Field Office- Claims Specialist

Overview

Positions under this announcement are being filled using a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (SSA-001), open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the DHA, Veterans Preference and the  Rule of Many  do not apply.

Telework may be available in accordance with agency policy. This is NOT a virtual position. Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered. For more information, please review the new resume guidance.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Cut-Off Dates to receive applications will be used for this announcement.

• First Cut-Off Date:
  June 1, 2026
• Final Cut-Off and Closing Date:
  June 24, 2026

The initial cut-off date will be used to begin applicant consideration. Applications received after the initial cut-off date will only be considered if needed.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. If you are using experience to qualify, you must have:

GS-5: Three years of general experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service that demonstrates the ability to
1) review problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions;
2) plan and organize work; and
3) communicate effectively orally and in writing. An example of qualifying experience includes reviewing, explaining, applying or interpreting rules, regulations or policies.

GS-7: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level (or equivalent) that demonstrates the ability to (1) assist individuals in establishing their entitlement to receive benefits (e.g., retirement, disability, public aid, insurance, taxes, etc.); (2) adjudicate, authorize or reconsider claims; (3) explain benefit entitlements or requirements to the general public; (4) evaluate benefit program operations to assess integrity and quality;

or (5) interpret benefit program requirements to formulate policies, procedures or guidelines.

GS-9: Fifty-two weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level. Examples include assisting individuals in establishing their entitlement to receive benefits; adjudicating or investigating claims; or evaluating benefit programs to assess the integrity and quality of operations.

Note: Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period, you will be credited with 6 months of experience).

COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW PROCESS (CAIP) INTERVIEW - Applicants will be required to participate in a panel interview (after basic eligibility determination) to demonstrate an aptitude for meeting and dealing with the public. Applicants must pass this interview process to be fully qualified for this position and receive further consideration for selection. This interview covers typical on-the-job situations, in person or over the telephone.

Applicants must demonstrate clarity of speech, listening ability, confidence-building, and the ability to organize and express thoughts clearly. If you do not pass the CAIP interview, you will not qualify for the job. Panel interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.