Summary

The position description number for this position is PD1F1640. A summary of the major duties are listed below. You may also view the full position description on the Agency intranet at the following link: PD Search

The incumbent serves as technical authority providing program expertise in the Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI), Medicare and/or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Quality Review (QR) programs.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Open to all Office of Quality Review (OQR) employees in the competitive service nationwide. You MUST include your current permanent duty location and component on your SSA-45. Selectee must report to and live within 2 hours of an OQR Field Site. *Outstationing may be available for eligible employees.*

Duties

• Provides technical advice and direction for Disability Case Adjudication and Review System (DICARS) inquiries and releases.
• Disability review training; DQR; DI/RSI and/or SSIQR; Medicare; EQA/Web-based applications; eDIB; litigation data collection and research and review of disputed issues.
• Prepares reports, background, position papers and conducts briefings for OQR management including the Office of the Associate Commissioner and Deputy Associate Commissioner for OQR.
• Provides advice and assistance to the Field Site Director or other OQR managers in planning, formulating, and implementing the OQR work plan.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and/or conducts special studies and projects that are national or regional in scope and interest and often involve agencies or entities outside of SSA or outside of the Federal government
• Formulates options and recommends actions on major studies/projects.
• Facilitates members of the ad hoc team, represents members of the team or teams in negotiations with regional or central office staff to develop acceptance and appropriate implementation of the recommendations.
• Recommendations may involve policy changes, operational workloads, and systems modifications.
• Instructs team members, via on-the-job training, on work methods, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc. This includes technical aspects of disability claims processing as well as the technical aspects of retirement and survivor's applications.
• Ensures that work assignments/projects of the employees of the team are carried out by managing the work among employees to allow timely completion and adequate work for each employee; keeps up with the status of the work.
• Making appropriate adjustments in accordance with priorities; and reports to the branch chief on unusual problems that arise and on expected completion times.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• All application materials must be received by the closing date.
• Applicants must be in good standing.
• Applicants must have a fully successful rating of record.
• Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed.
• Requests for copies of application documents will not be accepted.
• All application forms submitted become the property of SSA Human Resources.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-13, the applicant must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience should include conducting Office of Quality Review (OQR) Assistance & Insurance Program Quality Branch (AIPQB) quality reviews of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) initial and postentitlement actions, including SSI Stewardship Review and SSI Transaction Accuracy Review (STAR).

• Experience conducting OQR Disability Quality Branch (DQB) reviews does not meet this requirement. Experience conducting OQR AIPQB reviews of Title II initial and postentitlement actions does not meet this requirement.

NOTE: Your resume and supporting documents must specifically address the evaluation criteria for the position. This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official. If your application materials do not demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience needed for this position, your application will be ineligible for consideration.

Information not specifically stated in your resume/SSA-45 cannot be assumed. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

Your SSA-45 must provide all of the information necessary to make qualifications determinations (e.g., all experience related to your qualifications for this position, full performance level of your current position, the dates at each grade level of your current or prior career-ladder position(s), etc.).

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

Applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks at GS-12..

Time in grade requirement must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

NONCOMPETITIVE CONSIDERATION DUE TO SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITY

Applications for noncompetitive consideration will be accepted from SSA employees in the area of consideration who are currently serving under the following types of appointments: Schedule A, Reg. 213.3102 (U) appointments for individuals with disabilities and time limited appointments for veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Applicants serving under these provisions do not need to submit copies of your disability or Veteran's documentation. However, you must submit a current SF-50 that provides information on the appointment authority under which you were hired. Otherwise, you will not receive non-competitive consideration.

NOTE: Excepted service employees serving under Schedule A appointments for Attorney positions or Pathways Programs appointments (Presidential Management Fellows, Recent Graduates, and Interns) are not eligible for consideration.

This is a non-bargaining unit position to be filled under the provisions of the Management Officials Promotion Plan. The best-qualified list for this vacancy may be used to fill the same or similar positions in a component(s) under the same Deputy Commissioner. Additional selections may be made within 6 months of the date the best qualified list is issued.

LOCALITY PAY: Salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Candidates currently receiving a higher locality pay than the office applied for are advised that should they be selected, they will lose entitlement to the higher locality pay.

OTHER NOTES:

This position is eligible for telework.

Outstationing may be available for eligible employees. Selectee must report to and live within 2 hours of an OQR Field Site.

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

This is a moderate risk public trust position. The selected employee will be required to complete a Standard Form 85P, Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions, in order to have the appropriate investigation conducted, unless the employee has been previously certified eligible to occupy a position at this level.

• 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 be rated based on the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of SSA programs, policies and procedures. Maximum 48 Points
• Skill in designing, directing and conducting special studies or projects. Maximum 48 Points
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Maximum 48 Points

Total Possible Points: 144

Information not specifically stated in your resume/SSA-45 cannot be assumed. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

Applicants will be assessed using the rating criteria listed in the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12396178

• 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.
  
  SSA-45 (all applicants)
  
  SF-50 that provides information on the appointment authority under which you were hired (applicants for Noncompetitive Consideration due to a Special Hiring Authority only)
  
  Your SSA-45 must provide all of the information necessary to make qualifications determinations (e.g., all experience related to your qualifications for this position, full performance level of your current position, the dates at each grade level of your current or prior career-ladder position(s), etc.). These documents will be referred to the selecting official if you are eligible for the best qualified list. Employees' Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed.
  
  Your SSA-45 must specifically demonstrate, in your own words, the possession of the required experience related to the minimum qualifications, selective placement factors and/or evaluation criteria. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria, KSAs and/or position description will not be considered. If this occurs, you may lose consideration for one or more grade levels or found ineligible.
• 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. SSA-45
  2. The Occupational Questionnaire: Click on the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account and follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire.
  3. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (See Required Documents section).
  
  The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on 05/20/2024. 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 OPE Staffing DCARO at OPE.Staffing.DCARO@ssa.gov or 410-965-1234.
  
  Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
  
  APPLYING FROM A PERSONAL COMPUTER OUTSIDE OF WORK
  
  SSA employees may access Internal Vacancies On-Line (IVOL) postings and apply for vacancies from locations outside of SSA (e.g., from home, public computer, etc.). Please use the following link: https://www.ssa.gov/careers/ivol. Be sure to forward the link and other application materials (such as the SSA-45) to an email source accessible from outside of SSA (e.g., your personal computer, etc.).
  
  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 and select "Application Status". If your status has not been updated, then no changes have occurred since your referral. Please note that the selecting official may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred candidates. You will be contacted directly if you are to be interviewed.
  
  Additionally, you will receive notification via email to the email address in your USAJOBS profile when your status is updated, such as if another applicant was selected or the posting was cancelled. Do not contact the specialist listed for status updates; All information available will be sent through notification emails and posted to your application status. No change in status means there are no updates.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  
  
  OPE Staffing DCARO
  
  Email
  
  OPE.Staffing.DCARO@ssa.gov
  
  Address
  
  DCARO - OQR
  
  6401 Security Boulevard
  
  Baltimore, MD 21235
  
  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 referred candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews; the announcement contact person is not involved in the interview process at all and will have no information to provide about 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
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • 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.

SSA-45 (all applicants)

SF-50 that provides information on the appointment authority under which you were hired (applicants for Noncompetitive Consideration due to a Special Hiring Authority only)

Your SSA-45 must provide all of the information necessary to make qualifications determinations (e.g., all experience related to your qualifications for this position, full performance level of your current position, the dates at each grade level of your current or prior career-ladder position(s), etc.). These documents will be referred to the selecting official if you are eligible for the best qualified list. Employees' Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed.

Your SSA-45 must specifically demonstrate, in your own words, the possession of the required experience related to the minimum qualifications, selective placement factors and/or evaluation criteria. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement, rating criteria, KSAs and/or position description will not be considered. If this occurs, you may lose consideration for one or more grade levels or found ineligible.

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. SSA-45
2. The Occupational Questionnaire: Click on the Apply Online button to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account and follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire.
3. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (See Required Documents section).

The complete Application Package must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. (EST) on 05/20/2024. 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 OPE Staffing DCARO at OPE.Staffing.DCARO@ssa.gov or 410-965-1234.

Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories

APPLYING FROM A PERSONAL COMPUTER OUTSIDE OF WORK

SSA employees may access Internal Vacancies On-Line (IVOL) postings and apply for vacancies from locations outside of SSA (e.g., from home, public computer, etc.). Please use the following link: https://www.ssa.gov/careers/ivol. Be sure to forward the link and other application materials (such as the SSA-45) to an email source accessible from outside of SSA (e.g., your personal computer, etc.).

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 and select "Application Status". If your status has not been updated, then no changes have occurred since your referral. Please note that the selecting official may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred candidates. You will be contacted directly if you are to be interviewed.

Additionally, you will receive notification via email to the email address in your USAJOBS profile when your status is updated, such as if another applicant was selected or the posting was cancelled. Do not contact the specialist listed for status updates; All information available will be sent through notification emails and posted to your application status. No change in status means there are no updates.

Agency contact information



OPE Staffing DCARO

Email

OPE.Staffing.DCARO@ssa.gov

Address

DCARO - OQR

6401 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21235

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 referred candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews; the announcement contact person is not involved in the interview process at all and will have no information to provide about 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
• Criminal history inquiries
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request