Summary
The Veterans Service Representative (Authorizer) works as an employee in the Veterans Service Center (VSC) or Pension Management Center (PMC). The incumbent explains benefit programs and entitlement criteria, conducts interviews, identifies issues, gathers relevant evidence, adjudicates claims, authorizes payments, and inputs data necessary to generate the award and notification letter to the Veteran describing the decision and the reason for it.
Duties
Specific duties include, but are not limited to: Authorizes administrative decisions made by other Veterans Service Representatives (VSR) including character of discharge, line of duty, or willful misconduct, corpus of estate, and apportionment decisions. Serves as the primary point of contact for all promulgating VSRs, reviews and finalize authorization of awards, terminates, authorize or disallows benefits pay on unusually complex claims. Reviews and approves work for technical accuracy, clarity, thoroughness, and sensitivity of notification. Ensures that notices of decisions are prepared with an empathetic tone and are complete and phrased in terms that the claimant can understand. Uses electronic data processing (EDP) systems for inputting data related to claims adjudication, processing, monitoring, and correspondence preparation. Prepares correspondence request to Members of Congress and special interest groups. Assists in the development and mentoring of VSR trainees. Performs other duties as assigned. Promotion Potential: This position is being selected at the full performance level. Work Schedule: Full time, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Hours to be determined by hiring office. Compressed/Flexible: Hours to be determined by hiring office. Telework: This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. The selectee is required to report to the official duty station each scheduled workday. Telework may be approved only on a case-by-case basis with supervisory approval. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized for this position. Remote/Virtual: This is not a remote/virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Veterans Service Representative (Authorizer); PD02105A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Requirements
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the Agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the Agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Additional Conditions of Employment are as follows: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. You may be required to serve a probationary or trial period. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements I-9 Acceptable Documents. Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. A complete application package must be submitted: Resume, transcripts, and any other required documents. You will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications. You may submit unofficial transcripts when applying. However, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official transcript or a statement from the institution (e.g., from the registrar, dean, or other appropriate official) or equivalent documentation prior to the start date.
How you will be evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Reasoning: Identifies regulation, laws, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data or other information pertaining to claims processing; analyzes information presented for claims and makes correct inferences and conclusions regarding eligibility for multiple types of benefits. Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed and objective decisions concerning the claims review process; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action even in uncertain situations in order to assist customers and meet organizational goals. Write Communication: Prepares written communication to customers and co-workers via email, letters reports, etc. Using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; provides information that is appropriate for the purpose and the intended audience. Oral Communication: Expresses information (facts, decisions, ideas) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); listens to others; asks questions and gains or shares information related to the claims review process. Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work. This includes tasks such as entering, sorting and retrieving data; analyzing data; researching information; monitoring work; and preparing correspondence and reports. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13084317 The USA Hire Assessments includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.