WARTAC is a SkillBridge education and potential employment opportunity for Wounded Warriors and transitioning Service members to complete a national-level VBA training program while still on active duty. Successful completion of this training program leads to an opportunity for Service members to be interviewed and potentially hired at one of VBA's 55 Regional Offices around the country.
Summary
WARTAC is a SkillBridge education and potential employment opportunity for Wounded Warriors and transitioning Service members to complete a national-level VBA training program while still on active duty. Successful completion of this training program leads to an opportunity for Service members to be interviewed and potentially hired at one of VBA's 55 Regional Offices around the country.
Yes—As determined by the agency policy. For any Distance Learning (Please be advised if you reside in the local commuting area for the listed locations, you will be required to report in-person to attend the training).
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position on rare occasion.
Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA) This vacancy is being used to fill Rating Veterans Service Representative positions using the WARTAC hire initiative at VBA. Transitioning Active-Duty personnel only.
As a Rating Veterans Service Representative you will rate veterans benefits claims and provide comprehensive services to America's veterans and their families. The incumbent may be promoted to the full performance level (GS-12) without further competition after meeting time-in-grade and specialized experience requirements. Upon attaining the GS-12 grade level, the incumbent will be required to take the Rating VSR Skills Certification test.
The Rating Veterans Service Representative analyzes claims, applies VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities (Rating Schedule), and prepares rating decisions informing the VSR and/or claimant of the decision, the bases, and reason for it. The Rating VSR routinely collaborates with other members of his/her work team, including Veterans Service Representatives and the Decision Review Officers, and will also be available to discuss claims with Veterans Service Organization representatives. The Rating VSR may directly interact with the veteran and his/her representative or advocate when it expedient and assures world-class customer service.
Analyzes claims to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, treatment or hospitalization.
Determines Service-Connection percentages of disabilities permanent and total disability and entitlement to compensation, pension and vocational training.
Assures proper application of the Rating Schedule and other applicable instructions, and is fully accountable for proper analysis, appropriate development, and final rating determinations.
Provides consultative advice and assistance to VSRs.
Participates in meetings and training sessions and is expected to lend his/her expertise in developing Veterans Service Representatives' skills as they relate to evidence gathering for rating decisions.
Acts as an advocate for veterans and their beneficiaries in their dealings with other VA elements and organizations that affect their claims.
Position Description Title/PD#: Veterans Service Representative PD32104A 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-12
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday (actual times to be determined). Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Authorized Telework schedules: Maybe authorized Virtual work schedules: Not authorized FLSA: Non-Exempt BU Status: BU Recruitment Incentives: NOT authorized Relocation Expenses: NOT authorized Financial Disclosure Report: NOT required Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses: will not be paid PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years' vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA. Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement). Competitive Federal benefits:
Job security- Stability
Career advancement and priority in hiring as a federal employee.
Must have a 90-120 separation date from Military service.
This position is non-drug testing designated under the Drug Free workplace pursuant to Executive Order 12564; Reasonable suspicion testing is authorized in non-drug testing designated positions.
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
Resume/CV required Resume: Your resume should include the following information for each job that you list: Job title; Complete Workplace Addresses; Duties (be as detailed as possible); Month and year start/end dates (e.g., June 2007 to April 2008); Full-time, part-time status (include hours worked per week).
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
Must have attended WARTAC mandatory briefing.
Time in grade is not required for this excepted hiring authority.
The next brief will be conducted on November 15th. Webinar series name: WARTAC - Q2 Mandatory Briefs Webinar series registration link: WARTAC FY24 Mandatory Brief
Final placement offer for placement after training will not be set until applicants are fully separated or on terminal leave. DA-Form-31 will be reviewed.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement: 11/17/2023.
The Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) is a pilot program sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), to train wounded warriors and transitioning Servicemembers to process VA disability claims. This 14-week training program provides participants with an opportunity to learn the skill set of a VA Veteran Service Representative (VSR) or Rating Veteran Service Representative (RVSR). The ultimate goal is to hire participants as a VSR or RVSR at VBA Regional Offices. Consequently, participants must meet performance standards, which include production and quality elements.
WARTAC is open to Wounded Warriors and active duty Servicemembers in the transition process (within 90 to 120 days of discharge). In accordance with the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, transitioning Servicemembers must:
Meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the job opportunity;
Submit certification on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and the character of service; and
Separate from the armed forces within 120 days after the date of the certification submission.
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to analyze evidence (medical, benefit and/or legal documents), interpret and apply laws, regulations, and official guidance sufficient to evaluate the adequacy of collected information to determine claimant eligibility for benefits and services.
Examples of specialized experience include, but not limited to:
Interpreting and applying laws, regulations and policies in the management and processing of medical and benefit service claims.
Reviewing and analyzing medical and legal evidence to make determinations as to the entitlement and/or eligibility for benefits and services.
Developing case file records and reports to support claim decisions.
OR
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
OR
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.
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.
Federal experience is not required. The experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector, or Volunteer Service.
One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The position involves work that is mainly sedentary but requires some bending, walking, standing and lifting/carrying (under 15lb) of supplies, patient records, staff and patient mail. Some assignments may involve more frequent walking, but these assignments may involve more frequent walking, but these assignments require no unusual physical demands to perform work. The incumbent will need to have the ability to verbally communicate and hear (aid permitted) using a telephone and must be able to type and operate computer equipment as an essential part of their position. The incumbent must be able to work closely with internal and external customers in a face-to-face setting.
Work Environment: The position may at times involve exposure to a work environment that may include intermittent excessive noise, dust, slippery or uneven walking surfaces, working around moving objects or vehicles. The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders; Emotional and Mental Stability: The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website here and here.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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
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. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill 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.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Applicants will receive equal consideration for selection without regard to political, religious, labor organization affiliation or non-affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, non-disqualifying disabling condition, or age.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This is a bargaining unit position.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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 following competencies based on your application for this position.
Ability to interpret and apply established guidelines, regulations and procedures to determine claimant eligibility for services and benefits;
Knowledge of automated systems and applications;
Ability to manage priorities;
Ability to communicate verbally;
Ability to communicate in writing;
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 rsum 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.
Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies
Evidence of your non-competitive eligibility (ex. DD-214, Schedule A letter, disability rating letter, etc.)
Transcripts if you are using education to qualify
Skill Bridge Education Warrior Training Advancement Course Certificate within the last 12 months
Resume (required for all applicants)
Your resume may be submitted in any format; however, we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information, you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Applicants claiming Veterans' preference must also submit:
A legible copy of your DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable. Copies of DD-214's can be requested here.
Current active-duty members must submit a signed statement of service from their commander dated within the last 120 days that contains their expected discharge date, their release from active duty under honorable conditions, any medals awarded, and the timeframe of their service so eligibility can be determined.
Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit an SF-15 and all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference. This includes a VA letter supporting your disability claim with the overall percentage listed.
If you are unsure as to whether you qualify for Veterans' preference, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor here.
Transcripts
If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted; however, it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
Current Federal Employees:
If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee or as a VEOA candidate (who is a current federal employee) you must submit an SF-50.
To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility.
If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
Failure to submit any of the required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted to support their status eligibility. You will not be contacted for additional information.
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 11/17/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12185451.
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.
Baltimore Regional Benefit Office
31 Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21201
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.
Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies
Evidence of your non-competitive eligibility (ex. DD-214, Schedule A letter, disability rating letter, etc.)
Transcripts if you are using education to qualify
Skill Bridge Education Warrior Training Advancement Course Certificate within the last 12 months
Resume (required for all applicants)
Your resume may be submitted in any format; however, we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information, you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Applicants claiming Veterans' preference must also submit:
A legible copy of your DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable. Copies of DD-214's can be requested here.
Current active-duty members must submit a signed statement of service from their commander dated within the last 120 days that contains their expected discharge date, their release from active duty under honorable conditions, any medals awarded, and the timeframe of their service so eligibility can be determined.
Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit an SF-15 and all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference. This includes a VA letter supporting your disability claim with the overall percentage listed.
If you are unsure as to whether you qualify for Veterans' preference, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor here.
Transcripts
If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted; however, it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
Current Federal Employees:
If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee or as a VEOA candidate (who is a current federal employee) you must submit an SF-50.
To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility.
If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
Failure to submit any of the required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted to support their status eligibility. You will not be contacted for additional information.
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 11/17/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12185451.
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.
Baltimore Regional Benefit Office
31 Hopkins Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21201
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.
