Veterans Service Representative

Position Overview This position is located in the Veterans Benefits Administration. The Veterans Service Representative works in a Veterans Service Center, Pension Management Center, Benefits Eligibility Support Team, or Integrated Disability Evaluation System Program Division. The position explains benefit programs and entitlement criteria, reviews claims, identifies issues, gathers evidence, conducts interviews, adjudicates claims, inputs award data, and prepares decision letters for Veterans. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS‑0996‑07 Eligibility You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑05 level or higher in the federal, state, and/or private setting. Specialized experience is defined as the interpretation or application of laws, regulations, or procedures to analyze evidence to make determinations and research routine issues to resolve discrepancies. Using various computer systems for data entry and maintaining/monitoring case files. Applies use of federal laws when processing compensation and benefit claims for a state or federal agency, insurance company, worker's compensation, disability, retirement or pension programs. Determines basic employment qualifications and eligibility for benefit programs. Education Substitution Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education you must have: One full year of graduate level education. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. A Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (3.0 GPA or higher). Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) is based on: 1.) class standing, 2.) grade point average or 3.) honor society membership. Combining Education & Experience If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. GS‑0996‑09 Eligibility You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 level or higher in the federal, state, and/or private setting. Specialized experience is defined as experience which requires the interpretation of legal and medical documentation to determine the 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 inquiries 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. Education Substitution Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education you must have: A master's or equivalent graduate degree in an accredited or pre‑accredited college or university. 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or possession of an LL.B. or J.D. degree, if related. Graduate‑level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. Combining Education & Experience If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. GS‑0996‑10 Eligibility You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑09 level or higher in the federal, state, and/or private setting. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrating competence in adjudicating Veterans' claims. Specialized experience is typically gained in positions that involve 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 the interpretation of more complex legal and medical documentation to determine claimant's eligibility and supporting evidence for services and benefits. Education Substitution Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education you must have: Two and a half years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree. Graduate‑level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. Combining Education & Experience If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. 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 versus 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. Additional Information For more information on these qualification standards, visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at #J-18808-Ljbffr Veterans Benefits Administration