BlueHorizon Customer Service Apprentice

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is seeking Customer Service Trainees for a year-long BlueHorizon cohort. You will work full-time on-site while earning an Associate Degree in Health Sciences through Chattanooga State Community College, gaining hands-on experience and targeted coaching.

The program begins January 2027 with training, multi-channel communication, and a focus on advocacy and service for members and providers. Eligibility includes Tennessee residency and FAFSA preferred.

Qualifications

• Time management to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Reliability and accountability in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication with members and providers to resolve questions.

Responsibilities

• Engage & Connect: Help members and providers over the phone with service inquiries.
• Problem-Solve Like a Pro: Address questions about eligibility, benefits, claims status, etc.
• Document Everything: Keep track of conversations for clear documentation.
• Multi-Channel Communication: Connect via Chat, Phone, Email, and TEAMS.
• Educate & Inform: Provide complete and accurate information to resolve issues during the initial contact.

Skills

Time management

Reliability

Positivity

Communication

Problem-solving

Heartfelt service

Active listening

Technology

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office / Teams

Job description

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is seeking Customer Service Trainees for the next BlueHorizon cohort. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is excited to offer BlueHorizon, an innovative partnership with Chattanooga State Community College that allows you to earn a paycheck, gain valuable work experience, and complete your education at the same time. As a BlueHorizon participant, you will begin your career as a Customer Service Trainee while working toward an Associate Degree in Health Sciences. As a Customer Service Trainee, you will join a team that listens with care and empathy while helping members and providers navigate their health benefits. Through hands-on training, coaching, and support from both BlueCross and Chattanooga State instructors, you will build valuable skills and gain the experience needed for a rewarding career. Our ideal candidates are: Excited to begin their career with BCBST as a Customer Service Trainee, serving on the front lines for our members while learning our business, beginning in January 2027. Committed to the year-long program, which includes working full-time on-site at BCBST while attending Chattanooga State classes during work hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). High school graduates who are Tennessee residents. Eligibility for TN Reconnect, the State of Tennessee's last-dollar scholarship program, is helpful. Work sponsorship is not available for this role.

Important Information:

This program begins in January 2027.

What You'll Do:

• Engage & Connect: Help members and providers over the phone with their service inquiries.
• Problem-Solve Like a Pro: Quickly and accurately address questions about eligibility, benefits, claims status, and more.
• Document Everything: Keep track of conversations to ensure clear documentation.
• Multi-Channel Communication: Connect via Chat, Phone, Email, and TEAMS.
• Educate & Inform: Provide complete and accurate information, aiming to resolve the issue during the initial contact.

What You Need:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Acceptance to Chattanooga State required and completion of FAFSA highly preferred*
• Dual enrollment during high school is a plus

Skills for Success:

• Time Management: Handle tasks and meet deadlines.
• Reliability: Show up and be dependable.
• Positivity: Overcome challenges with a smile.
• Communication: Understand, share, and resolve.
• Problem-Solving: Break down info and provide resolution.
• Heartfelt Service: Connect, engage, and advocate.
• Active Listening: Fully concentrate, understand and respond thoughtfully.
• Technology: Ability to leverage technology to solve problems.

TN Promise or TN Reconnect eligibility and approved grants can help cover tuition and other expenses. While grants can significantly reduce costs, students might need to contribute a small amount towards their degree, depending on the grant level.

Number of Openings Available 0

Worker Type: Employee Company: BCBST BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc.

Applying for this job indicates your acknowledgement and understanding of the following statements: BCBST will recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Further information regarding BCBST's EEO Policies/Notices may be found by reviewing the following page: BCBST's EEO Policies/Notices

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee via-email, the Internet or any other method without a valid, written Direct Placement Agreement in place for this position from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee HR/Talent Acquisition will not be considered. No fee will be paid in the event the applicant is hired by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as a result of the referral or through other means.

As Tennessee's largest health benefit plan company, we've been helping Tennesseans find their own unique paths to good health since 1945. More than that, we're your neighbors and friends – fellow Tennesseans with deep roots of caring tradition, a focused approach to physical, financial and community good health for today, and a bright outlook for an even healthier tomorrow.

The BlueHorizon Program is designed to cultivate a highly skilled and career-ready workforce by integrating academic instruction with immersive, real-world work experience. Through a strategic partnership model with Chattanooga State, students simultaneously pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree while engaging in structured, on-the-job training. This dual approach ensures that graduates are not only academically credentialed but also equipped with the practical competencies, professional habits, and industry insights necessary to excel in high-demand technical and professional fields.

The application requires personal information, essay questions and three references. Please note, references will receive an email from the BlueHorizon program and be asked to fill out a form. It is professional etiquette to notify and receive permission to use people as references. It is recommended to use the same personal email address you used on your Chattanooga State application. If you have any questions, please contact: [e-mail]

First Application Period: August 31, 2026 - October 5, 2026

At BCBST, we empower our employees to thrive both independently and collaboratively, creating a collective impact on the lives of our members. We seek talented individuals who excel in a team environment, share responsibility, and embrace accountability. We're also seeking candidates who are proficient in the Microsoft Office suite, including Microsoft Teams, organized, and capable of managing multiple assignments or projects simultaneously. Additional, strong interpersonal abilities along with strong oral and written communication skills are important across all roles at BCBST.

We foster a culture where innovation is encouraged. That includes using AI enabled tools responsibly to support everyday work — guided by proven workflows, templates, and policies. As roles become more advanced, we expect employees to leverage AI more broadly to transform how we serve members.

BCBST is a remote-first organization with many employees working primarily from their homes. Each position within the company is classified as either fully remote, partially remote, or office based. BCBST hires employees for remote positions from across the U.S. with the exception of the following states: California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York. Applicants living in these states may move to an approved state prior to starting a position with BCBST at their own expense.

If the position requires the individual to reside in Chattanooga, TN, they may be eligible for relocation assistance.