Summary
LOCATION: This position is located in the Seattle Hearing office at 300 5th Ave. Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98104.
This announcement may be used to fill additional unanticipated vacancies within the next six months.
The position is at the full performance level.
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
APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM those eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) in the Seattle, Washington commute area and eligible Military Spouses.
Duties
The incumbent provides assistance to staff members engaged in processing requests for hearing filed pursuant to titles II, VIII, and XVI of the Social Security Act, as amended, at the administrative appeals level. The incumbent may assist supervisors, as needed, in the planning, development, and implementation of work plans. Additionally, the incumbent analyzes trends to improve business processes; performs workload management functions, ensuring that cases are processed in accordance with established timeframes; dispenses information to the public concerning benefits and services available; drafts fully favorable decisions; and examines legal instruments and supporting documentation to determine whether requested action compliances with regulatory requirements.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Proof of ICTAP eligibility required.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
- Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation 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.
Time in grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants must be eligible under ICTAP or Military Spouse.
- Displaced or surplus Federal employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) who have held a GS-9 or above; or on a career ladder position with full performance level leading to the GS-9 or above. (For additional information regarding ICTAP eligibility, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf)
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.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Military Spouse Authority provides for non-competitive appointment for qualified military spouses. For more information, please visit FedsHireVets.gov.
Education
GS-9: Master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or successful completion of two academic years of progressively higher graduate education, or LL.B. or J.D.
Combining Education and Experience:
GS-9: Experience and graduate level education beyond the first year may be combined to meet the minimum qualification requirement.
Note: One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school you attended has determined to represent one year of study. If this information is not provided, we will consider 18 semester/27 quarter hours to be equal to one year of full-time graduate study.If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position. Experience and education will be computed as percentages of the overall requirements and must equal to 100 percent when combined.
Additional information
Position to be filled under the provisions of the SSA/AFGE Merit Promotion Plan. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date of the initial selection.
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.
This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency and office policy.
- 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.
Applicants will rated using a 100-point scale and evaluated according to the following criteria:
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.
Applicants will be assessed using the rating criteria listed in the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11940635
- 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.
The following section provides information on supporting documentation that must be submitted.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: If you are qualifying on the basis of education or satisfying an educational requirement, transcripts are required. Submit an electronic copy of your transcripts with title of course, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. All academic degrees and coursework must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: Education completed in a foreign institution must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to acquire U.S. Certification and provide it at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
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.
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 service member killed while on active duty. 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.).
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.
- How to Apply
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Statements
Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or in your SSA-45 may be subject to verification. By completing the electronic application process, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume
2. Proof of ICTAP eligibility and/or Proof of Military Spouse eligibility
3. The Occupational Questionnaire
4. Additional Required Documents (e.g., ICTAP notice, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action. See Required Documents section).
The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 04/29/2023. Failure to upload any required documents will disqualify your application from consideration.
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 Ginny Sherrard-Lees at ginny.sherrard-lees@ssa.gov or 206-615-2672.
Individuals with disabilities may 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, standard mail, or facsimile sent directly to the Servicing Personnel Office. Applicants are required to file through the online application process. 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
Ginny Sherrard-Lees
Phone
206-615-2672
Email
ginny.sherrard-lees@ssa.gov
Address
Region X OHO 701 Fifth Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 US
Next steps
After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive notification via email explaining the status of your application. If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you an electronic receipt of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this 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
The following section provides information on supporting documentation that must be submitted.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: If you are qualifying on the basis of education or satisfying an educational requirement, transcripts are required. Submit an electronic copy of your transcripts with title of course, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. All academic degrees and coursework must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. NOTE: Education completed in a foreign institution must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs. It is the applicant’s responsibility to acquire U.S. Certification and provide it at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
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.
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 service member killed while on active duty. 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.).
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.
How to Apply
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Statements
Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or in your SSA-45 may be subject to verification. By completing the electronic application process, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete, and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your Resume
2. Proof of ICTAP eligibility and/or Proof of Military Spouse eligibility
3. The Occupational Questionnaire
4. Additional Required Documents (e.g., ICTAP notice, SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action. See Required Documents section).
The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 04/29/2023. Failure to upload any required documents will disqualify your application from consideration.
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 Ginny Sherrard-Lees at ginny.sherrard-lees@ssa.gov or 206-615-2672.
Individuals with disabilities may 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, standard mail, or facsimile sent directly to the Servicing Personnel Office. Applicants are required to file through the online application process. 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
Ginny Sherrard-Lees
Phone
206-615-2672
ginny.sherrard-lees@ssa.gov
Address
Region X OHO 701 Fifth Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 US
Next steps
After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive notification via email explaining the status of your application. If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you an electronic receipt of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this 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