Veterans Service Representative

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement: 10/21/2024. GRADE REQUIREMENT: To receive CTAP selection priority, your grade level upon Reduction in Force must be at least 7/9/10 with promotion potential of at least GS-10. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-07 Grade Level: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience interpreting, regulations and applying laws required to explain, evaluate and recommend determinations of eligibility to claimant request for services and benefits. The ability to request relevant medical or administrative evidence to make eligibility determinations. Experience analyzing medical evidence, benefit and/or legal evidence to identify and recognize required actions for claim development. Experience in explaining program benefit entitlements and requirements. OR One (1) full year of graduate-level education; related to the competencies required to perform in this position OR A bachelor degree with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) SAA is based on a GPA of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0; class standing in the upper third of graduating class; or election to membership in a national scholastic honor society. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. When substituting you can use graduate level education you have earned beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-07. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. Click here for more information. GS-09 Grade Level: In addition to the specialized experience required at the GS-07 level of this position applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience which required interpretation of legal and medical documentation to determine claimant’s eligibility for services and benefits programs. Determining the eligibility for Federal or State-administered benefits, such as: disability, education, housing, medical, and/or veterans’ benefits. Interpreting and applying Federal and State laws, including case law, existing statutes and procedures, and precedent rulings, to process claims pertaining to a service program. Gathering and requesting evidence to build service program case files, respond to claimant inquires, and identify errors, inconsistencies, or omissions. Explaining Federal or State claims decisions to claimants, special interest groups, dependents, and/or representatives in an effort to gain acceptance of the determination. OR A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. To be creditable, such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. When substituting you can use graduate level education you have earned beyond a Master’s or equivalent graduate degree. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-09. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. Click here for more information. GS-10 Grade Level: In addition to the specialized experience required at the GS-09 level of this position applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated competence in adjudicating veterans’ claims. Specialized experience is typically gained in positions that have involved the development, examination, investigation, adjudication, and authorization of claims for disability compensation, disability pension, death compensation, death pension benefits, life insurance benefits etc. Such experience is to be substantive and relevant and requires a high degree of independence and judgment in interpretation of more complex legal and medical documentation to determine claimant’s eligibility and supporting evidence for services and benefits. OR Two and a half years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. To be creditable, such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (see “Competencies” in the Requirements section) necessary to do the work. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. When substituting you can use graduate level education you have earned beyond a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate degree. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-09. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of doctorate level education (i.e. 50% of doctorate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position. Click here for more information. Volunteer Experience: 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion. The work is mostly sedentary; however, there may be some walking, standing, and carrying of light Items such as papers and books.
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Click here for more information about CTAP eligibility on OPMs website.