This position is established at less than full performance level for recruitment and training purposes. It is targeted to position description (PD) number 02104A, Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR), GS-0996-12. It is designed to provide candidates with exposure to the various claims that a journeyman RVSR would process but with the opportunity for increased training, review, supervision, and guidance.
Summary
This position is established at less than full performance level for recruitment and training purposes. It is targeted to position description (PD) number 02104A, Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR), GS-0996-12. It is designed to provide candidates with exposure to the various claims that a journeyman RVSR would process but with the opportunity for increased training, review, supervision, and guidance.
This vacancy announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent Anchorage, AK VBA Regional Office employees and current/former VA employees who are CTAP eligible. For the purpose of this job announcement, Fiduciary Hub bargaining unit employees in the commuting area are considered facility employees.
The Rating Veterans Service Representative (RVSR) works as a member of the Veterans Service Center. The incumbent serves as a decision maker for claims involving rating decisions. The incumbent determines service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, entitlement to compensation, pension, vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits. Specifically, the RVSR will:
Analyze claims to determine if diseases and injuries were incurred in or aggravated by the military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, hospital treatment, prosthetic appliances, and related employment and compensation benefits.
Determine a need for examinations or re-examinations for observations of Veterans and their dependents and the character of such examinations.
Determine the permanent incapacity and/or the competency of Veterans and their dependents.
Apply VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule) and prepare rating decisions informing the Veterans Service Representative and/or claimant of the decision and reasons and basis for it.
As dictated by the circumstances of the claims case, may directly communicate and interact with Veterans and their representatives/advocates.
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The grade progression for this position is GS-09/10/11/12.
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Veterans Service Representative (Rating), 32104A, 22104A, 12104A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background/security investigation
Required to attend an 8 week training session, which may require travel.
RVSR Skill Certification required at the GS-12 level.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:09/22/2020.
TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: As a current Federal employees holding a GS grade, you must meet time-in-grade requirements.
For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07 level or held the GS-09 or higher grade.
For a GS-10 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09 level or held the GS-10 or higher grade.
For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-10 level or held the GS-11 or higher grade..
The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-09 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience which required interpretation of evidence (medical, benefit and/or legal documentation) to assist in preparation of legal cases, to determine eligibility of benefits/services or to assist in performing clinical research, clinical or physiological studies, evaluations, or medical treatment. Examples include:
Determining the eligibility for federal or state-administered benefits, such as: disability, education, housing, medical and/or veterans' benefits;
Applying federal and state laws to process claims pertaining to a service, disability or benefit program;
Gathering and requesting evidence to build service program case files, respond to claimant inquiries, and identify errors, inconsistencies or omissions;
Explaining decisions to claimants, customers, special interest groups, dependents and/or representatives in an effort to gain understanding of determinations;
Processing claims for eligibility for workers' compensation benefits to determine appropriateness and amount of worker's compensation claims;
Performing, ordering and/or evaluating diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition, report symptoms or changes in patients' condition, maintain accurate detailed reports/charts.
Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-9 grade level.
Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or
Two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related
Equivalent combinations of Specialized Experience and Graduate Education: Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-09 grade level: When substituting you can only use graduate level education you have earned. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned. Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. For example, an applicant who has 27 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester credit hours earned) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the GS-09 grade level.
GS-10 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. In addition to the experience required at the GS-9 level, applicants must also have experience that documents knowledge of a complex field of laws, regulations and Federal legislation pertaining to the full range of veterans benefits and a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of state, federal and local benefit programs in order to be able to explain them to individuals of all educational backgrounds. OR
Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-10 grade level.
2.5 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a Ph.D., LL.M. or equivalent doctoral degree. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. OR
Equivalent combinations of Specialized Experience and Graduate Education: To compute, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond two years by 9. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 to qualify.
GS-11 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must have (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-10). In addition, the applicant must document knowledge of analyzing claims, interpreting and applying benefit-related laws, regulations and procedures; reviewing and examining evidence and making determinations as to the entitlement and/or eligibility of claimants for benefits and services involving compensation and pensions. OR
Education Substitution: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required to qualify at the GS-11 grade level.
Education substitution of a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree; OR
Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M, if related. OR
Equivalent combinations of Specialized Experience and Graduate Education: To compute, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond two and a half years by 9. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 to qualify.
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.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion. The work is mostly sedentary.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.You will be rated on the appearance of your application package and the following competencies as described in your resume:
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE: Ability to interpret and apply disability rating guidelines, regulations and procedures to determine eligibility criteria, disability ratings and compensation and pension entitlements.
DECISION MAKING/REASONING: Makes sound, well-informed and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action even in uncertain situations in order to assist customers and meet organizational goals.
COMPUTER SKILLS: Knowledge of automated systems and applications.
SELF-MANAGEMENT: Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing claims and other assignments in a timely manner; works independently with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; sets well-defined and realistic goals that are in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Recognizes and uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information in brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
ORAL COMMUNICATION: Express information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; listens to others; asks questions and gains or shares information.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume detailing your specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/day/year), hours per week, and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
A copy of your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50.
To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Within Grade Increse, Appointment, etc.).
CTAP Eligibles: You must submit a Certification of Expected Separation, a Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or a Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and your most recent performance appraisal.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/22/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10903948.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Anchorage Regional Benefit Office
1201 North Muldoon Road
Anchorage, AK 99504
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume detailing your specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/day/year), hours per week, and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
A copy of your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50.
To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Within Grade Increse, Appointment, etc.).
CTAP Eligibles: You must submit a Certification of Expected Separation, a Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or a Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and your most recent performance appraisal.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Disability Letter (VA)
Other (1)
PCS Orders
Performance Appraisal
Proof of Marriage Status
Resume
Separation Notice (RIF)
SF-15
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/22/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10903948.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Anchorage Regional Benefit Office
1201 North Muldoon Road
Anchorage, AK 99504
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
