Writer-Editor

Your tasks

Ensures the production of well-written, understandable documents that conform to established grammatical, stylistic, and syntactical standards/rules, as well as adhering to HHS, Public Health Service, and IHS policy requirements, and that the content of the documents thoroughly and logically addresses all issues and questions. Composes original correspondence for the signature of the IHS Director, the Secretary, executive staff in the immediate Office of the Director, and others by special request from diverse sources on a wide range of subjects pertaining to IHS programs, policies, and activities intended for a wide range of audiences, some of which may be indifferent or hostile. Writes and/or edits correspondence prepared for the signature of the IHS Director, the Secretary, executive staff in the immediate Office of the Director, and others by special request, for clarity of expression and uniformity of policy statements. Translates and interprets information from programmatic scientific/technical language to a level that would be most applicable to the various audiences addressed. Provides consultation, technical assistance, and training for IHS professional and support staff on the proper format and principles of editing, reviewing, and writing documents for the signatures of upper management IHS officials, the Deputy Secretary, HHS, and the Secretary, HHS. Resolves conflicts among originators and reviewers and contributes substantively to decisions on what information to present and how to present it. Has command of, and remains up-to-date on relevant Federal Government standards of executive correspondence documentation, writing guidelines, editing, and reviewing processes for an Executive Secretariat function. Ensures consistency of messages and that leadership is representing the IHS and programs accurately; reviews message content for senior leaders to use for strategic communications.

Requirements

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-12 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: Experience performing writing and editing assignments involving the research, analysis, and presentation of information for a variety of audiences; drafting and editing correspondence, reports, briefing materials, policy-related documents, or similar written products for clarity, accuracy, grammar, style, and consistency; interpreting technical or programmatic information and translating it into clear language appropriate for the intended audience; and applying established writing, editing, publishing, and correspondence guidelines to produce completed written products within established deadlines.

GS-13 Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: Experience performing complex writing and editing assignments; researching, analyzing, interpreting, and distilling technical, programmatic, or policy information into clear and accurate written products for senior-level officials and diverse audiences; reviewing and editing executive correspondence, policy statements, briefing or decision documents for clarity, consistency, accuracy, and compliance with established writing and correspondence standards; and providing technical guidance or consultation to staff on writing, editing, document preparation, and executive correspondence processes.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-GS-13 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

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). You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

There are no education requirements.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two-year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required. 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/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. 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.

Other

This position is located in the Executive Secretariat Staff, Office of the Director, Indian Health Service. Reports to IHS Headquarters. The official duty station could be at Bemidji, MN; Billings, MT, Dallas, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Rapid City, SD, or Rockville, MD. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).