Anyone passionate about the health of the American population may want to consider working for the Department of Health and Human Services.
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An essential federal agency of the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) focuses on monitoring and promoting the health of American citizens.
In 1939, the Department of Health and Human Services technically originated with the establishment of the Federal Security Agency.
The agency changed and evolved many times and became the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) in 1953. Finally, in 1979, the Department of Education divorced from the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
The leftover remnants of HEW became the Department of Health and Human Services.
The main mission of the Department of Health and Human Services is the enhancement of the health of American citizens.
This department tries to provide essential human services, promote effective health policies, and fund scientific healthcare research.
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The HHS is deeply involved in developing and advocating for public health initiatives and healthcare services for all Americans.
These programs are supposed to prevent and control illness, improve healthcare, expand coverage, and respond in times of public health crises.
Additionally, HHS is intended to support many different services for vulnerable American citizens.
These programs are things like assistance for low-income families, child and family welfare programs, support for seniors and those with disabilities, and foster care and adoption services.
Another use of their government funding is supporting research and innovation in healthcare.
The HHS funds a significant amount of biomedical research and supports medical and public health research institutions.
In a similar manner, HHS also has to regulate and oversee various areas of health and human services.
It’s supposed to ensure that medical products are safe and effective. Medical products must comply with healthcare laws and regulations.
Led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, HHS is made up of many agencies and offices, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Secretary of Health and Human Services is a cabinet position appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
The Department of Health and Human Services generates a variety of roles in healthcare, administration, public health, and much more.
Here are some typical job openings.
HHS employs numerous healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical specialists.
These employees work directly in HHS agencies sometimes, but could also work to give healthcare services or conduct research.
Speaking of research, the HHS also hires many researchers and scientists who push the field of biomedical research forward.
These people work on improving public health research and healthcare innovation.
Another group of workers HHS relies on are policy analysts and program managers.
These workers develop and execute essential healthcare programs and policies.
They work in healthcare reform, health insurance programs, Medicare and Medicaid, and other social services.
Of course, there are plenty of other fields and capacities one could work for the HHS, including social work and administrative tasks.
However, these are the primary roles in high demand at the HHS.
To apply for the Department of Health and Human Services, the first thing to do is make an account with login.gov and then make an account with USAJOBS.gov.
USAJOBS.gov is an official federal government website with all the department vacancies listed.
Interested applicants can filter the search to look for positions with the Department of Health and Human Services.
Then, they just need to click on a particular listing of interest and click on the “Apply” button.
After filling out all the essential information, they will need to submit the required documents and likely pass a background check.
All documents can be uploaded and submitted through the USA JOBS portal.
Currently, as of June 2nd, 2023, there are over 1,300 open positions under the Department of Health and Human Services.
For example, there is an opening for a Mental Health Specialist at the Indian Health Service that starts at $57,118 a year.
The federal government provides a host of different benefits for its workers.
Here are some of the standard benefits of working for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Employees get very comprehensive healthcare coverage, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.
This insurance also extends to their eligible dependents. Employees also get access to retirement plans and investing plans, such as the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
As is standard, Department of Health and Human Services employees also get paid vacation leave, sick leave, federal holidays, as well as family, medical, or military leave if needed.
Another benefit HHS employees may be eligible for are transit subsidies.
These provide financial compensation for commuting to and from work with public transportation.
In general, employees should consult with official HHS resources, the Office of Personnel Management, or their agency’s human resource department to get a list of their specific benefits.
Prospective applicants who are excited about advancing public health and contributing to the greater good should feel encouraged to apply on USA JOBS right now because there are over 1,300 unique listings.