Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR), Casualty and Survivor Benefit Program Specialist.

Duties

Program Specialist for an installation's Casualty Services. Analyzes, implements, and administers total advisory services and comprehensive programs related to casualty services. Independently performs a variety of complex assignments involving identifying beneficiaries eligible for benefits and entitlements of seriously ill, very seriously ill or deceased Airmen, providing tailored information to the Next of Kin (NOK). Coordinates, advocates and obtains a variety of resources and services for surviving personnel and their families. Serves as a subject matter expert for the installation's Casualty Policy and Casualty Program Educator programs. Develops and implements publicity and information programs as they relate to Casualty Services, Survivor Benefits, Record of Emergency Data and the various government life insurance programs. Provides advisory services and administers comprehensive programs related to Casualty Services. Provides guidance on casualty reporting, notification, and assistance programs. Analyzes and refines work methods, gathers information, identifies issues and develops recommendations to resolve substantive problems of effectiveness and efficiency of casualty operations. Program Specialist for an installation's Survivor Benefit Program (SBP). Provides counseling, guidance, and interpretations concerning the broad range of rights and benefits, explaining both short- and long-term impact of the SBP on Air Force personnel and their families.

Requirements

• Must complete initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s)
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• A Background check may be required
• PCS expenses will NOT be paid
• This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• This is a Testing Designated Position. The employee is subject to random drug testing.
• Must possess and exercise a high degree of sensitivity, tact, expertise and diplomacy in dealing with high-ranking Air Force and DoD military and civilian employees, members of Congress, family members and the general public.
• Recall to duty is a regular requirement of the position.
• Work occasionally requires travel away from the normal duty station.
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• The work will require the employee to drive a motor vehicle. An appropriate, valid driver’s license will be required for the position.
• Position is subject to shift work to include nights, weekends and holidays.
• Public speaking and active training of large groups is an integral part of this position.
• This position is designated as a key position IAW AFI 36-507. Duties of this position are essential to the accomplishment of wartime/contingency operations.
• Incumbents of key positions must be removed from their military recall status if alternative for filling of the position during an emergency are not available
• This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency
• Mission Essential is Continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs."

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes: knowledge of military human resources (HR) management policies and programs; all Federal benefits and entitlements, sufficient to provide authorities advisory service and an understanding of public laws and US Codes; knowledge and understanding of the military retirement system, including those accrued based on prior service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and estate planning techniques; skill in interpreting, implementing, adapting and counseling on the policies and regulations related to the military casualty and survivor benefits programs. OR EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or LL.M., if related. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in­-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of comprehensive programs of federal entitlements administered by DOD, VA, and the SSA as they pertain to the Survivor Benefits/Survivor Rights Programs, Casualty Services and military life insurance programs (including the impact other survivor benefits will have on SBP, Civil Service retiree pensions and effect on military retired pay and survivor annuities) and the inter-relationship of these benefits and how it compares with commercial alternatives. Knowledge of and familiarity with the responsibilities of the DFAS Centers, the VA, and the SSA. Ability to resolve problems related to casualty operations and the SBP with these agencies. Knowledge of military rank and precedents and chain of command and the processes for verifying deaths, and the processes required by the Casualty Services Program. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, both orally and in writing, and with a high degree of empathy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with NOK of deceased persons. Knowledge of interment rights and benefits provided by the VA including travel for family members, transportation of household goods/extension requests, and claims for destruction of personal property. Ability to resolve problems related to casualty operations and the SBP with these DFAS Centers, the VA, and the SSA. Ability to develop and apply knowledge of federal, state, and local social services available in the community as they relate to SBP, Casualty Services, and military life insurance programs (SGLI, VGLI, and NSLI). Ability to compile and report data, analyze statistical data for trends, and to make adjustments to the programs. Ability to perform in-depth research, gather facts and use extensive and effective analytical and evaluative methods to accurately express oneself orally and in writing in a highly effective and professional manner, to interact with diversified groups, individuals and organizations. Public speaking and active training of large groups is an integral part of this position. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that 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 USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

********************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS********************

ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:

• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt

Contacts

• Address Columbus AFB 495 Harpe Blvd Ste 186 Columbus AFB, MS 39710 US
• Name: Total Force Service Center
• Phone: 1-800-525-0102
• Email: [email protected]