Veterans Claims Examiner (Pathways Recent Graduate)

Summary The Veterans Claims Examiner (VCE) serves as the primary contact and subject matter expert for the Veteran and/or the claimant and/or their representative and/or advocate and is the main decision-maker for the full range of education claims. The VCE works as a member of a particular team in the Education Division. Responsibilities Explain and understand various benefit programs, entitlement criteria, identifies issues, and develops/gathers relevant evidence from multiple sources to adjudicate education claims. Independently adjudicate claims and authorize payments and input data as necessary to generate award and notification letters to Veterans and claimants describing their decision. Work proficiently to manage their workload in a timely manner and must master the consistent application of laws, regulations, and policies to make accurate adjudicative determinations. Must evaluate and analyze numerous types of documents and determine the validity of such evidence in the adjudication of a claim. Required to accurately and efficiently review and control incoming and/or assigned claims and evidence in connection with local protocol for control and is responsible for the timeliness of claims under their control. identify claims which can be immediately adjudicated and those which need further development, initiating the development, to adjudicate a complete application package in a timely manner. Conduct interviews in person, via phone or electronically with Veterans, claimants, dependents, School Certifying Officials (SCO), Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and/or other stakeholders. Must always work as a member of a team while exercising good judgement and professional is with co-workers, Veterans, and all stakeholders even in stressful situations. Must hold reasonable computer skills and can effectively navigate various programs such but not limited to Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word. Must quickly master the ability to effectively multitask between various types of computer programs and digital platforms that are unique to the VA. Must possess the ability to independently read, research and apply new laws, policies, regulations, and procedural advisories in the absence of formal training. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduate (PRG) Program. This program is designed to allow recent graduates to enter VA in career positions that emphasize long-term training and development. Successful applicants are placed in a dynamic developmental program with potential to lead to a civil service career in the Federal Government. The program lasts for one year or more. You can find more information about specific opportunities with the Pathways Recent Graduates Program by clicking here To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement 10/08/2024. To qualify, you must meet both the Recent Graduates Eligibility requirements and Minimum Qualifications for the position. Recent Graduates Program Eligibility Requirements: The Pathways Recent Graduates Program is open to recent graduates who are legally permitted to work in the U.S. To be eligible. You must have obtained one of the following qualifying degrees, certificate, career, or technical education programs: associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctoral, or technical/ vocational degree or certificate (which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps) from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years. Preference eligible veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these Veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which the degree (certification and/or career/technical program) was completed. Minimum Qualifications: Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level or higher to qualify for this position. Specialized experience is defined as: 1) interpreting and applying policy, laws, and regulations, such as financial aid counselor, bank employee, retail employee, etc. who follow an organization's policies; 2) researching routine issues to resolve discrepancies; AND 3) maintaining and storing pertinent files/ documents electronically based on a process and in compliance with regulations. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required in order to qualify at the grade GS-7 level in the following ways: Applicants may Qualify with Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) for grade GS-7. If you have been awarded a bachelor's degree (or equivalent undergraduate degree) in a curriculum that is qualifying for this position from an accredited college or university, AND that degree meets one of the following superior academic achievement provisions, you may qualify exclusively based on education: a. Ranked in the upper 1/3 of your college class or major subdivision at the time you apply; OR b. Earned election to a national scholastic honor society that meets the requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies other than freshman honor societies; OR c. Earned a grade point average (GPA) of 2.95 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on all completed undergraduate courses or all undergraduate classes completed during the final two years (the final 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours); or earned a GPA of 3.45 or higher on a 4.0 scale based on all completed undergraduate courses in your major, or all undergraduate courses in your major completed during the final two years. Regarding the superior academic achievement provisions, if more than 10% of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) was taken on a pass/fail or similar basis, you can qualify only on the basis of your class standing or membership in an honor society. If an applicant is claiming to qualify based on superior academic achievement, it is the applicant's responsibility to submit all documentation with their application that is appropriate in relationship to providing proof that the SAA criteria is met (i.e., ALL unofficial or official college transcripts that include GPA, proof of honor society membership, proof of class standing). OR Applicants may substitute Graduate Education to qualify for grade GS-7. Applicants may substitute education for experience with at least one full academic year (18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours) of graduate level education from an accredited college or university in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of graduate level transcripts that demonstrate this information. OR Applicants may substitute a combination of graduate education and specialized experience to qualify for the position at the GS 7 grade level. If you have some, but not all, of the graduate education described above AND less than one full year of the specialized experience described above, you may qualify by combining the amount of creditable education and experience that you do have. To calculate, first identify the percentage of qualifying education you have as a percentage of one year of study. Next, identify the percentage of specialized experience you have as a percentage of 12 months. Then, add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100% for you to qualify for the position at the grade GS-7 level. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate education (i.e., 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of acceptable specialized experience (i.e., 50% of the experience required) would satisfy the qualification requirements for the position. If you are claiming to qualify based on your education, your application must include an official or unofficial copy of college transcripts that demonstrate this information. Note: 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 that you document, including volunteer experience. Education An unofficial or official copy of your transcripts must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information This is not a Virtual/ Remote position. Work Schedule: Regular office hours, Monday -Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Alternate work schedules may be available. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary with occasional walking and bending. Work requires lengthy periods viewing video display terminals and extensive use of computer keyboards. 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 full performance level of this position is grade GS-09. 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 may be discussed during the interview process. Telework is subject to approval by individual supervisors and managers, is considered a privilege not a right, is subject to approval based on performance and other varying factors, and is not guaranteed. 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. 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. "Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), https://www.va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf." This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.