This position is located in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program, Claims Division. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.
Summary
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program, Claims Division. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Applicants will be considered under Delegated Examining, Merit Promotion, and/or Non-Competitive procedures based upon eligibility.
The duties and responsibilities for a GS- 0301-13 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:
Serves as a Program Specialist (PSOB) with the responsibility of reviewing PSOB applications and claims, conducting detailed medical reviews, analyzing medical causation and forensic evidence, performing related program activities, and implementing the federal benefit programs.
Reviews medical documentation submitted with disability and death applications and claims, including hospital records, physician statements, diagnostic imaging results, autopsy reports, and other medical records to determine consistency with PSOB eligibility requirements.
Coordinates with independent medical examiners and specialists to obtain expert opinions on complex medical cases.
Reviews mental health and psychological records in disability claims involving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and other behavioral health conditions.
Provides expert guidance to resolve complex PSOB program and policy challenges and ensures PSOB policies and procedures comply with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.
You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.
Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Program Specialist (PSOB), at GS-0301-13, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.
Specialized Experience:
Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of specialized experience include:
Analyzes medical evidence to determine causation in disability and death claims, distinguishing between duty-related injuries and pre-existing conditions based on clinical documentation and applicable program criteria.
Translate complex medical terminology and clinical findings into clear written and verbal communications for claimants, beneficiaries, agency representatives, or senior leadership.
Assesses case complexity to identify claims requiring independent medical examiner consultation for resolution of disputed causation or cause of death determinations.
Conducts comprehensive reviews of benefits applications by evaluating medical records against regulatory requirements, identifying documentation deficiencies, coordinating expert referrals, and preparing detailed medical analyses.
Online Assessment:
This position requires an online assessment. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 08/10/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Reading Comprehension
Decision Making
Attention to Detail
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Self-Management
Teamwork
Reasoning
You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 08/10/2026.
Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment which is part of your application.
Education
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Additional information
A current or former registered nurse, or an individual with a BSN degree, is preferred but not required.
OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: 1) performance and conduct; 2) agency needs and interests; 3) advancement of agency/Government organizational goals; and 4) Federal service efficiency. Upon completion, employment terminates unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to human.resources@usdoj.gov. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Your qualifications will be reviewed against the requirements above, and you will be considered under every eligibility that applies to you.
Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation, online questionnaire, and USA Hire Competency Based Assessment) will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement.
The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment. Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12998557
For All U.S. Citizens applying under Delegated Examining:
Your application will be evaluated and rated using Rule of Many procedures under 5 C.F.R. § 332.402 based on set Number of highest ranked eligibles. Preference eligibles will receive 5 or 10 points added to their score based on the adjudicated preference.
All eligibles at or above the pre-determined top 15 candidates including any preference eligibles with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more, at any score, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. All eligibles with a tied rating will be referred even if the results exceed the pre-established number or percentage.
The selecting official will receive a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least three candidates per vacancy. If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, the referral will be expanded in accordance with DOJ's guidance on supplemental certification. The selecting official will adhere to veterans' preference rules and Rule of Many procedures when making selections.
For Applicants applying under Internal, Merit Promotion, or Non-Competitive Hiring Procedures: Merit Promotion/Status Candidates: If you are basically qualified for this job, as described above, and are among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Non-Competitive Candidates: If you are basically qualified for this job, as described above, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
For Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): If you have CTAP/ICTAP eligibility and are found well-qualified for this vacancy, you will receive selection priority over other candidates. To be found well qualified, you must meet and exceed all qualification requirements and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria.
Technical Qualifications:
Applicants identified for interview, will be further evaluated on the following technical qualifications:
Medical Records Analysis and Interpretation
Program Policy Analysis and Application
Case Management and Documentation
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials, application questionnaire, or during an interview may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
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.
Must show: Full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, effective date, service type, and tenure status
Performance evaluation with final rating (or statement explaining why unavailable)
List of awards from the last 5 years (e.g., superior performance, special act/achievement, quality step increases). Documentation will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration during selection. This applies to federal and non-federal work
Veterans or Qualifying Family Members: Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): Preference eligible OR veterans with 3+ years active service
DD-214 Member #4 Copy showing service dates, character of service, and discharge type; OR
Certification letter from armed forces confirming expected honorable discharge/release within 120 days
30% or More Disabled Veteran:
VA Letter with disability rating
DD-214 Member #4 Copy
SF-15 (10-point Veterans Preference form)
5 or 10-point Veterans Preference:
DD-214 Member #4 Copy
VA Letter (if applicable)
SF-15
Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) (GS-11 or below): Disabled veterans; wartime/campaign veterans; Armed Forces Service Medal recipients; or veterans separated within the past 3 years
Official letter on letterhead from a doctor or licensed medical professional; Licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, OR; Federal, state, or local disability benefits agency
Letter must state you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability.
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 questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/10/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on08/10/2026.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.
Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Essay Questions:
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question (see the application questionnaire). You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help website which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.
Reasonable Accommodation:
To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring agency contact directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DO NOT MAIL
Washington, DC 20531
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 90 days.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Must show: Full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, effective date, service type, and tenure status
Performance evaluation with final rating (or statement explaining why unavailable)
List of awards from the last 5 years (e.g., superior performance, special act/achievement, quality step increases). Documentation will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration during selection. This applies to federal and non-federal work
Veterans or Qualifying Family Members: Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): Preference eligible OR veterans with 3+ years active service
DD-214 Member #4 Copy showing service dates, character of service, and discharge type; OR
Certification letter from armed forces confirming expected honorable discharge/release within 120 days
30% or More Disabled Veteran:
VA Letter with disability rating
DD-214 Member #4 Copy
SF-15 (10-point Veterans Preference form)
5 or 10-point Veterans Preference:
DD-214 Member #4 Copy
VA Letter (if applicable)
SF-15
Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) (GS-11 or below): Disabled veterans; wartime/campaign veterans; Armed Forces Service Medal recipients; or veterans separated within the past 3 years
Official letter on letterhead from a doctor or licensed medical professional; Licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, OR; Federal, state, or local disability benefits agency
Letter must state you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability.
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 questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/10/2026 to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on08/10/2026.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments.
Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account.
Essay Questions:
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question (see the application questionnaire). You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help website which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.
Reasonable Accommodation:
To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring agency contact directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Bureau of Justice Assistance
DO NOT MAIL
Washington, DC 20531
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement within 90 days.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
