Health Department Director
State of Iowa
FreshPosted Mar 25
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Posted: March 27, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Health Benefits Assistant
Veterans Health Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
GS-4 Pay Grade
Base salary range: $30,286 - $39,372
Typical requirements: 1 year general experience. 2 years college or associate degree.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
Job Description
Summary
This job involves helping Veterans apply for health care benefits at a VA hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, by interviewing them, checking if they qualify, and explaining their options.
It's an entry-level office role that requires good communication, computer skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks while working with patients and staff.
A good fit would be someone organized, empathetic, and comfortable with administrative work who lives nearby or is willing to relocate.
Key Requirements
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-04, including interviewing patients, verifying eligibility, advising on benefits, and using automated systems for data entry and reports
- Or four years of education above high school from an accredited institution (transcripts required)
- Or a combination of post-high school education (beyond two years) and relevant experience
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in computer skills, including email, Microsoft Word, Excel, and various systems for processing applications
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and build relationships across the organization
- Must live within commuting distance of Des Moines, Iowa (not virtual; relocation willingness required)
Full Job Description
This position is in the Business Office, Eligibility/Intake Section, under the direct supervision of the Eligibility Supervisor at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS) in Des Moines, Iowa.
EXPERIENCE: Have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04) in Federal Service that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Health Benefits Assistant, GS-05.
Specialized experience includes interviewing patients applying for benefits; verifying eligibility or entitlements for benefits; advising patients of their entitlements to various medical benefits; and using automated systems for data entry, running reports and record keeping.
NOTE: Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.
OR EDUCATION: Have successfully completed four (4) years above high school in any field which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite.
This education must have been obtained at an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials.
Education cannot be credited without documentation.
- OR COMBINATION: Have equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet the total qualification requirements for this grade level.
This education must have been obtained at an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.
NOTE: Your experience must be documented in your resume and transcripts are required.
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/.
Major Duties:
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** The Health Benefits Assistant is assigned to the Eligibility & Enrollment section of the Business Office.
As a Health Benefits Assistant you will perform duties and assignments that include (but are not limited to): Responsible for the administrative processes for Veterans applying for VA health care benefits.
Determines qualifying entitlements for health care and other VA benefits. Assists with health care benefit questions.
Works daily with all levels of the organization and with Veterans and their representatives. Must be a strong communicator both verbally and in writing.
Must be able to work independently with multiple tasks at the same time. Ability to build strong working relationships across the health care system.
Excellent computer skills: send/receive emails, create/edit Word and Excel documents, and access various other systems to process applications. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30AM - 4:00PM Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
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