Field Office - Claims Specialist

Summary Positions under this announcement are being filled using a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (SSA-001), open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. Telework may be available in accordance with agency policy. This is not a virtual position. Duties Once selected for the Claims Specialist position in SSA, you will contribute to the Agency's mission through direct and personal service to the public. Duties include speaking with beneficiaries about their rights under the Social Security laws, gathering facts and evidence to establish eligibility for benefits, making critical decisions to determine the amount of benefits paid to individuals, and using state‑of‑the‑art computer technology to access and update information about claims. Claims Specialists conduct interviews with the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance benefits, and eligibility for supplemental security income including state supplements. In addition, they resolve discrepancies, clarify issues, and make final decisions for initial and post‑entitlement benefits and payments; adjudicate and authorize entitlement or disallowance actions at all levels of difficulty and complexity under programs administered by SSA. Qualifications Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date. Cut‑off dates: First Cut‑Off Date: June 1, 2026 Final Cut‑Off and Closing Date: June 24, 2026 If using experience to qualify, you must have: GS‑5: Three years of general experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service that demonstrates the ability to: review problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; plan and organize work; communicate effectively orally and in writing. GS‑7: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS‑5 level (or equivalent) that demonstrates the ability to: assist individuals in establishing their entitlement to receive benefits; adjudicate, authorize or reconsider claims; explain benefit entitlements or requirements to the general public; evaluate benefit program operations to assess the integrity and quality; interpret benefit program requirements to formulate policies, procedures, or guidelines. GS‑9: Fifty‑two weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑7 grade level. Part‑time work is prorated in crediting experience (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12‑month period, you will be credited with 6 months of experience). The unique Selective Placement Factor Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP) is required; applicants must pass this panel interview to be found fully qualified. The interview will cover typical situations encountered on the job, in person or over the telephone. Education Substituting education is allowed where applicable. Requirements: GS‑5: Completion of a full 4‑year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor’s degree or a combination of post‑high‑school education and the general experience described above. GS‑7: One full year of graduate level education in any field or a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. GS‑9: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Experience and education may be combined to meet the minimum qualification requirements as percentages of the overall requirements must equal 100 % when combined. Additional Information This position is located in the Safford, AZ Field Office at 650 S. 14th Ave., Safford, AZ. It is a career‑ladder position offering the opportunity for annual promotion based on performance up to the GS‑11 grade level. This is a bargaining unit position represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System, or be exempt. A 1‑year probationary period may be required for evaluation of fitness and suitability. Location: Safford, AZ. #J-18808-Ljbffr