The USB is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
Summary
The USB is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
The Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) provides leadership and direction for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), one of three administrations comprising the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Under Secretary for Benefits reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on non-medical Veterans benefits matters and is responsible for the delivery of services and benefits to Veterans and their beneficiaries. The Under Secretary serves as the Secretary's representative on matters relating to Veterans benefits programs and must be committed to the priorities, goals, and objectives of the Department.
The USB also formulates and articulates VBA policies to implement the overarching policies and programs of the Department and is charged with addressing specific challenges to improve VBA's benefits delivery services in all program areas. Specifically, these challenges include ensuring timely delivery of benefits to the increasing numbers of Veterans participating in VA education programs; home loan guaranty program in a changing economy and housing market; vocational rehabilitation and counseling to disabled Veterans seeking employment opportunities; conducting outreach, communications and engagement activities, and also supporting the seamless transition from military to civilian life, accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of Service members, Veterans and their families; and providing timely and accurate disability claims decisions as the volume of new claims and the complexity of those claims continue to steadily increase.
Major responsibilities also include oversight of the development of legislative initiatives, implementing policies, and providing direction for the application of innovative management techniques to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The USB must possess the critical ability to successfully negotiate with stakeholders and partners at all levels and must also be able to effectively communicate VBA's major initiatives to a wide range of individuals and groups, including members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, other government entities, and the private sector.
Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) is required.
Successful completion of a background investigation.
Complete White House Presidential Personnel vetting process successfully.
Senate Confirmation.
Drug Testing Required.
Qualifications
Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be highly effective leaders who have proven ability or potential to direct the operations of a large integrated benefits system which is committed to the high-quality of our Nation's Veterans, implement the Secretary's guidance to transform VA, and serve as an accountable and innovative steward of the human capital and financial resources to VBA.
By law, the Under Secretary for Benefits shall be appointed solely on the basis of:
Demonstrated ability in fiscal management; and
Substantial experience in connection with the programs of the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) or programs of similar content and scope.
Additional information
Additional Agency Contact(s): Amy Nichols at Amy.Nichols2@va.gov; Bari Williams, Bari.Williams@va.gov.
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.
Step 1: Minimum qualifications.
Step 2: Screening by Executive Board to determine group of candidates to be considered by the Commission.
Step 3: The Commission interviews the most qualified candidates.
Step 4: The Commission recommends the final candidates for consideration by the Secretary and the President.
You will be evaluated based upon your resume, application or curriculum vitae, and an interview if invited to appear before the Commission.
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.
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.
Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date 04/25/2025 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, complete the online questionnaire, and submit required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title and select Apply Online to continue.
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.
Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date 04/25/2025 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, complete the online questionnaire, and submit required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title and select Apply Online to continue.
