Department of Veterans Affairs

Health Benefits Assistant (OA)

Nashville, Tennessee Full time

Health Benefits Assistant (OA)

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Nashville, Tennessee

Salary Range: $40736 - $52957 Per Year

Job Summary: The Health Benefits Assistant determines eligibility and entitlement of VA Healthcare benefits. The incumbent serves in multifaceted capacity performing administrative duties relating to Eligibility, Admission, Reception, Beneficiary Travel, Patient Funds, and lodging of patients.

Major Duties:

  • VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro and the Nashville VA Medical Center, as well as 21 outpatient clinics located in middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services. More than 146,000 Veterans in middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia trust VA TVHS for their health care needs. TVHS is the seventh largest VA medical center system in the nation serving roughly 75 counties with robust research and development, health care innovation, and more. Middle Tennessee offers an abundance of entertainment such as historic music venues, NFL Titans and NHL Predators, recreational activities, and natural sceneries ideal for any individual. Additionally, Tennessee does not have state taxes making the area more attractive to high-quality candidates. This position is located in the Business Office at the Nashville Campus. Duties include but are not limited to: Corresponds with applicants relative to their application for care utilizing approved letters with requests for additional required information and proof of military service. Obtains all key information needed, including but not limited to, complete and accurate demographic information, health insurance information, worker's compensation information, etc. Ensures appropriate insurance information is obtained from veterans during the interview process and prior to any scheduled procedures for appointments in order to verify pre admission certification. Ability to input application information into the VISTA system and obtains all information required for patient processing. Ensures that appropriate personnel are notified when veterans are discovered to be ineligible for care. Knowledgeable of Public Law 104-262, the Veteran's Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 as it relates to patient care and serves as a subject matter expert and advisor to veterans on the National Enrollment Program, the established priority levels, the Uniform Benefits Package including but not limited to maternity care, emergency services, benefits not affected by this legislation, etc. Ability to fully understands all eligibility's in order to make initial determinations whether veterans/or non-veterans meet legal/contractual requirements for medical care. Required to make determinations as to which veterans are placed in certain categories based on complex and complicated income information and statements. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Ability to exercise good judgment in determining appropriate categories for veterans in relation to means test activities. Ability to meet the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their-representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Ability to provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies, and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Work Schedule: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday Telework: Not Available Position Description/PD#:Health Benefits Assistant (OA)/ PD70213A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/15/2026. Typing Proficiency Requirements: This position requires a Typing Proficiency. To qualify for the position applicants must be able to type 40 words per minute typing speed. Applicants may meet these requirements by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency. In addition to meeting the Typing Proficiency above, candidates must meet one the following as described below: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) full year of specialized experience in the Federal service equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as providing clerical and administrative support; preparing correspondence to include formatting, spelling, grammar and punctuation; Maintaining files and records; Interpreting policy and regulation and updating databases. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed 4 years above high school (Transcript Required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 4 years above high school (Transcript Required). You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Information management Interpersonal Skills Organizational Stewardship Veteran and Customer Service 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; or driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/15/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12954881. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-15