This position is located at the Atlanta Regional Office. The incumbent independently analyzes correspondence and requests for information, researches, expedites action, and responds or prepares written responses on behalf of the Regional Office Director. The incumbent evaluates problems and issues for trends and recommends improvements to operations.

Duties

The Correspondence Analyst (Congressional Liaison) reviews all the Congressional, White House, Secretary and other special inquiries received by email to determine the proper disposition of these inquires. This review includes use of the computer systems and review of claims folders. The Liaison responds to these inquires by email, telephone, or in writing. The Correspondence Analyst (Congressional Liaison) is responsible for responding to congressional inquiries and all other special correspondence as outlined in the M-27. The response is prepared for signature of the Regional Office Director, the response is written to provide a clear and concise response to the inquiry providing pertinent information regarding benefits, processing, and conclusion. Responses often involving research and analytical skills in deciding a course of action to respond to the inquiry. The incumbent communicates with congressional aides and other outside entities telephonically and or via email to resolve inquiries about difficult cases and questions about VBA benefits. The incumbent reviews all the Congressional, White House, Secretary and other special inquiries received by letter and telephone to determine the proper disposition of these inquiries. This review includes use of the computer systems and review of claims folders. Discussions are held with management to decide on a course of action that will be beneficial to all parties involved. Based upon the nature of some inquires, recommendations are made to improve process. Inquires can be answered in writing or verbally. Communicates with congressional aides and other outside entitles telephonically to resolve inquiries about difficult cases and questions about VBA benefits. Cases may require the Liaison to interact with one or more offices: The Office of the Direct or Fiduciary Hub, VSCM, team coaches, team members, and other division chiefs of the RO. The Liaison also speaks to groups of congressional constituents to explain benefits and services available. Conducts and participates in and training sessions for congressional staff members on VA benefits, while presenting the Chief and Assistant Division Chief as guest speaker and panelist. Monitors work for timely and accurate responses and ensures that work is properly counted and controlled, making day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. Maintains records of completed work and does reports, as required. Conducts conference calls with Congressional Aides and constituents to explain all types of issues to veterans and their dependents. Uses and applies a variety of sources and guidelines to answer inquires. References used are veteran benefits regulations and laws, freedom of information policies, and written protocol for congressional responses. Ensures all program requirements imposed by Compensation and Pension Service and the Court of Veterans Appeals are met and implemented. He or she functions as an authoritative consultant on the technical aspects of claims processing. Periodic claims processing will be required to assist in the completion of pending development actions on veteran's claims. Congressional inquiries will be processed based on a review of the claims folder to determine the necessary course of action needed. Responsible for notifying the responsible party once all corrective action has been taken and has officially closed the inquiry. The Liaison maintains a good working knowledge of VA relationship with U.S. Congress, VA benefits, and the VBA missions, procedures, policies, directives, etc. Work Schedule: 8:00a.m.- 4:30p.m. Telework: Available. Virtual: No, this is not a Virtual position Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist GS-0301-11 #39706-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/05/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal government, performing the following duties: 1) Analyzing evidence (medical, benefit and/or legal documents); 2) developing case file records and reports to support claim decisions; and 3) interpreting and applying laws, regulations and official guidance sufficient to evaluate the adequacy of collected information to determined claimant eligibility for benefits. OR Education: Ph.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, demonstrating the competencies necessary to do the work of the position OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond . 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion. The work is mostly sedentary; however, there may be some walking, standing, and carrying of light items. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

Education: A transcript 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 here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Atlanta Regional Benefit Office 1700 Clairmont Rd Decatur, GA 30033 US
• Name: Accura Cobbins
• Email: [email protected]