Benefits Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, or qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination of graduate education and experience.
• Specialized experience must demonstrate independent decision-making and ability to work independently in customer-service benefits counseling and claims processing, in-depth research knowledge, and relevant experience derived from federal, military, or private-sector work.
• Qualifying specialized experience may include explaining VA benefits programs to people from varied backgrounds and researching local, state, and federal laws and regulations to determine veterans' eligibility.
• Current federal employees subject to time-in-grade rules must have 52 weeks at GS-09 for a GS-10 position; applicable current VBA employees seeking reassignment or change to lower grade must hold GS-10 or higher with promotion potential of at least GS-10.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete applicable background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements, including I-9 identity and employment authorization documentation.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applicants relying on education for qualification must submit transcripts; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Extensive use of a computer and telephone with a headset is required; prolonged speaking may strain the throat or vocal cords.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate counseling sessions with veterans, dependents, and beneficiaries concerning VA and non-VA benefits through in-person or telephone interviews and correspondence.
• Provide outreach services at or by telephone to VBA facilities.
• Explain VBA rating decisions, benefit determinations, and claim and appeal processing procedures.
• Assist customers with compensation and pension, home loan eligibility, education, health care, life insurance, burial, vocational rehabilitation, Social Security, and other federal, state, and local programs.
• Prepare technical correspondence explaining benefits, representation rights, and responses to inquiries.
• Explain relevant legal provisions, regulations, administrative practices, and their application to specific cases.
• Serve as or work with an outreach coordinator, potentially in areas such as women veterans, minority veterans, homeless veterans, aging veterans, former prisoners of war, or military services.
• Initiate inquiries to resolve errors, delays, or other problems in obtaining benefits.
• Complete claim- and appeal-related work.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.