Legal Assistant (ICTAP/Military Spouses/VEOA)

Summary

This position is located in the Milwaukee Hearing Office located at 310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Room 300W, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

Flextime| Full-time| Alternate work schedules may be available.

This job is open to

  • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

    Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

  • Military spouses

Clarification from the agency

ICTAP eligibles in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin local commuting area only. Applications will also be accepted under the Military Spouse Hiring Authority and the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) for preference eligibles OR veteran separated from the armed forces after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. This includes veterans who were separated a few days before the full 3-year period.

Duties

Once selected for this important position, you will contribute to the Agency’s mission through direct and personal service to the public. The Office of Hearings Operations handles appeals that have been filed by people who have been denied Social Security, Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI), or Medicare benefits. You will provide support to Administrative Law Judges and other professional employees in processing cases filed under the Social Security Act.

Legal Assistants provide quasi legal and technical support to Administrative Law Judges and other technical and professional positions in the processing of entitlement cases pursuant to Titles II, XVI, and XVIII of the Social Security Act, as amended, at the administrative appeals level. Legal Assistants are responsible for developing and processing requests for hearing cases from their receipt in the office to completion, independently performing a wide range of case development actions, and processes more complex hearing cases where analysis of pertinent issues and interpretation of the provisions of the laws, regulations, rulings, precedents, policies, procedures, and guidelines relative to the cases is necessary.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Proof of ICTAP, Military Spouse, or VEOA eligibility required.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
  • Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required.
  • Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-7 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. Specialized experience is experience in: examining and analyzing pre-hearing, hearing, and post-hearing documents for compliance with the regulatory provisions of titles II, VIII, and XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended (Act), and other relevant sources of authority; identifying and presenting discrepancies or deficiencies in case development and recommend appropriate corrective actions; handling requests or inquires related to SSA policies and procedures; communicating with claimants, representatives, or supervisors to provide status of claimants’ applications, and other related areas of case processing.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks at GS-7.

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants must be eligible under ICTAP, Military Spouse or VEOA.

Education

There is no substitution of education at this level.

Additional information

In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants must be eligible under one of the following categories:

  • Displaced or surplus Federal employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). See Required Documents section for instructions on submitting proof.
  • Certain Military Spouses. See Required Documents section for instructions on submitting proof.
  • Veterans who are eligible for preference OR who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service, including veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period, are eligible for consideration under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). See Required Documents section for instructions on submitting proof.

In addition to meeting the basic eligibility criteria, ICTAP applicants must be well qualified for the position. Well-qualified is defined as having knowledge, skills, and abilities that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. Under numeric rating procedures, qualified ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of 85 or higher to be eligible for selection.

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

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. See www.sss.gov.

OTHER NOTES:

GS 8 is the full performance level of this position.

This position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

  • 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:The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are necessary to perform the duties of the position:

  • Knowledge of the social security disability claims process
  • Ability to organize and manage work assignments.
  • Ability to use online technology and automation tools.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Skill in data management.

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. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12080929

  • 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.

    For more information visit http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

    PROOF OF VEOA ELIGIBILITY: Applicants for consideration under the VEOA appointment authority include those eligible for veterans’ preference (see below) OR have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service, including veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period. For more information visit the Vet Guide.

    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. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.

    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.

    Military Spouse Appointing Authority: You may be eligible for an appointment under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority if you are a spouse of: 1) an active duty member of the armed forces; 2) a service member who is 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury; or 3) a deceased service member of the armed forces. Each of these categories has different eligibility criteria that must be met. Individuals applying for consideration under this authority MUST provide the applicable supporting documentation (e.g., documentation verifying marriage, copy of your spouse’s active military orders, DD-214, copy of a statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or a branch of the military certifying the service member’s service-connected disability rating, DD-1300, etc.). You are no longer eligible if you remarry.

  • How to Apply

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    1. Your Resume

    2. The Occupational Questionnaire

    3. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)

    The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 08/12/2023.

    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.

    If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Tamika Powell at Tamika.Powell@ssa.govor (312) 575-6808.

    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.

    Agency contact information

    Tamika Powell

    Phone

    (312) 575-6808

    Email

    Tamika.Powell@ssa.gov

    Address

    Region V OHO 600 West Madison 6th Floor Chicago, IL 60661 US

    Next steps

    Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive at least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position.

    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 set up 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.

For more information visit http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

PROOF OF VEOA ELIGIBILITY: Applicants for consideration under the VEOA appointment authority include those eligible for veterans’ preference (see below) OR have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service, including veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period. For more information visit the Vet Guide.

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. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.

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.

Military Spouse Appointing Authority: You may be eligible for an appointment under the Military Spouse Appointing Authority if you are a spouse of: 1) an active duty member of the armed forces; 2) a service member who is 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury; or 3) a deceased service member of the armed forces. Each of these categories has different eligibility criteria that must be met. Individuals applying for consideration under this authority MUST provide the applicable supporting documentation (e.g., documentation verifying marriage, copy of your spouse’s active military orders, DD-214, copy of a statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or a branch of the military certifying the service member’s service-connected disability rating, DD-1300, etc.). You are no longer eligible if you remarry.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume

2. The Occupational Questionnaire

3. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)

The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 08/12/2023.

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.

If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Tamika Powell at Tamika.Powell@ssa.govor (312) 575-6808.

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.

Agency contact information

Tamika Powell

Phone

(312) 575-6808

Email

Tamika.Powell@ssa.gov

Address

Region V OHO 600 West Madison 6th Floor Chicago, IL 60661 US

Next steps

Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive at least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position.

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 & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up 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
Job Category
Legal Services
Job Type
Full Time/Permanent
Salary
USD 54,039.00 - 70,255.00 per year
Country
United States
City
Milwaukee
Career Level
unspecified
Company
usagov
JOB SOURCE
https://www.usajobs.gov/job/741901500