Launch Your Career: Health Benefits Assistant at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Health Benefits Assistant (HBA) to join the team at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center. This position is a cornerstone of our facility, ensuring that Veterans receive seamless access to the healthcare services they have earned.

Job Responsibilities

As a Health Benefits Assistant, your day will be varied and impactful. You will act as a subject matter expert, guiding Veterans through eligibility and enrollment. Key responsibilities include:

Registration and Scheduling: Managing the admission process and ensuring data accuracy.
Records Management: Scanning and organizing documentation into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
Travel Coordination: Processing beneficiary travel claims and advising on eligibility.
Patient Interaction: Conducting interviews with Veterans and family members to secure necessary enrollment data.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several key criteria:

You must be a U.S. Citizen.
You must pass a background investigation.
Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.
You must complete the mandatory online USA Hire assessment.

Eligibility Comparison Table

Criteria	Requirement	Notes
Citizenship	Required	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience	1 Year Specialized	Equivalent to GS-04 level
Education	4 Years Above HS	Can substitute or combine with experience
Resume Limit	2 Pages Max	Strictly enforced by the Merit Hiring Plan

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) at the GS-05 grade level. The salary range for this role is $40,736 to $52,957 per year, depending on qualifications and federal pay structures.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
Retirement savings via FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for specialized federal career training.

Application Tips

To succeed in your application, focus on precision. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to keep your resume under the mandatory two-page limit. Clearly outline your experience in customer service or administration, ensuring you include hours worked per week and specific dates. Finally, make sure your SF-50 is clearly visible and supports your grade eligibility.

Serving our nation’s Veterans is a unique privilege. If you are ready to apply your organizational talents to a mission-driven environment, we encourage you to submit your application by November 6, 2026. Join the Wilkes-Barre VA team and start your journey today.

Why This Health Benefits Assistant Job Matters

Make a difference in the lives of those who served our country as a Health Benefits Assistant at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center.

Health Benefits Assistant Job Overview

The Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Health Benefits Assistant to provide vital administrative and data support. In this role, you will be the first point of contact for Veterans navigating their healthcare benefits, serving as a subject matter expert in registration, eligibility, and medical records management to ensure our heroes receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Requirements for Health Benefits Assistant

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet one-year time-in-grade requirements for current or former Federal employees
Ability to complete an online competency-based assessment
Ability to successfully pass a background/security investigation
Commitment to the annual influenza vaccination program
Ability to adhere to a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Health Benefits Assistant

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level
Experience in customer service, patient registration, or office administration
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Four years of education above high school level from an accredited institution
Ability to effectively document medical records and manage electronic filing systems

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal government health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Comprehensive life insurance coverage
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA health system
✓Potential for service credit for annual leave based on prior non-federal experience

💡 How to Apply Health Benefits Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Benefits Assistant Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less and formatted correctly as a PDF.
Gather your required documents, specifically your most recent SF-50.
Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the USA Hire competency assessment.
Submit your final package by the November 6, 2026, deadline.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages to remain eligible.
Clearly list your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment; do not leave the hiring team to guess your experience.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates one-year of time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting and length requirements.
Complete your online assessment as soon as possible after receiving the link.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Health Benefits Assistant?

You will act as an expert resource for Veterans, managing tasks like patient registration, scheduling, processing travel pay, and maintaining the accuracy of medical records within the electronic system.

Is this position remote?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

What documentation is required for the SF-50?

You must submit an SF-50 that proves your one-year time-in-grade. Award-specific SF-50s are typically insufficient; provide a document showing your standard grade history.

What if I don't have healthcare experience?

While healthcare experience is preferred, the VA values transferable skills in customer service, data entry, and office administration.

Is there a probation period?

Yes, all new federal employees are required to serve a one-year probationary period to ensure fitness for the role.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We are committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team, you become a critical part of a compassionate, whole-health environment dedicated to those who served.