Social Insurance Specialist (Claims Specialist)

Social Security Administration•Juneau, AK

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a permanent, full-time developmental position in the Social Security Administration’s Juneau, Alaska Field Office. It is a career ladder position leading to the full performance level of GS-11. At developmental levels, the employee receives closer supervision, technical guidance, and/or on-the-job training, with duties gradually broadened until the employee performs the full-performance-level duties. At the full performance level, the employee interviews the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, and health insurance benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income and State supplements. The employee resolves discrepancies, clarifies issues, and makes final initial and post-entitlement decisions about benefits and payments; adjudicates and authorizes entitlement or disallowance actions across all levels of difficulty and complexity under SSA-administered programs; and uses technology to access and update claims information. The position is located at 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801. The tour of duty is flextime, and no alternate work schedules are allowed. Selected candidates may be required to attend approximately 12 to 14 weeks of training, which may take place outside their normal commuting area. Relocation expenses may be authorized. The position is represented by AFGE and is filled under the SSA/AFGE Merit Promotion Plan.

Requirements

Meet the applicable specialized-experience requirement for the grade level: 52 weeks at the next lower grade level or equivalent, with experience related to the work of the position.
For GS-7, have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5; examples include assisting with benefit applications, developing or processing claims, explaining benefit programs, or evaluating program policies and procedures.
For GS-9, have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7; examples include assisting individuals in establishing benefit entitlement, adjudicating or investigating claims, or evaluating benefit programs.
For GS-11, have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9; examples include developing, examining, investigating, or authorizing claims under SSA benefit, health insurance, pension, income-maintenance, or related programs.
Meet and deal ability is required. Applicants without qualifying SSA meet-and-deal certification must submit a completed Certification of Meet and Deal Ability form by the announcement closing date.
Meet the applicable time-in-grade requirement by the closing date: 52 weeks at GS-5 or higher for GS-7; GS-7 or higher for GS-9; or GS-9 or higher for GS-11.
Resumes must not exceed two pages.
Applicants must be in good standing and have a fully successful rating of record.
Indicate on the SSA45 if currently holding or having held a temporary promotion or detail.
Meet the applicable education qualification or permitted combination of education and experience: GS-7 requires one full year of graduate-level education, a combination of graduate education and specialized experience, or a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement; GS-9 requires a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two academic years of progressively higher graduate education, or an LL.B. or J.D.; GS-11 requires a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a doctoral degree, or an LL.M.
Qualification requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Interview members of the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, and health insurance benefits, and Supplemental Security Income, including State supplements.
Resolve discrepancies and clarify issues related to eligibility, benefits, and payments.
Make final decisions on 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.
Use technology to access and update claims information.