Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Careers

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees may receive a variety of awards and recognition, including the HHS Secretary's Award for Distinguished Service, HHS Secretary's Award for Meritorious Service, HHS Secretary's Award for Appreciation, HHS Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement, HHS Secretary's Award for Excellence, HHS Secretary's Award for Special Achievement, HHS Secretary's Award for Leadership, HHS Secretary's Award for Professionalism, HHS Secretary's Award for Public Service, HHS Secretary's Award for Innovation, HHS Secretary's Award for Creativity, and HHS Secretary's Award for Exceptional Performance. HHS also recognizes employees for their length of service through the HHS Length of Service Awards Program.

HHS stands for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. HHS works to ensure access to medical and social services, manage and reduce costs, and improve the quality of health care.

Yes, job sharing opportunities are available for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees. In addition to traditional full-time job opportunities, the Department offers a variety of job sharing arrangements. Eligible employees may work part-time schedules, job share with other employees, or enter into “job share by necessity” arrangements. Job sharing by necessity is a flexible arrangement that allows two employees to split a full-time position. The two employees must have complementary skills and abilities and be able to manage their responsibilities in a coordinated manner. If interested, employees should contact their human resources office for more information about job sharing opportunities.

No, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services does not offer any tuition reimbursement programs.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of support resources for employees. These resources include access to Employee Assistance Programs, health and wellness programs, and training and development opportunities. Employees may also be able to access online resources, such as webinars, tutorials, and other online learning materials. Additionally, the Department's Human Resources Department provides guidance and resources to employees to help them navigate their career paths and navigate workplace issues.

Yes, most U.S. Department of Health and Human Services jobs are eligible for overtime pay. Employees must be paid at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Yes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a Veteran Employment Program (VEP), which is designed to recruit and hire veterans for certain HHS jobs. Veterans are given priority consideration for these positions and are not required to compete with the general public for them. In addition, veterans may qualify for a variety of special hiring authorities, such as the Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and the Veterans' Preference program.

No, there is no uniform for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees. Employees typically wear business casual clothing.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a number of initiatives in place to promote diversity and inclusion in the health and human services field. These include initiatives such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which works to create and maintain an inclusive work environment; the Health Equity and Workforce Diversity Initiative, which works to increase the diversity of the health workforce; and the HHS Diversity Council, which provides guidance to the department on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, HHS has a number of programs in place to support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse candidates in the health and human services field. These programs include the Health Professions Opportunity Grant, the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program, and the Health Careers Opportunity Program.

Yes, there are many opportunities for advancement within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Employees are encouraged to pursue additional training and education to advance their careers. The Department offers multiple career paths, including promotions, transfers, and lateral moves. In addition, there are various leadership development programs and training resources available to employees.

Yes, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offers professional development opportunities through its Office of Human Resources. The office provides training and development resources, such as online courses, webinars, and in-person workshops, to help employees grow their careers and advance their skills.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a range of support services for its employees. These services include comprehensive benefits packages, employee assistance programs, professional development and training programs, and workplace wellness programs. Additionally, the department provides assistance in finding housing, childcare, and transportation for its employees. The department also offers flexible work arrangements, such as telework, and provides a variety of resources for employees to use to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Yes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers internships and apprenticeships through its Office of Human Resources Management. These programs offer students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain work experience in public service.

Job security for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees is generally good. The department is a large and important government agency, and its employees usually enjoy greater job security than in the private sector. The department also has several layers of job protection for its employees, including civil service regulations, labor union contracts, and various other regulations. Additionally, the department is generally considered a stable and reliable employer, and its employees typically enjoy job security over the long-term.

Performance reviews for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees are conducted annually.

Yes, relocation assistance is available for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees. The Department offers a comprehensive relocation package which may include moving and storage allowances, temporary housing, and travel expenses.

1. Health Educator 2. Public Health Analyst 3. Program Manager 4. Health Services Administrator 5. Project Coordinator 6. Research Associate 7. Social Worker 8. Clinical Nurse 9. Statistician 10. Data Analyst 11. Epidemiologist 12. Dietician 13. Policy Analyst 14. Mental Health Counselor 15. Health Communications Specialist 16. Health Informatics Specialist 17. Administrative Assistant 18. Medical Records Technician 19. Financial Analyst 20. Grants Specialist

Yes, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a retirement plan for its employees. The plan is a Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) plan, which includes Social Security, a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a Basic Benefits Plan. Employees who are eligible for the plan can receive a pension benefit from the Basic Benefits Plan when they reach retirement age.

Most U.S. Department of Health and Human Services jobs are full-time. However, there are some part-time positions available.

Yes, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employees must adhere to a number of special requirements, such as completing a background investigation, abiding by a code of ethics, and completing annual ethics training. Additionally, certain positions may require applicants to have specific qualifications or certifications.