Social Insurance Specialist
United states, Woodlawn
Duties As required by changing workloads or program priorities, plans, directs, conducts or participates in projects in one or more of the Offices in ODP, with continuing responsibility for major projects and broad studies pertaining to the development, [CONT..] evaluation, interpretation and maintenance of disability evaluation policy and procedures for administration at all Federal and State levels of the Social Security Disability Insurance Program and [CONT..] the Supplemental Security Income Program for the blind and disabled under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act. Analyzes legislative proposals for disability policy impact and furnishes advice on technical accuracy and operating feasibility. Develops and prepares recommendations for legislative proposals initiated within the Administration or pending in the Congress. Recommends items for inclusion in legislative proposals where operational needs or program issues are indicated. Develops guides, procedures, user specifications, training and other materials necessary for the implementation of executive decisions, new and revised program policy directives, and class-action lawsuits. Designs and conducts training for adjudicators at all levels of the disability program, i.e., in central office, regional offices and the States. Identifies strategic program policy issues; prepares regulatory and policy proposals and position papers; and recommends alternative solutions to issues identified. Provides technical advice and other assistance to lower graded specialists in the development of policies and procedures, including major projects and studies; and [CONT..] gives technical orientation and training to new specialists and monitors and reviews their work. Leads task forces, teams and work groups that include professionals for the analysis and development of complex policies and procedures. Leads or serves on task forces, teams and work groups that include other SSA components, other government agencies and/or outside organizations. Plans, directs and conducts complex studies, multifaceted projects, and continuing activities in the formulation, development, maintenance, evaluation and [CONT..] interpretation of operating program policies, procedures, regulations, instructions and court actions. Responds orally and in writing to complex questions concerning the application and interpretation of national program policy, court cases, and related issues. Identifies strategic program policy issues; prepares regulatory and policy proposals and position papers; and recommends alternative solutions to issues identified. Represents ODP, ODISP, and SSA and provides consultative and advisory services in meetings, discussions, working groups, and [CONT..] negotiations with other SSA components, other governmental organizations, public advocacy groups, the courts, plaintiff's counsel, representatives of private and public institutions, and congressional staffs and the Congress. Coordinates disability policy/procedural issues with other government agencies, e.g., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Requirements Conditions of Employment U.S. See Additional Information section. Qualifications Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To qualify, applicant must have experience planning, analyzing, interpreting, and explaining policies and procedures related to social insurance and income maintenance programs. In addition, applicants must have experience in public or private disability programs at an appeals or court level, including disability claims adjudication or argument. In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must meet 3 out of 4 of the following experience indicators for the SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: Ability to research and evaluate policy/procedures to make recommendations for improvement. Experience with assessing disability policy or adjudicating disability claims in a public or private disability program(s), whether at an initial claims or appellate level. Experience applying vocational, medical and non-medical disability policy, and other issues related to making disability determinations and decisions in order to analyze and develop regulations, policies or procedures Experience serving on or leading teams or workgroups, which are charged with the development of regulations, policies, or procedures. Experience experience assessing the impact of proposed program changes and litigation, and providing advice and guidance on the application of existing policies and procedures. PLEASE NOTE: A writing exercise will be required as a part of the interview process. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee's duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than November 22, 2021 and submit documentation of vaccination by November 23, 2021 OR shortly after appointment or onboarding with SSA, if this occurs after November 22, 2021. At the time of selection, SSA will provide additional information regarding what documentation you must provide and how you can request a legally required exception from this requirement. To ensure compliance with an applicable nationwide preliminary injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the desired competencies for this position. These competencies include: Ability to research and evaluate policy/procedures to make recommendations for improvement. (SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR). Knowledge of writing and/or interpreting policy and procedures for disability programs or other benefit paying programs. Ability to communicate complex issues orally and in writing. Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. If you meet the basic requirements for the position, your application will be evaluated and placed into one of three categories: 1 - Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements. 2 - Well Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and demonstrate a satisfactory level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. 3 - Best Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and demonstrate a high level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Candidates eligible for veterans' preference will be placed ahead of other candidates in the appropriate category for which they have been rated. Additionally, preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements will automatically be placed in the Best Qualified Category. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered. Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies. You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference. INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified category as described in the vacancy announcement. Candidates must also provide: proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters. For more information visit the Vet Guide. How to Apply To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Your Resume The Occupational Questionnaire Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section) The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 03/04/2022. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided. Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account. Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made. Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference. INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified category as described in the vacancy announcement. Candidates must also provide: proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters. For more information visit the Vet Guide. Help This job is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee. Military spouses The public U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency This Position is open to all U.S. Citizens - THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL CLOSE AFTER RECEIPT OF 250 APPLICATIONS