Health Benefits Assistant

As Health Benefits Assistant for Health Administration Service at the New Mexico VAMC (NMVAMC), the incumbents provide a high level of administrative and data support to the HAS to include the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS) as well as to the NMVAMC. Major duties: Duties include but are not limited to: Serve as advisors and experts to the HAS Section Chiefs and support the management information components of all health eligibility related programs.

Entering data and information, when necessary, but also reviewing reports, records and statistical computations for accuracy and propriety. Review, verify, and analyze data submitted for consistency with financial and program objectives, and adherence to VA directives. Assist the Public Affairs Office as well as other Services at Albuquerque VAMC with community activities such as Health Fairs, Homeless Veterans Stand Downs, Post Deployment Health Re-assessment (PDHRA) and Tribal Community Outreach programs.

Interview patients applying for medical benefits. Verify eligibility/entitlement for benefits of all applicants using various methods including income assessments, military discharge documents, Veterans Information Solution (VIS), Enrollment System Redesign (ESR) and other means such as communications with VA Regional Office, VA Records Processing Centers and HEC Health Eligibility Center. Review various financial documents to include tax forms, bank records, and SSI/SSDI forms.

Advise the veterans of their entitlement to various medical benefits and discusses co-payment requirements of veterans in discretionary categories. Extreme tact, diplomacy and privacy are required to explain complicated laws in this area. Extensive knowledge of the Medical Center and policies is required to respond to inquiries from veterans, Medical Center staff and other agencies regarding applying for care, eligibility, and Beneficiary Travel, etc.

Ensure proper identification is utilized when processing the Veterans card according to national guidance. Monitor enrolled patient data base information on a regular basis (at a minimum, annually) to perform updates to health insurance data, income assessments for the Means Test and Pharmacy Co-pay Exemption programs as mandated by law. Provide exceptional customer service by exceeding the customer's expectations.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday; 08:00am- 4:30pm Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Benefits Assistant/PD13111A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements: You must be a U.S.

Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.

A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Depar