Claims Specialist

Position 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. Current civil service employees would be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the DHA, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. NOTE: 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. This includes 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 for 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 of the announcement. First Cut-Off Date: July 20, 2026. Final Cut-Off and Closing Date: August 15, 2026. The initial cut-off date will be used to begin applicant consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will only be considered if needed. If you are 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 1) review problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; 2) plan and organize work; and 3) communicate effectively orally and in writing. An example of qualifying experience includes reviewing, explaining, applying or interpreting rules, regulation or policies. GS‑7: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS‑5 level (or equivalent) that demonstrates the ability to (1) assist individuals in establishing their entitlement to receive benefits (e.g., retirement, disability, public aid, insurance, taxes, etc.); (2) adjudicate, authorize or reconsider claims; (3) explain benefit (e.g., retirement, disability, public aid, insurance, taxes, etc.) entitlements or requirements to the general public; (4) evaluate benefit (e.g., retirement, disability, public aid, insurance, taxes, etc.) program operations to assess the integrity and quality; or (5) interpret benefit (e.g., retirement, disability, public aid, insurance, taxes, etc.) program requirements to formulate policies, procedures or guidelines. GS‑9: Fifty‑two weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑7 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include assisting individuals in establishing their entitlement to receive benefits; adjudicating or investigating claims; or evaluating benefit programs to assess the integrity and quality of operations. Note: 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. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW PROCESS (CAIP) – Applicants will be required to participate in a panel interview to demonstrate an aptitude for meeting and dealing with the public. Applicants must pass this interview process to be fully qualified for this position and receive further consideration for selection. Panel interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software if technically feasible. Education SUBSTITUTING EDUCATION: If you are qualifying for this position based on completed education at an accredited U.S. college, university, or other educational institution, you must provide a copy of your transcripts or other proof of education prior to being appointed. NOTE: Education completed in a foreign institution must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs. 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. One year of study is defined as 30 earned semester hours or 45 earned quarter hours. GS‑7: One full year of graduate level education in any field. One year of full‑time graduate education is defined as 18 earned semester hours or 27 earned quarter hours. A combination of graduate level education and the specialized experience as described above OR a Bachelor's degree and superior academic achievement in any field can be applied as a substitution. Superior academic achievement is based on: Graduated in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision; OR Graduated with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher out of 4.0 based on 4 years of education; OR Graduated with a 3.5 GPA or higher based on the average of all the required courses completed in the major field; OR Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society that meets the minimum requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies (except for freshman honor societies). GS‑9: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. If you are selected for the position, you must provide your official college transcripts prior to being appointed. Additional Information This position is located in the Brooklyn Center MN Field Office at Suite 200, 2501 County RD 10, Minneapolis, MN 55430. This is a career‑ladder position offering the opportunity for annual promotion based on performance leading up to the GS‑11 grade level. This is a bargaining unit position represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1‑year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. #J-18808-Ljbffr Social Security Administration