by the position. Experience The work experience must have equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. At the GS-9 and above grade level, many positions may require experience in a specialty area of nursing. Basic Requirements for the GS-11 (or equivalent) Grade Level In addition to the above requirements, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: Successful completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree from a professional nursing educational program or related medical science field; or At least one full year of professional nursing experience (equivalent to the GS-9 grade level) and possession of a diploma, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree from a professional nursing educational program. In addition, to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below•MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting population health assessments and analyzing data to identify priority health issues, vulnerable populations, and health disparities. Performing complex case management and care coordination for individuals/families (e.g., acute conditions, chronic disease, communicable disease cases) across care settings and community resources. Tailoring health promotion and disease prevention interventions and strategies to include literacy, language, culture, social and community factors. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education This position has an education requirement. 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 Reasonable Accommodation (RA)Requests:
If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire CompetencyBased Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments . ( https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information ) 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 1 year 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- http://www.ihs.gov/loanrepayment/ For NHSC
- https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/loanrepayment/ For HRSA Nurse Corps
- https://bhw.
CTAP/ICTAP
will be applied for similar positions across HHS. This position will be filled through the Office of Personnel Management's Direct Hire Authority. Category rating and Veterans' Preference will not be considered in evaluating applicants. For more information on Direct Hire Authority, please see OPM Direct Hire Fact Sheet . Your application (resume and supporting documentation) will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required as listed on the announcement under qualification requirements. To be considered well qualified for the purposes of the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), you must substantively exceed the basic qualifications and meet all eligibility, physical, medical, suitability, and any other requirements. All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date of 09/18/2026, to be considered.Required Documents Resume :
You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center- Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:
Indian Preference Applicants :
If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see formBIA-4432.
Refer toBIA-4432
link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) : If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf .Transcripts :
You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer.Licensure, Certifications :
Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. How to Apply Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us . To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application . This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/ . Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: https://www.ihs.gov/jobs/faq/ . Agency contact information Isaiah Franklin Phone 605-277-6334 Email Isaiah.Franklin@ihs.gov Address Pine Ridge Service Unit PO Box 1201 E Hwy 18 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 US Next steps Stay Updated with Text Alerts You can choose to receive text message notifications about your application status.
To enable this feature:
Log in to your USAJOBS account. Go to your Account Settings and select Notification Preferences. Check the option to receive SMS/Text Messages . Text message updates are optional and provided in addition to email notifications. Standard messaging rates may apply. You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJOBS account. You will receive an acknowledgement from USAJOBS that your submission was successful once we have received your on-line eligibility questionnaire, resume, and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJOBS Account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement. If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. Indian Health Service Become a part of an innovative, dynamic, nationwide organization of dedicated health care providers working to meet the individual health care needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Indian Health Service (IHS) employees are considerate in our care, creative in our approach, enthusiastic about our work and compassionate with our patients. Our lifestyle is adventurous, community oriented and focused on service and problem solving as part of a professional interdisciplinary team. Join us in improving the health outcomes of over 2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives. Agency contact information Isaiah Franklin Phone 605-277-6334 Email Isaiah.Franklin@ihs.gov Address Pine Ridge Service Unit PO Box 1201 E Hwy 18 Pine Ridge, SD 57770 US Visit our careers page Learn more about what it's like to work at Indian Health Service, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.