The Veterans Service Representative (VSR) (Authorizer) works as an employee in the Veterans Service Center (VSC), Pension Management Center (PMC), or Benefits Eligibility Support Team (BEST) explaining benefit programs and entitlement criteria, conducts interviews, identifies issues, gathers relevant evidence, adjudicates claims, authorizes payments and inputs data necessary to generate the award and notification letters.

Duties

The VSR serves as an Authorizer reviewing all required work of other VSRs when a second signature is required and is responsible for ensuring accurate funds are released to the claimant. Reviews and approves work for technical accuracy, clarity, thoroughness, and sensitivity of notification. The VSR ensures that notices of decisions are prepared with an empathetic tone and are complete and phrased in terms that the claimant can understand. The incumbent must be familiar with rating procedures to ensure proper notification to the claimant. Explains a final decision if a veteran expresses an indication of dissatisfaction with a determination (filed in person, by telephone, or by mail). The VSR explains the decision in question in an effort to gain acceptance of the determination and explains the post-decision review process. Prepares Statements of the Case on authorization appeals. Makes determinations on appeal cases as to whether reconsideration of the claim is necessary and assembles all necessary supplemental evidence and data in connection with review of appeal cases for submission to Board of Veterans Appeals, as requested. Presents benefits or claims appeals at personal hearings. Works very complex cases as assigned including Court of Appeal for Veterans Claims (CAVC) files, locked files, and private attorney cases involving attorney fees. The VSR Coordinates with VA Central Office, Board of Veterans Appeals, and the Private Attorney Fee Coordinator. The VSR prepares correspondence to members of Congress and special interest groups on case assignments and other "controlled" correspondence. Reviews all correspondence to private attorneys, acknowledges and revokes private attorneys. Prepares and releases certificates for use by other Federal, State, and local agencies. Prepares and releases correspondence in response to miscellaneous inquiries. Prepares and conducts veteran's benefits training to other Regional Office employees and service organization personnel, as requested. The VSR assists in the development of VSR trainees to include mentoring in workload screening, analysis of electronic files and adjudicative issues, development requirements, use of reference materials, computer usage and general work habits. Identifies developmental and training needs and keeps supervisors apprised of employee progress and of any noteworthy performance. The VSR also serves as a veteran's claims expert and provides technical guidance in regard to the development and adjudication of claims. The VSR must interact with claimants while conducting personal hearings. Testimony provided at hearings must be considered by the VSR in benefit determinations. The VSR monitors claims using electronic systems to maintain accurate records of production and to eliminate unnecessary delays so that a decision is made within established timeframes. The VSR utilizes electronic data processing (EDP) systems for inputting data, for claims processing, monitoring, adjudication, authorization and correspondence preparation to inform the claimant and any representative/advocate of the decision and the basis for the action taken (e.g., award, termination, amendment, or disallowance). Acts as advocate for veterans and their beneficiaries in their dealings with other VA elements and organizations that affect their claims. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Available Virtual: This IS NOT a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Veterans Service Representative (Authorizer)/ 02105A Bargaining Unit Position: Yes Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Requirements: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion.

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
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement: 10/02/2024. Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. NOTE: All current or former Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one), "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 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-10 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization performing the following duties: Demonstrating competence in adjudicating and authorizing veterans' claims: Developing, examining, investigating, adjudicating, and authorizing claims for disability compensation, disability pension, death compensation, death pension benefits, life insurance benefits, etc. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have possess a 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. (Must submit transcripts.). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond two years of progressively higher level graduate education. 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; religious; 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. For work in the federal service, include the grade level for the position(s). Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. Volunteer Experience: 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. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: This position is primarily sedentary with some walking, standing, bending, and/or carrying lightweight items.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.

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/.

Contacts

• Address Fort Harrison Regional Benefit Office 3633 Veterans Dr Ft Harrison, MT 59636-0188 US
• Name: Ersula Stanford
• Phone: 303-914-5684
• Email: [email protected]