Congressional Liaison Representative

Veterans Benefits Administration • Saint Paul, MN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Congressional Liaison Representative communicates telephonically with congressional aides and other outside entities to resolve inquiries about difficult cases and questions concerning VBA benefits. The incumbent reviews Congressional, White House, Secretary, and other special inquiries received by letter and telephone to determine their proper disposition. This review includes using computer systems and reviewing claims folders.

The position responds to inquiries by telephone or in writing, researches and analyzes issues, consults with management to determine appropriate actions, and provides information about services and benefits available to Veterans. The incumbent also trains congressional staffers and new employees on communication with Congressional Offices and special inquiries, provides feedback and training on trends and issues raised by congressional staff, and develops and processes claims to help complete inquiries.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Compressed or flexible scheduling is available. The position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only, subject to supervisory approval on a case-by-case basis; the employee must report to the official duty station each scheduled workday. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized, and the position is not virtual. The work is primarily sedentary, with periods of standing and walking and minimal lifting under 20 pounds.

Requirements

• For the GS-09 grade, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level, including explaining decisions and their rationale to internal and external stakeholders; preparing clear, accurate, timely technical correspondence about benefits, representation rights, and miscellaneous inquiries, including sensitive or high-level inquiries; and analyzing complex inquiries, researching issues, consulting with federal, state, and local agencies as needed, and preparing accurate written and verbal responses for internal or external stakeholders, including congressional offices or other external entities.
• Alternatively, qualify for GS-09 through a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.; qualifying education and experience may be combined.
• Current federal employees subject to the time-in-grade requirement must have served 52 weeks at GS-07 for a GS-09 position. Current VBA employees seeking reassignment or change to a lower grade must hold GS-09 or higher, with promotion potential of at least GS-09.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Complete a one-year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo a background/security investigation.
• Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements, including Form I-9.
• Submit an SF-50 documenting time-in-grade eligibility when applicable.
• Submit an accredited education transcript if relying on education to meet qualification requirements; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.

Responsibilities

• Review Congressional, White House, Secretary, and other special inquiries received by letter and telephone.
• Respond to inquiries by telephone or in writing.
• Research and analyze inquiries to determine the correct course of action.
• Discuss inquiries with management to determine the correct course of action.
• Provide information about services and benefits available to Veterans.
• Train congressional staffers.
• Train new employees on communication with Congressional Offices and special inquiries.
• Provide feedback and training on trends and issues presented by Congressional Staff.
• Develop and process claims to assist in completing inquiries.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package.
• Newly appointed federal employees may request credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level