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, and 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. Telework may be available in accordance with agency policy, but this is not a virtual position. Duties As a Claims Specialist, you will contribute to the Agency’s mission through direct and personal service to the public. Key responsibilities include: Speaking with beneficiaries about their rights under Social Security laws Gathering facts and evidence to establish eligibility for benefits Making critical decisions to determine the amount of benefits paid to individuals Using advanced computer technology to access and update claims information Conducting interviews to obtain, clarify, and verify eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance, and supplemental security income Resolving discrepancies, clarifying issues, and making final decisions for initial and post‑entitlement benefits Adjudicating and authorizing entitlement or disallowance actions at all levels of difficulty and complexity under SSA programs Qualifications All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement (June 2, 2026). Cut‑off dates for application submissions are May 18, 2026 and June 2, 2026. GS‑5: Three years of general experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service demonstrating: Identifying significant factors and gathering pertinent data Planning and organizing work Communicating effectively orally and in writing GS‑7: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS‑5 level demonstrating: Assisting individuals in establishing entitlement to benefits Adjudicating, authorizing, or reconsidering claims Explaining benefit entitlements or requirements to the public Evaluating benefit program operations to assess integrity and quality Interpreting benefit program requirements to formulate policies, procedures, or guidelines GS‑9: Fifty‑two weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑7 grade level, such as: Assisting individuals in establishing entitlement to benefits Investigating claims Evaluating benefit programs for integrity and quality of operations Part‑time work is prorated for crediting experience (e.g., 20 hours per week for 12 months equals 6 months of experience). Applicants must pass a panel interview (CAIP) that assesses face‑to‑face communication, listening, and ability to convey complex information. Failure to pass the CAIP disqualifies the candidate. Education GS‑5: Completion of a full 4‑year undergraduate degree in any field 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 education and specialized experience; or a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement (upper third of class, GPA 3.0 or higher, 3.5 GPA in major, or membership in a national honor society). GS‑9: Master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree. Foreign‑institution education must be deemed equivalent to U.S. accredited programs; U.S. certification is required and must be provided at the time of application. Additional Information Positions are located in Field Offices nationwide. This career‑ladder position offers the opportunity for annual promotion up to GS‑11 based on performance. The position is a bargaining‑unit role represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Locality pay will be applied in accordance with agency policy. Applicants may be required to serve a one‑year probationary period. Selective Service registration is required for male applicants born after December 31, 1959, unless exempt. For an overview of SSA benefits, please visit the agency benefits page. EEO Statement This position is open to all qualified applicants and is not a virtual position. Telework may be available in accordance with agency policy. The posting is not for a stand‑alone terr contain any unqualified manipulation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Social Security Administration