Claims and Program Representative

U.S.-Railroad-Retirement-Boar; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Railroad Retirement Board is seeking candidates for a field-service role to deliver a full range of client services concerning benefits under the Board’s programs. This bargaining unit position is represented by AFGE Locals in the Board.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree with specified academic criteria, one year of graduate-level education, or equivalent experience; a federally related combination of education and experience; and Spanish language ability is desirable but

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with GPA criteria or class standing or honors society.
• One full year of graduate level education in any field.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 that shows ability to explain regulatory information and conduct interviews, or related work with knowledge of laws and procedures.
• A combination of education and experience as listed above.
• Ability to read and fluently speak Spanish is desirable, but not used in ranking candidates.

Responsibilities

• Provide a full range of client services regarding benefits under the programs administered by the Board.
• Explain complex regulatory information and guide applicants through the claims-taking process.
• Engage with applicants via personal telephone contacts and interviews to obtain or provide relevant information.

Skills

Spanish (desirable)

Education

Bachelor's degree with GPA/academic standing requirements

Graduate education (1 year)

GS-07/09 education/experience combination

Graduate degree in specified fields (for GS-09)

Job description

This position is located in the Railroad Retirement Board's Field Service. The incumbent will be responsible for providing a full-range of client services regarding benefits available under the various programs administered by the RRB.

This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by the Council of AFGE Locals in the Board.

Cut‑Off Dates

First Cut‑Off Date: August 5, 2026

Closing Date: August 26, 2026

Initial cut‑off date will be used to begin applicant consideration. Applications received after the cut‑off date will only be considered if needed.

Minimum Qualifications for GS‑07

• Superior Academic Achievement: Completion of a 4‑year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree in a field of study that demonstrates the competencies required by this position with either (1) a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale; (2) a 3.5 GPA based on a 4.0 scale for all required courses completed in a qualifying major field of study at either the time of application or during the last two years of your undergraduate curriculum; (3) class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or a major subdivision of the college; or (4) membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, excluding freshman honor societies. If applying under this provision, copies of transcripts (from each school attended) for undergraduate courses must be submitted with your application and originals must be provided prior to entering on duty.
• One full year of graduate level education in an accredited or pre‑accredited college or university in any field.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑05 grade level in the Federal service that has (a) provided skill in conducting personal telephone contacts with a wide range of individuals which demonstrated (1) the ability to explain complex technical or regulatory information, (2) the ability to conduct interviews in a way that establishes good relations while obtaining or providing relevant information, and (3) the ability to recognize and overcome attitudes or emotions that hinder effective communications, or (b) technical, investigative, professional, or quasi‑legal work providing a good working knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures governing appropriate programs.
• A combination of education and experience as listed above.

Minimum Qualifications for GS‑09

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑07 level in the Federal service that includes interviewing applicants for benefits and guiding them through the claims‑taking process, including reviewing evidence, determining eligibility, and/or adjudication for federal, state, or local administered benefits, such as disability, unemployment, sickness, survivor, retirement, Medicare, education, housing, medical and/or veterans benefits.
• Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. This coursework must be in a discipline related to this position in one of the following: General Psychology (MGP), Sociology (MAS), Social Science (MSS), Education (Med), Social Work (MSW), Communications (MAC or MSC), English (MAE), and Leadership (MSL).
• A combination of education and experience as listed above.

Ability to read and fluently speak Spanish is desirable, but this information will not be used in ranking candidates.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. 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.

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

The position(s) will be filled at the GS‑07 and GS‑09 levels only. The selected candidate(s) may attend a two‑to‑three‑week formal training program in Chicago, Illinois.