Claims and Program Representative

Railroad Retirement Board; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training in Chicago

Job summary

Railroad Retirement Board in Des Moines, IA, is seeking a qualified candidate to provide a full range of client services related to benefits under RRB programs. The role supports diverse claim processes and requires strong communication skills to explain complex regulations.

Positions are filled at GS-07 or GS-09 levels. A formal 2–3 week training program in Chicago may be required to onboard new staff, with cut-off dates in August for applications and closing on the 26th of August 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with AAC/academic honors criteria or upper third of class.
• One year of graduate level education in any field related to the position.
• Specialized experience or combination of education and experience as described.

Responsibilities

• Provide a full range of client services regarding benefits under RRB programs.
• Conduct personal telephone contacts with a wide range of individuals and explain regulatory information.
• Review evidence, determine eligibility, and guide applicants through the claims process for various benefits.
• Attend a formal training program in Chicago, IL as part of onboarding.

Skills

Interviewing

Explain complex information

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree with Superior Academic Achievement

One year of graduate level education

Master’s degree or two years of graduate coursework

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 job announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies. 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

A. 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.

B. One full year of graduate level education in an accredited or pre‑accredited college or university in any field; OR

C. 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.; OR

D. A combination of education and experience as listed above.

Minimum Qualifications for GS‑09

A. 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.; OR

B. 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); OR

C. 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 (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, 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.

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

THE POSITION(S) WILL BE FILLED AT THE GRADE GS‑07 and GS‑09 LEVELS ONLY. THE SELECTED CANDIDATE(S) MAY ATTEND A TWO‑TO‑THREE‑WEEK FORMAL TRAINING PROGRAM IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.

Do not copy and paste the duties or specialized experience from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.