Pathways Recent Graduate Claims and Program Representative

Railroad Retirement Board; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Railroad Retirement Board is seeking a qualified individual for a Bureau Field Service role focused on helping clients access benefits under RRB programs. The incumbent will conduct personal telephone and in-person contacts, explain complex regulatory information, and guide applicants through the benefits process in a customer-focused manner.

Applicants should meet minimum education and experience requirements for GS-07 or GS-09 positions, with potential two-to-three week training in Chicago,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with GPA, class standing, or honor society criteria per the job posting.
• One full year of graduate education in a qualifying program.
• One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent involving interviewing for benefits or understanding regulations and procedures.
• Combination of education and experience as listed above.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Regulatory knowledge

Interviewing skills

Spanish language (desirable)

Education

Bachelor's degree (GPA/ honors options)

Graduate education (GS-09)

Education and experience combination

Job description

Position Overview

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.

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

Minimum Qualifications for GS‑09

• A. One year of specialized experience at the GS‑07 level 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.
• 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).
• 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.

Other Qualification Requirements

In addition to the above, you must have, within the previous 2 years, completed all educational requirements for a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying institution. Education requirements must be met by 8/31/2026.

Veterans who, due to a military service obligation, were precluded from applying to a Recent Graduates Program during any portion of the 2‑year eligibility period may have their eligibility period extended so that they receive the full 2 years of eligibility. The remaining 2‑year eligibility period will begin upon his or her release or discharge from active duty. The veteran's eligibility period may not extend beyond 6 years from the date of completion of all requirements of an academic course of study.

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. All qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, will receive credit.

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.