Summary
This position is located on the Legislative Staff of the Policy and Procedures Staff in Compensation Service, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) at the VA Central Office in Washington, DC. The goal of Compensation Service is to deliver world-class service to veterans and their families through effective communication and management of people and business processes
Learn more about this agency
Responsibilities
Major Duties:
1. The incumbent monitors operating programs and activities supporting compensation and pension benefits and services provided to veterans, their dependents or beneficiaries. Works in close cooperation with other elements of VBA as it relates to veterans’ benefits.
2. Formulates and recommends instructions, directives, guidelines, policies, plans or procedures to administer or carry out functions which support operations delivery or supporting delivery of benefits or services to veterans.
- Assists field stations with instructions for implementing policy, procedures, or training.
- Studies program operations, new legislation, automated systems, management initiatives, and the operation of interacting programs and organizations to develop new and modified operating instructions and training material.
- Analyzes and evaluates, on a qualitative and quantitative basis, the effectiveness of programs or operations in meeting established goals and objectives.
3. Undertakes long-and short-range research and studies program activities within CS to support the organization’s business goals and objectives. Gathers relevant data, analyzes it critically, and makes recommendations based on findings using available information resources such as internet tools, manuals, and other reference material. Manages multiple projects or programs concurrently where effort involves coordination among multiple resources, other divisions, or agents outside of the organization. Conducts investigations of evidence involved in resolving special interest cases.
4. Deals with issues of both sensitive or of a high-profile nature while advising leadership on the national or local impact of changes in process, protocol, or legal statutes, which may impact or shape the future direction of the organization.
5. Prepares for and gives oral presentations to various audiences within CS, VBA senior management, department level executives, and outside agencies. Develops PowerPoint presentations covering highlights of new material and providing practical applications and examples.
6. Prepares clear and concise documents. Assists in developing and updating procedural guidance for distribution to field offices and ensures updates to procedural guidance is also implemented in VA business systems, tools, calculators, letters, and forms, as well as other program functionality in support of business goals and objectives. Writes briefing papers, responds to congressional and external stakeholder inquiries and researches issues and prepares all necessary administrative materials, correspondence, and justifications detailing reasons for decisions.
7. Serves as an advisor and consultant to the supervisor on issues regarding technical, regulatory, procedural, and operational aspects of the CS programs. The incumbent may act for the Chief when called upon to do so.
8. Leads in-house efforts and participates actively as a team member or sub-group leader on project teams involving participants outside of VBA.
Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Compressed/Flexible: May be available
Telework: May be available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/ PD#Management and Program Analyst/PD35393A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Travel Required
Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position.
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
None
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- 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 period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/31/2020.
- Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). See the required documents section for more information. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. If you are a current VBA seeking a reassignment or change to lower grade via this vacancy announcement, you must currently hold the GS-13 (or higher) and the promotion potential of your current position must be at least GSGS-13.
You may qualify based on your experience as described below:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as documented knowledge of a complex field of laws, regulations and Federal legislation pertaining to the full range of veterans benefits and a comprehensive and thorough knowledge of state, federal and local benefit programs in order to be able to explain them, both orally and in writing, to individuals of all educational backgrounds.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management’s website at http://://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ .
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee’s credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM’s Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ .
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
For more information on the “Who may apply” eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application .
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
1. Extensive knowledge of veterans’ benefits laws and regulations that pertain to CS benefit programs to ensure proper administration of benefits of coverage, determinations, and the protection of the VA. Thorough knowledge of VBA mission, as well as significant policies and operating programs which affect claims benefits eligibility and payments sufficient to coordinate major management initiatives relative to claims processing.
2. Knowledge and mastery of the procedures, functions, responsibilities, and authorities that interact in the administration and implementation of the CS benefits program. Mastery of claims processing which include mastery of professional concepts, principles and practices that enable the incumbent to use experienced judgment and reliance upon knowledge of new developments, and application of pertinent principles in solving problems of a unique nature and in making recommendations that result in significant program or policy changes.
3. Ability to apply laws, guidelines, regulations, and precedent opinions necessary to analyze, evaluate, and made decisions related to CS programs. Ability to analyze, identify pertinent issues, and propose solutions or courses of action based on proper judgment and sound knowledge.
4. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments concurrently and to execute delivery efficiently and effectively. In-depth knowledge of management principles, practices, and concepts and skill in adapting analytical techniques and methodology.
5. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups interested in or affected by the program for which the incumbent is responsible. Skill in responding to challenges or criticisms of a professional or political nature, in logically and persuasively addressing concerns, in establishing and maintaining professional credibility, and in gaining the understanding and support of those challenging program policies or professional opinions.
6. Mastery of writing to ensure that documents are comprehensive, accurate, clear and comprehensible, and that adhere to accepted standards of formatting and style, i.e., spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc., and are appropriate to the intended audience.
7. Ability to anticipate and develop strategies to address issues of potential sensitivity.
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 contact for 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.
Background checks and security clearance
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test required
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Current VBA Employees : If you are seeking a reassignment/change to lower grade, you must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) AND the SF-50 placing you into your current position.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- PCS Orders
- Proof of Marriage Status
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Veterans’ Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx .
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
