[Hiring] Veterans Service Representative (Authorizer) @San Juan Regional Benefit Office

Role Description

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, San Juan Regional Office (RO), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Operations Center, which is remote.

As a Veterans Service Representative in the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Operations Center, the incumbent is responsible for processing and authorizing claims for VA benefits and works as a member of one of the MST teams.

• Serve as the authorizer for claims.
• Explain benefit programs and entitlement criteria.
• Conduct interviews and hearings.
• Identify issues, gather relevant evidence, and adjudicate disability claims.
• Input data necessary to generate the disability award and notification letter to veterans and claimants and their representatives.
• Provide guidance on interpreting laws, regulations, and guidance.
• Serve as an advocate for veterans and their families as required.

Additional tasks include:

• Make determinations as to the eligibility for the type of benefit sought.
• Request examinations, re-examinations, or opinions to evaluate disabilities.
• Review claims cases to assure all issues have been addressed.
• Conduct interviews in person or by phone with veterans, representatives, and advocates.
• Prepare and release correspondence for use by other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Utilize various electronic data processing systems to input data for processing claims.
• Adjudicate award actions for compensation benefits.
• Prepare Statements of the Case for authorization appeals.
• Prepare administrative decisions relating to Character of Discharge (COD), contested claims, etc.
• Mentor and develop Veteran Service Representative (VSR) Trainees.

Qualifications

• Current, permanent employees of the MST Division or CTAP-eligible.
• Must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
• Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-10 level or higher.
• Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience defined as:
• The ability to request relevant medical or administrative evidence.
• Experience analyzing medical evidence and benefit/legal evidence.
• Experience in explaining program benefit entitlements and requirements.
• Technical assignments related to claims or benefits processing.
• Interpretation of laws, rules, and regulations.
• Education substitution options available.
• Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work.

Benefits

• Full-time, Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
• Remote work option available.
• Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
• Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
• Bargaining Unit: Yes.
• Salary range based on applicable locality pay.