Rating Veterans Service Representative (Rvsr)

Duties

• Analyzes claims to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service for purposes of compensation, treatment, or hospitalization.
• Demonstrates excellent judgement, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis and discretion.
• Works independently as the decision maker on claims following training and a period of mentoring and working reviews to assess comprehension. A mentor will provide feedback on the quality of the RVSRs decisions.
• Maintains professional client relationships
• Communicates and interacts with Veterans and their representatives/advocates to facilitate timely, proper decisions. As dictated by the circumstances of each case, the RVSR may conduct interviews or hearings in person or by telephone with Veterans, eligible individuals, representatives, and advocates to obtain or clarify information.
• Review and analyze complex medical information (i.e., diagnostic tests, office notes, operative reports, etc.) to determine service connection and disability entitlement.
• Supports the organization's quality program.
• Demonstrates the ability to handle work-related stress and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Attends a comprehensive training program to learn medical terminology, VA regulations, how to critically analyze evidence, and apply the VA schedule of disabilities to render decisions on claims.
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Determines service-connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, burial, dependency indemnity compensation, special monthly compensation and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits.
• Participates in meetings, assists with training, and is expected to lend his/her expertise in developing VSRs' skills as they relate to evidence gathering for rating decisions.
• Assures proper application federal laws and regulations and other applicable instructions, and he or she is fully accountable for proper analysis, appropriate development, and final rating determinations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday.

TELEWORK ELIGIBLE: Yes, per Agency guidelines. This IS NOT a virtual position. This is not a Remote Work Position

Position Description Title/PD#: Veterans Service Representative (Rating)/ 603188, 1270188

Physical Requirements: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion.

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.

Marketing Video Link: https://youtu.be/JRf2duGHHXMHelpRequirementsConditions of Employment

• May serve a probationary period
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• Bargaining Unit Position: YES
• If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

Qualifications

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

To qualify for GS-09: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service that includes the following:

• Gathering or requesting evidence to respond to claimant inquiries for federal, state, or local benefits in areas such as but not limited to: burial benefits, education benefits, monetary benefits, welfare benefits, housing benefits and various other federal, state, or local programs.

OR, A Master's or equivalent graduate degree, 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related fields of study. (You must provide transcripts);
OR, a combination of specialized experience and education as described, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

To qualify for GS-10: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service that includes the following:

• Assisting claimants with applications for federal, state, or local benefits in areas such as but not limited to: burial benefits, education benefits, monetary benefits, welfare benefits, housing benefits and various other federal, state, or local programs; and
• Identifying errors, inconsistencies, or omissions in federal or state-administered benefits request package.

OR, Two and a half years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position.
OR, a combination of specialized experience and education as described, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

GS-11 grade level: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 level in the Federal service that includes the following:

• Evaluating evidence and allegations to draw sound conclusions regarding benefit claims
• Explaining federal or state-administered benefits decisions to claimants to help them gain an understanding of claim determinations; and

OR, Successfully completed aPh.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. (Must submit transcripts.); or a combination of the required experience and education for this grade level.

OR, a combination of specialized experience and education as described, when combined, equal 100% of the total requirement.

Specialized Experience: GS-12: You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess one year of full-time specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). This experience must include:

• Determining the eligibility for federal, state, or local administered benefits, such as: disability, education, housing, medical and/or veterans' benefits; and
• Applying federal or state laws to process claims pertaining to a employment, disability or benefit program.

There is no educational substitution for the GS-12 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.

Education
If you are claiming education as any part of your qualifications for this position, you must submit an official transcript, unofficial transcript, or a list including courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.

Equivalent combinations of Specialized Experience and Graduate Education: Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9,GS-10, and GS-11. To compute, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% to qualify. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. 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.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. Failure to provide such documentation with your application will result in lost consideration. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

Additional information

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 following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.
The competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform this job are:

• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Written Communication
• Reasoning
• Oral Communication

Applicant lists will be evaluated for qualifications based on the schedule below.

• 2nd Cut-off on 06/17/2023
• Final Cut-off on 07/07/2023
• 1st Cut-off on 05/28/2023

To preview the assessment questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11950620.

Applicants will be referred based on the schedule above. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches 07/07/2023.

Applicants will be prevented from updating assessment responses after application submission

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your resume showing a detailed description of your job-related qualifications that includes beginning and ending dates with the month and year and hours worked per week (if less than 40) for each paid and non-paid work experience job title listed. For work in the federal service, include the grade level for the position(s).
2. Other supporting documents (only submit if applicable to you):

• Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP)? If so, submit:
• A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
• A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement;
• Agency; and
• A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
• Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:
• Position title;
• Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
• Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
• Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) or a list of coursework with hours completed.
• Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

Documents Accepted:

• Transcript
• Disability Letter (VA)
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Cover Letter
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• Other (1)
• Supplemental Application
• Resume
• PCS Orders
• Other (2)
• Performance Appraisal
• Proof of Marriage Status

Documents Required:

• Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. Applicants who are eligible for Veterans Preference are still encouraged to include that information in their application and submit supporting documentation (i.e. DD-214, or other substantiating documents). View information on veterans' preference. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If you are qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. Your resume and any documents submitted will be retained for 90 days and may be used at any time during this period.

If all required documentation is not submitted with your application you will lose consideration. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information and documents entered, uploaded, or faxed are received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,996.00 - $116,821.00 per year

Benefits:

• Retirement plan
• Parental leave
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) matching
• 401(k)
• Flexible spending account
• Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• Employee assistance program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Paul, MN 55111