Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR), Casualty and Survivor Benefit Program Specialist. Analyzing and recommending changes and administering the Casualty Services and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) programs and to provide Subject Matter Expertise in benefits/entitlements afforded through a wide variety of programs. Responsibilities Program Specialist for an installation's Casualty Services. Analyzes, implements, and administers total advisory services and comprehensive programs related to casualty services. Serves as a subject matter expert for the installation's Casualty Policy and Casualty Program Educator programs. Develops and implements publicity and information programs as they relate to Casualty Services, Survivor Benefits, Record of Emergency Data and the various government life insurance programs. Provides advisory services and administers comprehensive programs related to Casualty Services. Provides guidance on casualty reporting, notification, and assistance programs. Program Specialist for an installation's Survivor Benefit Program (SBP). Provides counseling, guidance, and interpretations concerning the broad range of rights and benefits, explaining both short- and long-term impact of the SBP on Air Force personnel and their families. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes (1) Applying extensive knowledge of military human resources management policies and programs including all Federal benefits and entitlements, sufficient to provide authorities advisory service and an understanding of public laws; (2) Determining the appropriate treatment of matters as they apply to moderately complex survivor benefits and casualty assistance issues; (3) Executing procedures for reporting and verifying deaths of active duty and retired members; (4) Communicating effectively to build relationships and perform advisory services, conduct interviews and motivate individuals to use benefits and services immediately available. OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: I have a combination of specialized experience and education. A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of comprehensive programs of federal entitlements administered by DOD, VA, and the SSA as they pertain to the Survivor Benefits/Survivor Rights Programs, Casualty Services and military life insurance programs (including the impact other survivor benefits will have on SBP, Civil Service retiree pensions and effect on military retired pay and survivor annuities) and the inter-relationship of these benefits and how it compares with commercial alternatives. Knowledge of and familiarity with the responsibilities of the DFAS Centers, the VA, and the SSA. Ability to resolve problems related to casualty operations and the SBP with these agencies. Knowledge of military rank and precedents and chain of command and the processes for verifying deaths, and the processes required by the Casualty Services Program. Knowledge of interment rights and benefits provided by the VA including travel for family members, transportation of household goods/extension requests, and claims for destruction of personal property. Ability to resolve problems related to casualty operations and the SBP with these DFAS Centers, the VA, and the SSA. Ability to develop and apply knowledge of federal, state, and local social services available in the community as they relate to SBP, Casualty Services, and military life insurance programs (SGLI, VGLI, and NSLI). Ability to compile and report data, analyze statistical data for trends, and to make adjustments to the programs. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, both orally and in writing, and with a high degree of empathy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with NOK of deceased persons. Ability to perform in-depth research, gather facts and use extensive and effective analytical and evaluative methods to accurately express oneself orally and in writing in a highly effective and professional manner, to interact with diversified groups, individuals and organizations. Public speaking and active training of large groups is an integral part of this position. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safe. The duties of this position meet all requirements as a category 4 designation, and shall not be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the parent Federal Agency or office to function effectively. This position must be removed from the Ready Reserve and cannot become a member of the Ready Reserve. (IAW: DoDD 1200.7, "Screening the Ready Reserve,") This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs." Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
