Health Insurance Specialist (GS-12) Opportunity at HHS, CDC, and NIOSH
Are you a dedicated healthcare administrator looking to advance your career within the federal government? The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), has announced an opening for a Health Insurance Specialist (GS-12).
This position provides a critical link between complex federal health benefit policies and the daily delivery of services to program participants. Operating out of primary hubs in Atlanta, Georgia and Cincinnati, Ohio, this position offers a competitive salary range of $76,463 to $99,404 per year, robust federal benefits, and telework flexibility.
Because this opening is capped at 50 applications, interested candidates are urged to prepare their documentation and apply promptly.
About the Agency: HHS, CDC, and NIOSH
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) serves as the primary federal agency responsible for protecting the health and wellbeing of all Americans. Through continuous scientific innovation, public health preparedness, and health benefit administration, HHS touches millions of lives every day.
Within HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acts as the nation's leading health protection agency. Working under the CDC umbrella, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) focuses specifically on generating safety and health solutions for working men and women across the country.
Joining NIOSH as a Health Insurance Specialist allows you to support vital operational initiatives that protect public health infrastructure while ensuring seamless administration of health plans and participant services.
Job Responsibilities & Daily Impact
As a GS-12 Health Insurance Specialist, your primary duty is to manage, optimize, and streamline member relations and health plan activities. You will translate administrative guidelines into operational results, serving as a operational pillar within federal health management.
Key duties include:
- Managing Member Relations: Directing member-facing activities to guarantee accurate, consistent, and policy-compliant health plan service delivery.
- Operational Enhancements: Designing standard operating procedures, integrating emerging industry practices, and coordinating administrative tasks to elevate program quality.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Functioning as a primary liaison between health professionals, program leads, and medical administrators to resolve complex issues.
- Data Analysis & Deliverables: Evaluating enrollment data, tracking service trends, drafting technical decision-support documents, and overseeing project milestones.
Qualifications and Technical Requirements
To qualify for this GS-12 position, applicants must demonstrate one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the federal service.
Required Specialized Experience
Your background must clearly show that you have performed all of the following:
- Administering member services or health benefit programs by interpreting policies and writing formal correspondence or guidance.
- Analyzing health plan data (enrollment, operational performance, or service metrics) to identify trends and propose systemic improvements.
- Collaborating directly with healthcare personnel or administration to handle member concerns and advise on service enhancement.
- Monitoring health plan deliverables and authoring operational support documents to enhance efficiency.
Key Application & Technical Rules
- Strict Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages. Longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Work History Detail: You must list start/end dates (MM/YY to MM/YY) and average hours worked per week for every job entry.
- USA Hire Technical Assessment: Qualified applicants must complete a required online USA Hire assessment suite to evaluate core competencies such as problem-solving, reading comprehension, and attention to detail.
Salary Overview and Job Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Health Insurance Specialist |
| Pay Grade | GS-12 |
| Annual Salary Range | $76,463 β $99,404 |
| Duty Locations | Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Telework Eligibility | Yes (As determined by agency policy) |
| Position Clearance | Moderate Risk (MR) / Suitability |
| Application Cap | Closes at 50 applications or on October 28, 2026 |
Federal Benefits & Compensation Package
Federal employment offers a comprehensive, highly stable compensation package designed to support employees throughout their careers:
- Healthcare Coverage: Choose from extensive plan options under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement Benefits: Comprehensive dual-component coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
- Paid Time Off: Accrue paid annual leave, sick leave, and receive 11 paid official federal holidays each year.
- Potential Incentives: Subject to policy and funding availability, successful candidates may be eligible for recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment options.
How to Apply & Essential Application Tips
Follow these step-by-step guidelines to ensure your application package meets all strict federal standards:
- Format Your Resume: Keep your resume under two pages. Clearly state exact employment dates and weekly hours.
- Review the Occupational Questionnaire: Preview the assessment questions online to ensure your experience matches all qualification benchmarks.
- Assemble Required Documents: Prepare your standard federal documents, including your latest SF-50, performance ratings, and CTAP/ICTAP or VEOA documentation if applicable.
- Submit via USAJOBS: Submit your complete application prior to the 50-application limit.
- Complete USA Hire Assessment: Access the unique testing link sent after submission and complete the technical assessment within 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the job posting close?
The posting closes on October 28, 2026, or on the day the 50th application is submitted, whichever occurs first.
Q: Can I submit a resume longer than 2 pages?
No. HHS has specified a mandatory two-page limit for resumes. Resumes exceeding two pages will lead to disqualification.
Q: Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework according to NIOSH operating guidelines.
Q: What assessment is required for this opening?
Applicants must complete the online USA Hire Technical Assessment measuring foundational administrative and analytical competencies.
The Health Insurance Specialist (GS-12) position at CDC/NIOSH represents an exceptional opportunity to advance your health management career in Atlanta, GA or Cincinnati, OH. With a competitive salary, rewarding public health mission, and telework flexibility, this role is ideal for experienced health administration professionals. Ensure your resume meets all length requirements and apply today before the 50-application limit is reached!
Why This Health Insurance Specialist Job Matters
Take your health administration expertise to the next level with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a GS-12 Health Insurance Specialist in Atlanta, GA or Cincinnati, OH.
Health Insurance Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is seeking a qualified Health Insurance Specialist at the GS-12 grade level. Located in Atlanta, Georgia or Cincinnati, Ohio, this role focuses on overseeing member relations, analyzing health benefit program data, improving operational procedures, and coordinating cross-functional public health initiatives. Telework is available. Note that this announcement will close after receiving 50 applications or on October 28, 2026.
Requirements for Health Insurance Specialist
- Must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service.
- Specialized experience must include administering health benefit activities, interpreting program policies, and resolving member issues.
- Demonstrated experience analyzing enrollment or member service data to identify operational trends and recommend program improvements.
- Proven background in coordinating with health professionals and medical administrators to address plan delivery issues.
- Experience monitoring program deliverables and creating administrative decision-support documentation.
- Resume MUST NOT exceed two (2) pages in length.
- Must complete the mandatory USA Hire Technical Assessment.
- Must state exact dates (MM/YY to MM/YY) and average weekly hours for all listed work experience.
Preferred Qualifications for Health Insurance Specialist
- In-depth knowledge of federal health plan administration and policy frameworks.
- Strong analytical capability for evaluating complex operational data and developing strategic recommendations.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder alignment skills across multidisciplinary public health teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive Federal GS-12 base salary ($76,463 to $99,404 per year).
- βEligible for telework schedule according to agency policies.
- βFederal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with comprehensive healthcare options.
- βFederal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan.
- βThrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching up to 5%.
- βGenerous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
- βPotential recruitment, relocation, or student loan repayment incentives subject to funding.
π‘ How to Apply Health Insurance Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health Insurance Specialist Job
- Review the job announcement on USAJOBS and confirm your eligibility under internal agency or CTAP/ICTAP paths.
- Prepare a concise federal resume that strictly does not exceed two (2) pages.
- Log into your USAJOBS account and click 'Apply Online' to start the application process.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire and attach all necessary supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, performance appraisals).
- Submit your complete application package before 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2026, or before 50 applications are received.
- Check your email for the USA Hire Technical Assessment link and complete all assessments within 48 hours.
π‘ General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; resumes exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
- Clearly indicate start and end dates (MM/YY to MM/YY) along with weekly hours for every position to receive proper credit.
- Do not copy and paste qualification language or duties directly from the announcement into your resume.
- Set aside up to 3 hours in a quiet environment to complete the required online USA Hire Technical Assessment.
- Submit your application as early as possible because the vacancy closes immediately upon receiving 50 submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline for this Health Insurance Specialist position?
The vacancy will close at 11:59 PM EST on October 28, 2026, or on the exact day that 50 applications have been received, whichever comes first.
Is telework allowed for this role?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework in accordance with agency telework policies.
Where are the official duty stations for this position?
The official duty locations are Atlanta, Georgia and Cincinnati, Ohio.
What is the maximum page length for the resume?
Resumes must not exceed two (2) pages. Applications with longer resumes will be removed from consideration.
What grade level and salary range does this job carry?
This position is graded at GS-12, offering a salary range of $76,463 to $99,404 per year.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Job Posting
- β USA Staffing Online Application Link
- β Application Status Tracking
- β Occupational Questionnaire Preview
- β USA Hire Reasonable Accommodation Procedures
- β USA Hire Assessment Information
- β USAJobs Login Page
- β Federal Resume Tips Video
- β Federal Application Tips Video
- β USAJobs Help Center
- β Federal Employee Benefits Overview
- β Agency HR Contact Email
- β Veterans Hiring Paths
- β Military Spouses Hiring Paths
- β Individuals with Disabilities Hiring Paths
- β OPM CTAP/ICTAP Employee Guide
