Claims Specialist

Position Title:

Claims SpecialistAgency:

Social Security AdministrationLocation:

SaginawPay Grade:

GS-5/7/9

Employment Type:

Full-TimePromotion Potential:

GS-11

Position Summary:

Once selected for the Claims Specialist position in SSA, you will contribute to the Agency's mission through direct and personal service to the public. This includes speaking with beneficiaries about their rights under the Social Security laws, gathering facts and evidence to establish eligibility for benefits, making critical decisions to determine the amount of benefits paid to individuals, and using state-of-the-art computer technology to access and update information about claims. Claims Specialists conduct interviews with the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance benefits, and eligibility for supplemental security income including State supplements. In addition, they resolve discrepancies, clarify issues and make final decisions for initial and post-entitlement for benefits and payments; adjudicate and authorize entitlement or disallowance actions at all levels of difficulty and complexity under programs administered by SSA.

Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

U.S. Citizenship required Selective Service Registration, if applicable Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background/security investigation results Selectees may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period Relocation expenses will not be paid All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement Must pass Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP) interview Selectees are required to complete an 11-13 week technical training class Selectees will be required to attend and successfully complete formal technical training onsite at a designated SSA facility Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin

Qualifications:

GS-5:

Three years of general experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service that demonstrates the ability to: Review problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions Plan and organize work Communicate effectively orally and in writing Examples of qualifying experience include reviewing, explaining, applying, or interpreting rules, regulations, or policies. GS-7:

One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level (or equivalent) demonstrating the ability to: Assist individuals in establishing entitlement to receive benefits Adjudicate, authorize, or reconsider claims Explain benefit entitlements or requirements to the public Evaluate benefit program operations Interpret benefit program requirements to formulate policies, procedures, or guidelines GS-9:

Fifty-two weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.

Examples include:

Assisting individuals in establishing entitlement to receive benefits Adjudicating or investigating claims Evaluating benefit programs to assess operational integrity and quality

Note:

Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience. Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP):

Applicants will be required to participate in a panel interview following the structured resume review eligibility determination. Applicants must pass this interview process to receive further consideration for selection.

The interview evaluates:

Clarity of speech Listening skills Ability to establish confidence and put others at ease Ability to organize and express thoughts clearly Panel interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software if technically feasible.

Education Requirements:

GS-5: Completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in any field; OR Combination of post-high school education and general experience GS-7: One full year of graduate-level education in any field; OR Combination of graduate education and specialized experience; OR Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement GS-9: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree; OR Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education; OR LL.B. or J.D.

Combining Education and Experience:

Experience and education may be combined to meet qualification requirements for GS-5, GS-7, and GS-9 levels.