VA hiring 400 people in Leavenworth

By DIANE STAFFORD

 
The Kansas City Star: One of the best hiring opportunities in the region is quietly under way in Leavenworth, where the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is filling up to 400 positions.
The Central Plains Consolidated Patient Account Center, a plum awarded by the VA to Leavenworth in 2009, is now open on the grounds of the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center.
The best part of the jobs bonanza: Many are entry-level jobs that start at $31,000 but can pay as much as $45,000, plus benefits.
“Applicants need basic computer and communication skills. They’ll be trained for the rest,” said Kevin Johnson, a spokesman for the VA human resource department. “With an economy that stinks, these are great jobs with a career opportunity to get your foot in the door. And the benefits are great.”
Benefits include federal employees’ health coverage, life insurance, long-term care insurance, participation in the federal employees’ retirement system, annual vacation and sick leave, paid federal holidays, and an opportunity to participate in flexible spending accounts for dependent care and health care.
The full-time, year-round jobs include financial accounting, medical billing and reimbursement, accounts receivable, insurance verification, health systems analysis, cash management and administrative positions. Some positions are targeted for veterans, but most are open to the general public.
Johnson said he would urge Kansas City area residents to consider the commute.
First, though, applicants must use www.usajobs.gov to navigate the hiring system. And use it daily, Johnson advised. Hiring is taking place over time, and new openings appear regularly, he said.
“If you’ve applied once for a certain position and didn’t get it, apply again if you see the same job posted again,” Johnson said. “We’re bringing in groups of 30 or so at a time for training, so reapply when you see new postings.”
The best way to search for the jobs on usajobs.gov is to type “Leavenworth, Kan.,” in the location box and look for CPAC listings by searching under Veterans Affairs in the “agencies” area.
The first paragraph of each job listing will give the title of the position, who is eligible to apply, and when the application period closes for that job.
“Your application will not transfer from one position to the next,” Johnson said. “You must apply for each job you believe you are qualified for.”
Questions about the jobs may be answered on a VA job information hotline at 877-782-5627.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/08/22/3091873/va-hiring-400-people-in-leavenworth.html#ixzz1Vs3kzhdz