Launch Your Career as an HR Navigator with the VA Maine Healthcare System

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated professional to serve as a Human Resources Assistant (HR Navigator) at the VA Maine Healthcare System in Augusta. This position is perfect for individuals who are organized, compassionate, and ready to support the men and women who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

The HR Navigator plays a pivotal role in the facility’s operations. Key functions include:

Onboarding & Workforce Navigation: Guiding new hires from their tentative job offer through their first day, including scheduling and document processing.
Employee Support: Acting as a Tier 1 HR contact, resolving payroll questions, and triaging inquiries from staff.
Benefits Administration: Educating employees on retirement plans, health insurance, and life insurance options.
Data Management: Utilizing HR systems to maintain accurate personnel records and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet specific federal hiring criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience/Education: Must meet specialized experience or education requirements (GS-5 or GS-6 levels).
Assessment: Must successfully complete the online USA Hire Assessment.
Documentation: All required documents, including transcripts if applicable, must be submitted by the closing date of 10/30/2026.
Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Comparison: GS-5 vs. GS-6 Qualifications

Requirement	GS-5 Level	GS-6 Level
Experience	1 year at GS-4 equivalent	1 year at GS-5 equivalent
Education	4 years above high school	Requires specialized HR experience
Focus	Administrative support/data entry	Benefits guidance/onboarding coordination

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, currently listed between $40,736 and $59,031 per year.

Benefits

Working for the federal government comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous paid annual and sick leave.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. Use the USAJobs resume builder to ensure you comply.
Be Specific: Detail your duties with start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week. The VA does not make assumptions.
Assessments: Do not skip the USA Hire Assessment. It is a critical gateway for your application.

If you are ready to make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the unique chance to blend administrative expertise with the rewarding mission of supporting our nation's Veterans.

Why This Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - Hr Navigator Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career in public service! Join the VA Maine Healthcare System as an HR Navigator and directly impact the lives of those who served our nation.

Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - Hr Navigator Job Overview

The VA New England Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Human Resources Assistant to serve as an HR Navigator in Augusta, Maine. This role is a vital link between the VA’s HR operations and its workforce, providing essential support in onboarding, benefits administration, and systems management. Ideal candidates will possess strong customer service skills, a meticulous eye for detail, and a desire to contribute to the 'I CARE' culture of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Requirements for Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - Hr Navigator

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must provide a resume not exceeding two pages.
Must be able to navigate the facility to escort candidates and stand for periods during onboarding activities.
Must complete an online assessment measuring critical competencies.

Preferred Qualifications for Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - Hr Navigator

One year of specialized experience at the GS-04 or GS-05 level, depending on the target grade.
Experience in benefits administration (Health, Life, Retirement).
Proficiency in HR information systems and document management.
Strong interpersonal skills for triaging employee inquiries.
Ability to combine education and experience to meet grade requirements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Generous Paid Time Off
✓Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance
✓Life and Disability Insurance Options
✓Retirement Savings Plans
✓Flexible Scheduling Opportunities
✓Work-Life Balance Initiatives

💡 How to Apply Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - Hr Navigator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Human Resources Assistant (Employee Benefits) - Hr Navigator Job

Review the full USAJobs announcement details.
Create or update your USAJobs account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the online application and questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts if using education for eligibility.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within the provided timeframe.
Track your application status via your USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month and year for every position listed.
Explicitly state your hours worked per week to calculate full-time equivalent experience.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
Use the USAJobs resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page requirement.
Review the USA Hire practice materials available on the OPM website before testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, telework may be authorized for this position, though details will be discussed during the interview process.

What is the page limit for my resume?

Federal agencies now require that resumes do not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than this will result in ineligibility.

Can I substitute education for experience?

Yes, applicants may qualify for the GS-5 level based on education (4 years above high school) or a combination of education and experience.

What is the closing date for this application?

The application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on October 30, 2026.

Is there a physical requirement?

The role requires walking and standing during onboarding activities.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation. Operating under the 'I CARE' core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VA provides world-class care to Veterans. By joining the VA, you become part of a mission-driven organization that values your professional growth and work-life balance.