RR Retirement Claims Examiner (Disability-Initial)

This position is located in the Disability Benefits Division, Initial Section. The incumbent will be responsible for developing, analyzing and evaluating records of physical examinations, medical treatment, employment, vocational experience, etc., in connection with applications for disability benefits.

This job announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.

This is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by the Council of AFGE Locals in the Board.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

For Grade GS-07:

A. Superior Academic Achievement: Completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in a field of study that demonstrates the competencies required by this position with either (1) a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale; (2) a 3.5 GPA based on a 4.0 scale for all required courses completed in a qualifying major field of study at either the time of application or during the last two years of your undergraduate curriculum; (3) class standing of upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or a major subdivision of the college; or, (4) membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society certified by the Association of College Honor Societies, excluding freshman honor societies;

If applying under this provision, copies of transcripts (from each school attended) for undergraduate courses must be submitted with your application, or in your Official Personnel Folder by the closing date of this posting. (See "Transcripts" under "Required Documents."); OR

B. One full year of graduate level education in an accredited or pre-accredited college or university. The education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work; OR

C. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, that deals with the development, examination, investigation, adjudication, or authorization of benefit claims (i.e. Retirement, Survivor, Sickness, Unemployment, Medicare, Social Security, and/or Disability); OR

D. A combination of education and experience as listed above.

Time-in grade-restrictions: Applicants who are current or former Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

These positions are only being filled at the GS-07 grade level.

Responsibilities:

As a RR Retirement Claims Examiner (Disability-Initial), you will:

• Develop. analyze and evaluate reports of physical/mental/psychological examinations and clinical tests, medical treatment, hospitalization, employment, education, daily activities, vocational/work experience, and rehabilitation in connection with applications for disability benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and for periods of disability under the Social Security Act (SSA).
• Make determinations for total and permanent disability (disabled for all employment) or for occupational disability (disabled for regular railroad occupation only) where applicable.
• Prepare summary of findings granting or denying disability subject to review and approval by another examiner.
• Release cases for further processing or payment on claimants rated disabled.
• Review reports of medical examinations submitted by the physicians, vocational specialists, etc. for completeness, thoroughness and appropriateness.
• Respond, by telephone, electronic media or in writing to telephone and written inquiries from claimants, field offices, the Social Security Administration, attorneys, family members, Congressional offices, and other interested parties regarding the disability program and/or specific claims.

Salary : $40,082 - $52,106