Contact Representative (Benefits Coordinator)

The Contact Representative position is located in the Business Office of the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. The primary purpose of the position is to function as the Alternative Resource Benefits Coordinator, ensuring the identification of patients who are eligible for alternate resources. This announcement is open until the vacancy is filled. See "Additional Information Section" for more details.

Duties

• Acts as an advocate for patients in securing alternative resources such as Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Veterans Affairs, Bureau of Employment Compensation, Third Party Liability, Children's Special Health Services, Aid to Families with dependent children, etc.
• Works closely with the Social Security Administration (SSA) on local and regional levels, local County Department of Welfare or Department of Human Resources and Tribal offices to establish eligibility for Medicare, AFDC, and Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI) to establish patient eligibility with these programs.
• Works with Patient Registration to collect and record patient demographics. Follows up on all pending claims.
• Assists patients with applications for alternate resources, and interpretations of rules and regulations.

Salary

• $44,117 - $70,578/year

Conditions of Employment

• Selectee may be subject to a probationary/trial period
• ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.
• Measles and Rubella immunization required for selectees born after 1957 and seasonal influenza immunization is required for all staff working in Indian Health Service health care facilities.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for all selectees prior to entrance on duty.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.
• You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
• Background Investigation: If you are selected for this vacancy, you must undergo a pre-employment fingerprint check and background investigation. Fingerprint results and background investigation documentation must be cleared prior to hire. After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position. The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position. If you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges. You may be subject to a credit check as a part of the background investigation process.

Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

For the GS-06 grade level : Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples of specialized experience at this level include:Assist patients and medical staff in completing forms, verify patient eligibility for benefits, review claims, interpret business office policies and procedures.

For the GS-07 grade level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples of specialized experience at this level include: Apply standardized rules, processes and procedures concerning claims processing; provide information to the public on insurance information; conduct personal or telephone interviews; review records and monitor pending actions.

For the GS-08 grade level: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Examples of specialized experience at this level include: Apply an extensive body of rules and procedures concerning benefits to clarify benefit processes and procedures to patients; search records or guidelines; provide information and benefits of multiple alternate resources and advise patients of nonpayment or approval of claim; advise individuals on all aspects of benefits; compile and write reports applicable to Business Office and Alternate Resource needs.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Education There are no education requirements. Other Information

Re-Advertisement-- This position is being re-advertised to solicit additional applications. Those who already applied for this position do not need to Re-Apply unless you would like to update your application and/or supporting documents; your applications will be re-considered.

**This announcement is Open Until Filled and will remain open until a sufficient applicant pool is obtained. Applications will be reviewed starting 11/05/2024 and every 10 business days thereafter until filled. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for 8 months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.

Per IHS policy (SGM 21-04) IHS selectees to positions located in Federally operated hospitals, health centers, and clinics must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before entry on duty or have IHS approve a medical or religious exemption. If an exemption is approved then wearing a face mask and regular testing for COVID-19 will be required. Your Human Resources Specialist will provide a list of documents acceptable as vaccination proof and instructions on how to submit your vaccination documentation or how to request a medical or religious exemption, if needed.

Additional selection(s) of candidates may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued for this announcement.

Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.

This position is covered by a Bargaining Unit.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-08 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

Required Documents

Resume: You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume, curriculum vitae, or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates for paid and non-paid work experience, hours worked per week, month and year of employment for each job title listed, annual salary, and description of job duties. Include name and address of employer, supervisor name and telephone number.
Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements:

• Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/dup/assets/public/raca/online_forms/pdf/1076-0160_INDIAN-PREF_Expires-10.31.24_508.pdf. When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference.
• Veterans Preference: If claiming Veteran's Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov.
• Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf.
• Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50.
• Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy.

**This announcement is Open Until Filled and will remain open until a sufficient applicant pool is obtained. Applications will be reviewed starting 11/05/2024 and every 10 business days thereafter until filled. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for 8 months and may be used at any time during this period. After 8 months, you must reapply to this announcement in order to be considered.

You must meet the requirements of the job by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the closing date: 11/27/2024

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.

1. Click 'Apply' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
2. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or supporting documents.
3. Read all Eligibility questions and respond accordingly. .
4. Complete the assessment questions.
5. Verify all required documentation is included in your application package.

The IHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office (Joseph Dudley, Joseph.Dudley@ihs.gov, and/or 605-252-2771.) The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

For additional questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) found here: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/index.cfm?module=search&option=faq.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.