The incumbent serves as a Health Benefits Assistant located in the Patient Registration Department of the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Organizationally, the HBA reports to the Supervisor of Patient Registration. The primary function of this position is to make eligibility determinations for VA healthcare.

Duties

The major duties of the Health Benefit Assistant include but are not limited to: Screen, advise, and assist Veterans and other beneficiaries seeking and receiving medical treatment. Subject matter experts to the HAS Section Chiefs and support the management information components of all health eligibility related programs. Provides advice, problem resolution, and administrative support for eligibility issues related to healthcare services. Knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, polices, guidelines and procedures is required. Entering data and information when necessary, but also reviewing reports, records and statistical computations for accuracy. Involved in an extremely complex blend of computing technology, medical information, communication skills and leadership qualities in a rapidly changing environment. He/she must possess vast computer knowledge in creating and capturing data. Interviews and registers applicants to determine eligibility and legal entitlement of applicants for health care, including assignment into the appropriate enrollment priority group. Verifies eligibility using various methods, including: income assessments, military discharge documents, Hospital Inquiry (HINQ), Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), Veteran Information Solutions (VIS) and other means such as communication with VA Regional Office. Administers income assessments (means tests). Advises and counsels Veterans and their beneficiaries or representatives of financial obligations, co-pay requirements, and their rights to appeal. Deals with and resolves complex eligibility, co-pay, and insurance questions that arise. Explains to each individual the specific conditions or actions that could affect their co-pay status or eligibility for benefits. Informs Veterans of their responsibility to report changes in their demographics, insurance, and other significant factors. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; multiple tour available: 7:00am to 3:30pm and 8:00am to 4:30pm. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Benefits Assistant/PD00046A Physical Requirements: The work is primarily a sedentary position. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. But, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small items, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Concentration and sustained performance under potential stress of accuracy and deadlines is required because of factors involved in completion of various complex work assignments.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Meets and greets customers to determine the specific need. Maintains adherence with all workplace security policies and regulations ensuring work completed done within established guidelines. Responds to customer requests and follow up. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4 years above high school. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.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.

Contacts

• Address Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Ronald Snoe
• Phone: (412) 822-3557
• Email: [email protected]