Field Office - Claims Specialist

US Social Security Administration; Plainview (TX); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

US Social Security Administration is conducting a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) recruitment for positions open to all U.S. citizens. Telework may be available per agency policy, but this is not a virtual position.

Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. For GS-5, 3 years general experience; GS-7, 1 year specialized at GS-5; GS-9, 52 weeks of specialized experience at GS-7. Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience.

Qualifications

• GS-5 requires three years of general experience demonstrating problem review, data gathering and communication, or equivalent; ability to plan and organize work.
• GS-7 requires one year of specialized experience at GS-5 level in entitlement assistance, adjudication or policy explanation to the public.
• GS-9 requires 52 weeks of specialized experience at GS-7 level including entitlement assistance, adjudication or evaluation of program operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in establishing entitlement to receive benefits (retirement, disability, public aid, insurance, taxes).
• Explain benefits entitlements or requirements to the general public.
• Evaluate benefit program operations to assess integrity and quality.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Job description

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.

Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

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 include 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) INTERVIEW - Applicants will be required to participate in a panel interview (after basic eligibility determination) to demonstrate an aptitude for meeting and dealing with the public. Applicants must pass this interview process in order to be found fully qualified for this position and receive further consideration for selection. This interview will cover typical situations, which might be encountered on the job, in person or over the telephone. Applicants must demonstrate qualities such as clarity of speech, ability to listen, ability to establish confidence and put others at ease and the ability to organize and express thoughts clearly. If you do not pass the CAIP interview, you will not qualify for the job. Panel interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.