The Staff Appraiser position is located with the Veterans Benefit Administration, Loan Guaranty, Construction and Valuation Value Stream, Phoenix, AZ. The Staff Appraiser is responsible for oversight of an assigned multi-state jurisdiction and will perform a full range of construction and valuation matters affecting the VA Loan Guaranty Program.
Summary
The Staff Appraiser position is located with the Veterans Benefit Administration, Loan Guaranty, Construction and Valuation Value Stream, Phoenix, AZ. The Staff Appraiser is responsible for oversight of an assigned multi-state jurisdiction and will perform a full range of construction and valuation matters affecting the VA Loan Guaranty Program.
This vacancy announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent Veteran Benefits Administration 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.
Analyze and review completed appraisals reports of real property, both existing and newly built properties, to ensure compliance with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and/or Department of Veterans Affairs appraisal procedures.
Demonstrate thoroughness and proficiency in conducting oversight of completed construction and valuation related work completed done by lending institution staff and external appraisers. Interprets and applies VA regulations, laws and procedures specific to issues related to construction and valuation of residential properties and appraisal reviews.
Assist Veterans, service members, and family members via inbound and outbound phone calls, or written correspondence to address construction and valuation related questions.
Discuss issues with lending institution staff and real estate appraisers via inbound and outbound phone calls or email and provide solutions to their inquiries.
Research comparable real estate sales information to determine market conditions and validity of value determinations.
Manage multiple assignments to ensure proper and timely oversight of the construction and valuation aspects of the VA Home Loan program.
Analyze completed appraisal reports and utilizing standard appraisal review techniques to determine the accuracy of the property value estimation.
Review condominium projects throughout assigned multi-state area for compliance with VA regulations and requirements.
Monitor the assignment of appraisal reviews to external appraisers and ensure completion of appraisals to prevent delay of loan closing or a foreclosure sale.
Assess application packages and provide recommendations to management on potential qualified appraisers for the VA fee panel.
Work with VA National Practice Group on legal issues such as community water systems, private roads, condominiums, leaseholds estates, easements and encroachments.
Responsible for a full range of construction and valuation matters affecting the VA Loan Guaranty Program, including the processing of construction complaints, reconsideration of valuate requests, and VA fee panel recruitment.
Makes sound decisions based on appraisal and construction knowledge and analytical results. Able to calculate basic math and compile data. Resolves complex interrelated problems and issues with minimal supervisory assistance.
Serves as primary point of contact for Veterans, lenders, servicers, appraisers, local agencies and agency leadership related to valuation matters associate with Loan Guaranty. Maintains effective working relationships with both internal and external customers.
Receives and provides constructive criticism if work products submitted are missing required documentation.
Orally counsels program participants and Veterans on a variety of subjects. Explains and defends decisions to individuals who may be hostile, upset or unreceptive.
Produces well-written information which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience. Uses correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling.
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-11
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Appraiser; 39158A & 39157A 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
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:06/27/2022.
TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7 level.
For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-?????9 level.
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 (e.g. Promotion, WGI, Appointment, etc.) in order to verify time-in-grade requirements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-9 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: Applicants must demonstrate experience analyzing and/or reviewing residential real estate appraisals completed for mortgage loans. Experience may also be gained through experience in real estate sales and/or experience in the residential mortgage lending industry.
Education Substitution: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. if related
GS-11 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: In addition to the requirements at the GS-9 level, applicant must demonstrate experience with VA policies and regulations regarding the Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP), VA minimum property requirements and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) guidelines
Education Substitution: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M.
Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. Volunteer Experience: 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. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: NA
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
Additional information
COVID-19 PandemicExpanded TeleworkProgram
Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.
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.
Knowledge of real estate principles, practices, markets and values. (Describes experience(s) applying knowledge of real estate principals, practices, markets, and / or values.)
Makes well-informed, effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited, or solutions produce unpleasant consequences; perceives the impact and implications of decisions. (Describes experience(s) applying knowledge and sound judgment when making decisions regarding real estate principles, practices, markets or values.)
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations. (Describes experience(s) working effectively with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds associated with real estate principles, practices, markets or values.)
Writes in a clear, concise, organized and convincing manner for the intended audience. (Describes experience(s) writing letters, reports, presentations, etc. on subjects pertaining to real estate principles, practices, markets or values.)
Understands and interprets written material, including technical material, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs or tables; applies what is learned from written material to specific situations. (Describes experience(s) interpreting and applying various data elements pertaining to real estate principles, practices, markets or values in a variety of situations.)
Narrative responses are not required at this time. 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 an interview.
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 to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.
Resume detailing 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/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you should also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including documentation supporting Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
Your SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.) in order to verify time-in-grade requirements.
Transcript if you are using education to qualify
Additional Documents accepted:
Most recent Performance Appraisal (VA Form 0750)
Award SF-50s
Documentation to be considered under non-competitive eligibility (if applicable) such as a member-4 DD-214, civil service preference letter, or Schedule A letter. [if offering applicants to bypass TIG]
CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included all documents required for your application. You will not be contacted for additional information.
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.
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 06/27/2022 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11523502.
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.
Phoenix Regional Benefit Office
3333 North Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
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 to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.
Resume detailing 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/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you should also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including documentation supporting Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
Your SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.) in order to verify time-in-grade requirements.
Transcript if you are using education to qualify
Additional Documents accepted:
Most recent Performance Appraisal (VA Form 0750)
Award SF-50s
Documentation to be considered under non-competitive eligibility (if applicable) such as a member-4 DD-214, civil service preference letter, or Schedule A letter. [if offering applicants to bypass TIG]
CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included all documents required for your application. You will not be contacted for additional information.
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.
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 06/27/2022 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11523502.
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.
Phoenix Regional Benefit Office
3333 North Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
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.
