Once selected for the Customer Service Representative position in SSA, you will contribute to the Agency's mission through direct service to the public. As the first point of contact, you are responsible for assisting beneficiaries or inquirers in person, by telephone or in writing to provide information on SSA laws, rules and regulations and Medicare Insurance Programs. This includes obtaining information in order to determine eligibility and entitlement for programs administered by SSA, and using automation tools to access and update information about claims or potential eligibility.
Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) provide assistance to beneficiaries and the general public in person, by telephone, or in writing. CSRs conduct interviews to determine the nature of the caller's question or issue; explain technical information, gather facts, evaluate evidence, and take action to resolve problems relating to all Social Security programs.
Must have a qualifying degree or certificate at the time of appointment.
Background and/or security investigation required
Job offers are contingent on background / security investigation results
Selectees are required to serve a trial period
Relocation expenses will not be paid
Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
Qualifications
To qualify for appointment to the Recent Graduates Program, applicants must have completed all requirements of an academic course of study leading to an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or qualifying certificate program from an accredited educational institution within the 2 years preceding the closing date of this announcement. Applicants do not need to have a conferred degree or certificate at the time of application. However, applicants scheduled to graduate or receive a degree or certificate after the closing date of the announcement must be able to provide an official copy of transcripts with the date the degree or certificate was conferred at the time of appointment.
Preference-eligible veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period are entitled to a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may the eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date on which the preference eligible veteran completed the requirements of an academic course of study, when a qualifying degree or certificate was conferred.
FOR RECENT GRADUATE ELIGIBILITY: The transcript(s) or official letter from the registrar's office MUST include either the date your degree or certificate was conferred OR the anticipated date the degree or certificate is scheduled to be conferred. Applications will not be considered without this documentation. NOTE: Copies of degrees, certificates, and diplomas are not considered acceptable documents to determine Recent Graduate Program eligibility.
Proof of education must be submitted with your application package and received by the closing date of the announcement. Candidates must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position being filled, including any positive education requirements and/or selective placement factors.
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: 52 weeks of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal Service performing the following tasks: (1) Applying laws, regulations policies or procedures to provide assistance preparing forms or documents; (2) Answering questions from members of the public or their representatives to obtain or provide information; (3) Using a computer to reconcile discrepancies or entering data; and (4) responding to written inquiries and drafting a variety of other written products.
GS-6: 52 weeks of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal Service performing the following tasks: (1) researching and analyzing various regulatory sources in order to apply legal requirements; (2) explaining rights, benefits, privileges, or obligations under a body of law to large volumes of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds; (3) using a computer to reconcile discrepancies and enter data in databases; and (4)responding to technical inquiries concerning program requirements, supporting documentation, payment issues, etc.
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.
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.
NOTE: Previous Meet and Deal results are not valid for this vacancy announcement; you will be required to complete the CAIP assessment.
BILINGUAL CERTIFICATION INTERVIEW: Applicants must have the ability to fluently speak and understand both English and Spanish. Applicants will be required to pass an interview designed to assess possession of this ability.
Education
SUBSTITUTING EDUCATION: If you are qualifying for this position based on completed education at an accredited U.S. college, university, or other educational institution, you must provide a copy of your transcripts or other proof of education prior to being appointed. NOTE: Education completed in a foreign institution must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs. It is the applicant's responsibility to acquire U.S. Certification and provide it at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study above high school (e.g., 120 earned semester hours, 180 earned quarter hours, bachelor's degree, etc.).
GS-6: Substitution of education is not applicable at these grade levels.
COMBINING EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Experience and education as described above may be combined to meet the minimum qualification requirements.
GS-5: Education course work equivalent to a baccalaureate program beyond the second year (e.g., in excess of the first 60 earned semester or 90 earned quarter hours) is creditable toward meeting the minimum qualification requirements.
Note: Experience and education will be computed as percentages of the overall requirements and must equal to 100 percent when combined.
Additional information
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
The SSA Recent Graduates Program (Program) provides Recent Graduates with entry-level developmental experience and is designed to lead to a career in the Federal government. Program participant(s) are placed in excepted service appointments, not-to-exceed 2 years.
Note: This position is being filled on a full-time basis. This is a 2-year developmental program. After successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment.
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.
Applicants will be evaluated for basic eligibility only. The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation may be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the qualification requirements for this position. Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.
Qualified applicants will be placed in categories according to veterans' preference status:
10-point preference eligible veterans with a compensable service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more;
Other 10-point preference eligible veterans
5-point preference eligible veterans
Veterans eligible for Sole Survivorship Preference
All other applicants
Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11145202
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.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Recent Graduate Program and claim certain types of preference.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: If you are qualifying on the basis of education or satisfying an educational requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 4 copy) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VETERANS: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veterans' preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. The updated CFR language is available here. Other qualifying eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.
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 provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
Transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable for application submission) or official letter from the registrar's office MUST include the date your degree or certificate was conferred OR the anticipated date the degree or certificate is scheduled to be conferred.
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (ET) on 06/25/2021.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Joseph Rivera at Joseph.Rivera@ssa.gov or 866-331-4359 X12887.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Region IX Northern Area
501 I STREET
SUITE 12-300
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
US
Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive at least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Recent Graduate Program and claim certain types of preference.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: If you are qualifying on the basis of education or satisfying an educational requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 4 copy) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VETERANS: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veterans' preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. The updated CFR language is available here. Other qualifying eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.
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 provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
Transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable for application submission) or official letter from the registrar's office MUST include the date your degree or certificate was conferred OR the anticipated date the degree or certificate is scheduled to be conferred.
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (ET) on 06/25/2021.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Joseph Rivera at Joseph.Rivera@ssa.gov or 866-331-4359 X12887.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Region IX Northern Area
501 I STREET
SUITE 12-300
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
US
Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive at least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
