Field Office - Claims Specialist

Social Security Administration • Elkton, MD

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Claims Specialist serves in the Social Security Administration’s Elkton, Maryland Field Office and provides direct service to the public. The position involves explaining rights under Social Security laws, gathering facts and evidence to establish benefit eligibility, determining benefit amounts, and using computer technology to access and update claims information. Specialists interview the public about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance, and Supplemental Security Income benefits, including State supplements. They resolve discrepancies, clarify issues, make final decisions on initial and post-entitlement benefits and payments, and adjudicate and authorize entitlement or disallowance actions of varying complexity under SSA-administered programs.

This is a career-ladder position with the opportunity for annual performance-based promotion up to the GS-11 level. The position is represented by the American Federation of Government Employees. Selectees must complete an 11–13-week technical training class, including formal onsite training at a designated SSA facility. Telework may be available under agency policy; this is not a virtual position. Selections are made as new civil-service appointments under Direct Hire Authority. A one-year probationary period may be required.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Register with Selective Service if applicable.
• Pass fingerprinting and a background/security investigation.
• Pass the Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP), a panel interview assessing aptitude for dealing with the public, including clarity of speech, listening, establishing confidence, putting others at ease, and organizing and expressing thoughts clearly.
• Complete an 11–13-week technical training class and successfully complete formal technical training onsite at a designated SSA facility.
• Meet the applicable qualification requirements by the announcement closing date. Qualification may be based on experience, education, or a combination, depending on grade.
• GS-5 experience qualification: three years of general experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade level, demonstrating problem analysis, data gathering and recognition of solutions; planning and organizing work; and effective oral and written communication.
• GS-7 experience qualification: one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, such as helping individuals establish benefit entitlement, adjudicating or reconsidering claims, explaining benefit entitlements or requirements, evaluating program operations, or interpreting program requirements to develop policies, procedures, or guidelines.
• GS-9 experience qualification: 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7, such as helping individuals establish benefit entitlement, adjudicating or investigating claims, or evaluating benefit program operations.
• Education may substitute for experience: GS-5 requires a completed four-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree, or a combination of post-high-school education and general experience; GS-7 may be met through one full year of graduate education, a qualifying combination of graduate education and specialized experience, or a bachelor’s degree with superior academic achievement; GS-9 may be met through a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D.
• Provide transcripts or other proof of education when qualifying through education; selected applicants must provide official college transcripts before appointment. Foreign education must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. education, with the applicant responsible for obtaining and providing U.S. certification.
• Part-time experience is prorated when calculating qualifying experience.
• Resumes must not exceed two pages.

Responsibilities

• Interview members of the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, health insurance, and Supplemental Security Income benefits, including State supplements.
• Explain beneficiaries’ rights under Social Security laws.
• Gather facts and evidence to establish eligibility for benefits.
• Determine the amount of benefits paid to individuals.
• Use computer technology to access and update claims information.
• Resolve discrepancies and clarify issues related to benefits and payments.
• Make final decisions for initial and post-entitlement benefits and payments.
• Adjudicate and authorize entitlement or disallowance actions at all levels of difficulty and complexity under programs administered by SSA.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on the type of position and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed