This position is in the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Capital Access(OCA), located in the Customer Service Center (CSC). The employee serves as a Disaster Recovery Specialist and is responsible for handling inquiries and communicating information regarding OCA's Disaster Loan Program to both internal and external customers.
(THERE WILL BE BI-WEEKLY CUTOFFS FOR THIS POSITION AS NECESSARY UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE OR ONCE THE DESIRED NUMBERS OF HIRES IS REACHED.)
Summary
This position is in the Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Capital Access(OCA), located in the Customer Service Center (CSC). The employee serves as a Disaster Recovery Specialist and is responsible for handling inquiries and communicating information regarding OCA's Disaster Loan Program to both internal and external customers.
(THERE WILL BE BI-WEEKLY CUTOFFS FOR THIS POSITION AS NECESSARY UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE OR ONCE THE DESIRED NUMBERS OF HIRES IS REACHED.)
As a Disaster Recovery Specialist (Bilingual) at the GS-1101- 9 or 11, some of your typical work assignments may include:
Responding to a variety of customer inquiries, ranging from routine to complex, and providing detailed information to the public regarding federally declared disaster and SBA's disaster loan program.
Preparing written responses to email inquiries received through SBA's disaster customer service mailbox.
Assisting lower graded or new employees with responding to customer service inquiries received by telephone or email.
Assisting borrowers with completion of their loan closing documents and answering questions regarding the loan closing and disbursement process.
Accepting borrower payments using online payment processing tools.
Using a variety of computer systems to research customer inquiries, record call activity and prepare appropriate forms and letters.
Hours of work vary to support Customer Service Center hours of operation, which is generally open from 8:00am until 9:00pm EST, with potentially later hours during substantial disaster activity. Therefore, employees may be assigned shift work and shifts may change with little or no advanced notice.
By applying for this position with SBA's Office of Capital Access, you can enjoy challenging but satisfying work and join a highly motivated and diverse team that helps families and businesses rebuild their lives after a disaster.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Government travel credit card.
Favorable background investigation and credit check are required.
Credit score below 500 may negatively impact consideration in the hiring process
Mandatory Overtime: In order to respond quickly and efficiently to disaster survivors, substantial compensated overtime hours may be required while on assignment (up to seven days a week and ten to fourteen hours a day).
This is NOT a bargaining unit position.
Qualifications
APPLICANT MUST BE FLUENT IN SPANISH
Generally, time in Non-Pay status is not creditable towards the specialized experience requirement listed below. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
You may qualify based on experience, education or a combination of both.
Experience: To receive credit, you must indicate the month and year as well as the average hours worked per week for ALL periods of employment or that experience will not be credited towards meeting the specialized experience requirement.
GS-09: To qualify you must have at least 1 full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-07 level in the Federal service that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skill, and ability to perform successfully in this position. This experience may have been gained in a Non-Federal service position. In addition, this Specialized Experience must demonstrate the following:
Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with various internal and/or external customers to accomplish program objectives and goals; AND
Researching and responding to customer inquiries using analytical abilities and problem solving skills.
GS-11: To qualify you must have at least 1 full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the GS-09 level in the Federal service that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skill, and ability to perform successfully in this position. This experience may have been gained in a Non-Federal service position. In addition, this Specialized Experience must demonstrate the following:
Communicating effectively both orally and in writing with various internal and/or external customers to accomplish program objectives and goals;
Researching and responding to customer inquiries using analytical abilities and problem-solving skills; and
Explaining loan requirements and credit/lending concepts to a diverse audience; and
Working with financial documents such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, tax returns, financial statements, and schedules of liabilities.
IN ADDITION TO THE SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE STATED ABOVE FOR EACH GRADE LEVEL, APPLICANTS MUST SHOW PROFICIENCY WITH MICROSOFT OFFICE PROGRAMS, INCLUDING WORD. (YOU MUST INDICATE PROFICIENCY WITH MICROSOFT OFFICE WORD IN YOUR RESUME IN ORDER TO RECEIVE CONSIDERATION FOR THIS VACANCY.)
Education
If qualifying based on education, you must submit transcripts by the closing date of this announcement or you will not be found eligible.
GS-09: Must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree in a related field or 2 full years of related progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
GS-11: Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree, in a related field, from an accredited college or university or three full years (54 semester hours or equivalent) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field.
OR
A combination of experience and education as indicated above.
If selected for this position, you will be eligible for benefits. The above link is provided for your reference to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees. Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics)
Attention to Detail
Computer Skills
Customer Service
Federal Funds Processing
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Oral Communication
Reading
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Technical Competence
Written Communication
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
For this vacancy, the Office of Disaster Personnel will use a Category Rating system to refer qualified applicants for consideration. This is a three-step process. First, your resume is evaluated to determine if you meet the Qualifications, including the Specialized Experience described above, for the grade level(s) that you are applying for. Secondly, if you meet the minimum qualifications requirements, your responses to the questionnaire, including narrative responses, if applicable, will be compared to your resume. If your resume does not support the answers you gave on the questionnaire, you may be rated "Ineligible," or you may be placed in a lower category. Third, your name will be placed in one of the three following categories:
Best-Qualified - highly proficient with an overall comprehensive level of knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position.
Well-Qualified - competent in the position with an overall accomplished level of knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position.
Qualified - an overall basic level of knowledge, skills and abilities related to this position.
Application of Veterans' Preference: The Category Rating process protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-veterans within each quality category. All the veterans must be selected before any non-veterans within each category.
For this position, disabled veterans who meet minimum qualifications for this position and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% (CPS & CP) are placed at the top of the Best-Qualified category regardless of which category they would otherwise be assigned to.
Preference eligibles who do not have a service-connected disability of 10% or more (XP or TP) are placed at the top of their quality category.
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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Completed Questionnaire
College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education.
Unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required if selected.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 or other DD-214 copy showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Your latest resume submitted for this position will be used to determine qualification determinations and supersedes previous submissions.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
1. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):
If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (which must show at least a "fully successful" rating or equivalent), and proof of eligibility, i.e., a RIF separation notice or Certification of Expected Separation, and SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. In addition to meeting all qualification requirements and selective placement factors (if applicable), CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet the Well-Qualified criteria with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above for the position in order to be given priority consideration. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is also on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at: CTAP/ICTAP.http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. 2. If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. 3. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/30/2023 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Customer Service Center - CSC
130 South Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume showing hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Completed Questionnaire
College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education.
Unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application process; however, official transcripts will be required if selected.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 or other DD-214 copy showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g. Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
Your latest resume submitted for this position will be used to determine qualification determinations and supersedes previous submissions.
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION:
1. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP):
If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (which must show at least a "fully successful" rating or equivalent), and proof of eligibility, i.e., a RIF separation notice or Certification of Expected Separation, and SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location. In addition to meeting all qualification requirements and selective placement factors (if applicable), CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must meet the Well-Qualified criteria with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above for the position in order to be given priority consideration. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is also on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at: CTAP/ICTAP.http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp. 2. If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. 3. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/30/2023 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application.
Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Customer Service Center - CSC
130 South Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
