Job Description
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is hiring a Billing Technician (OA) for the Yakama Service Unit Business Office in Toppenish, Washington. This full-time, permanent GS-5 position focuses on processing insurance claims for third-party payors including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.
The role is ideal for candidates with administrative and financial support experience who are detail-oriented and comfortable with billing systems and records management. You will work onsite at 401 Buster Road, Toppenish, WA, with no telework or remote options.
The position is open to many applicants including federal employees, veterans, military spouses, Native Americans, and individuals with disabilities. Indian preference applies as IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified Indian applicants.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $40,736 - $52,957 per year.
Qualification
To qualify for this GS-5 Billing Technician (OA) position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level, or four years of education beyond high school, or a combination. You must also demonstrate 40 WPM typing proficiency.
- At least one year of specialized experience in administrative and financial support with a background in billing, accounts receivable, records management, and customer service.
- Experience reviewing and processing documentation, maintaining accurate records, resolving issues, coordinating with internal teams and external organizations, and ensuring compliance with procedures.
- Four years of education beyond high school may substitute for experience.
- A combination of education and experience that totals 100% of the requirements (only education beyond 60 semester hours is creditable).
- Typing proficiency of 40 words per minute (based on a five-minute sample with three or fewer errors), certified by a school or authorized organization within the last three years.
- Federal employees in the competitive service must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (one year at the next lower grade level).
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Selective Service Registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must pass a federal background investigation.
- Must set up direct deposit for pay.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Process insurance billing functions including prior authorizations, claim preparation, demographic verification, and third-party insurance data entry.
- Research and resolve denied or aged claims to ensure accurate and timely reimbursements.
- Maintain accounts receivable records and collaborate with billing, accounting, and registration teams to maximize collections.
- Manage patient billing documentation and correspondence by retrieving medical records.
- Maintain electronic and paper filing systems.
- Support compliance with third-party billing regulations and reporting requirements.
- Process claims online to third-party carriers including Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and all other third-party payors.
Conditions & Requirements
- Selectee may be subject to a probationary period (ESEP appointees typically serve a two-year trial period).
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children; must not have been found guilty of certain crimes.
- Must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements.
- Must pass E-Verify employment verification check.
- Must successfully complete a federal background investigation within five calendar days of issuance of forms.
- A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).
Benefits
- Complete benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
- Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- You will be evaluated based on your resume, supporting documents, responses to the application questionnaire, and USA Hire Assessments.
- The USA Hire Assessment evaluates competencies including Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning, Customer Service, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, and Reasoning.
- There is no pass/fail outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation.
- You will be asked to provide optional short essay responses (200 words or less) to four questions about your commitment to the Constitution, improving government efficiency, advancing Executive Orders, and work ethic.
- Your qualifications will be reviewed against the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
- The first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the job qualifications.
- Cutoff dates: first cutoff July 31, 2026, then each Friday thereafter until the closing date.
Required Documents
- Resume (must include duties, responsibilities, and total hours per week for each position).
- Typing proficiency certification (40 WPM, within 3 years of issuance).
- Indian Preference Applicants: completed Form BIA-4432, 'Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only.'.
- Veterans Preference: DD214 (Member 4 copy) and/or SF-15 for 10-point preference.
- Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/ICTAP: follow instructions on the official application portal.
- Current or former federal employees: most recent SF-50 or career SF-50.
- Noncompetitive eligibles: documents proving eligibility.
- Transcripts (official or unofficial) if substituting education for experience or claiming Superior Academic Achievement.
- Superior Academic Achievement: transcripts showing class standing, GPA, or honor society membership.
How to Apply
- Read the entire announcement and all instructions before beginning your application.
- To your the official application portal account (or create one) and open the announcement.
- Click the Apply Online button and answer all questions presented in the application.
- Attach all required supporting documentation (resume, typing certification, transcripts, etc.).
- Click the Submit Application button before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date, August 31, 2026.
Additional Information
- Agency contact: Marlen Ramos, Phone (480) 217-9496, Email [email protected].
- Address: Yakima Service Unit, 401 Buster Road, Toppenish, WA 98948.
- Indian preference applies; absolute preference given to qualified Indian applicants as per IHS policy.
- This position is open to multiple hiring paths: Federal employees (competitive and excepted service), internal to agency, CTAP/ICTAP, land and base management, veterans, military spouses, individuals with disabilities, Native Americans, and Peace Corps/AmeriCorps VISTA alumni.
- Reasonable accommodation (RA) requests for USA Hire Assessments must be submitted before starting the assessments. Contact the agency for RA procedures.
- If you are relying on education, ensure the school is accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
- Your application will remain active for 90 days from submission.
- You can opt to receive text message notifications about your application status via the official application portal account settings.
- Failure to submit all required documents by the deadline may result in an ineligible rating.
About Company
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. The Yakama Service Unit, part of the Portland Area, operates health facilities on the Yakama Reservation in Toppenish, Washington.
This Billing Technician position supports the Business Office in processing insurance claims to ensure the financial sustainability of health services for the community.
Working at IHS offers the opportunity to contribute to a public service organization that serves Native American populations, with the stability and benefits of federal employment. Yakama Service Unit | Portland Area is named as the hiring organisation for the Billing Technician (OA) post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.
Can I substitute education for the required experience for this GS-5 Billing Technician position?
Yes, you may substitute four years of education beyond high school for the one year of specialized experience. A combination of education and experience is also acceptable, but only education beyond the first 60 semester hours is creditable. You must submit transcripts to verify your education.
What is the typing proficiency requirement and how do I prove it?
You must demonstrate a typing speed of 40 words per minute based on a five-minute sample with three or fewer errors. A certification from a school or other authorized organization issued within the last three years must be submitted with your application.
Is this position eligible for telework or remote work?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote work. You will work onsite at the Yakama Service Unit in Toppenish, Washington.
What is the Indian Preference policy for this job?
The Indian Health Service is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interior's definition of Indian. To claim Indian preference, you must submit a completed Form BIA-4432 with your application.
What assessments are required as part of the application process?
After submitting your application, you may be required to complete the USA Hire Assessments, which evaluate competencies such as arithmetic reasoning, customer service, flexibility, integrity, interpersonal skills, and reasoning. You will receive a unique assessment link via email. Additionally, you may be asked to provide optional short essay responses to four questions.