Supervisory Veterans Service Representative (AVSCM)

Summary

The Supervisory Veterans Service Representative (AVSCM) shares in the responsibility of managing Veterans Service Center (VSC) division operations through a staff of personnel responsible for claims processing, providing information, advice and assistance on all types of VA benefits to veterans and their dependents and for providing outreach services to stakeholders.

**PCS (BVO) Relocation Expenses AND a $15,000 Relocation Incentive is authorized for this vacancy.**

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent VBA employees and those who are CTAP eligible.

Duties

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and controls the work of the Division.
• Revises and develops work methods to support division priorities.
• Ensures proficient resource utilization and quality of work performed and services rendered; writes/establishes policies and procedures within division.
• Maintains the highest technical and professional authority to make decisions in the types of claims considered most difficult or critical, or which commit the Federal Government to unusual liability.
• Forecasts workload of the Division, both short and long range so adequate funds, staffing, space, equipment and supplies will be planned for, budgeted, and provided.
• Reviews written correspondence to individuals, Congressional, White House, or other special inquiries for approval.
• Serves as technical advisor to the Service Center Manager and/or Regional Office Director for the administration of Compensation and Pension programs.
• Establishes and builds relationships with stakeholders to exchange or distribute information regarding agency programs or policies.
• Ensures equal opportunities for all division employees and supports Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policy/goals.
• Collaborates with station management and Division Chiefs in deciding on and/or coordinating work-related changes affecting other units or divisions.
• Consults with supervisors and union representatives/officials to discuss and resolve employee performance issues, complaints or grievances.

Promotion Potential: This position is being announced at the full performance level.

Work Schedule: Standard 5-day, 8-hour, full time (40 hours a week) schedule, 8:00 am-4:30 pm; Monday - Friday. Hours may vary to effectively carry out the mission.

Compressed/Flexible: Available

Telework: Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Veterans Service Representative (AVSCM); PD# 37977A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized. Relocation expenses and services (Permanent Change of Station - PCS) are authorized for this recruitment. PCS is the relocation of a household due to government convenience in connection with the transfer between duty stations or facilities. In consideration of the payment of expenses for travel and transportation, the selectee agrees to remain in federal service for twelve (12) months following the date of transfer. Failure to complete all conditions of the obligated service may result in repayment of travel/transportation expenses. Click here for more information.

$15,000 Relocation Incentive is authorized for this vacancy. A three year (3-yr) service agreement is required.

Financial Disclosure Report: Required - Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, under 5 CFR 2634.904(a) prior to entering on duty and annually thereafter.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selectees are required to service a one-year supervisory probationary period if not previously completed in a Federal position.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• PCS (BVO) Relocation Expenses are ONLY authorized for selectee/s choosing to physically relocate to the Official Duty location of St. Paul, MN.
• RELOCATION INCENTIVE of $15,000 AND PCS (BVO) Relocation Expenses are ONLY authorized for selectee/s choosing to physically relocate to the Official Duty location of St. Paul, MN.
• Must sign a written agreement to complete 36 months of employment, commencing upon physical relocation and establishment of residence in the St. Paul, MN geographical location

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:09/16/2024.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

• For a GS-14 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13 level.

The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience as described below:

GS-14 Grade Level:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as comprehensive knowledge of veteran benefit programs or VBA business lines and laws affecting veterans' compensation and pension benefits to provide guidance and direction on claims and appeals processing. Supervised, managed, or served as a project lead to accomplish performance and project goals; possesses knowledge of employee relations (e.g., performance or conduct based actions) and/or labor relations (e.g., grievance processor negotiations) practices.

Volunteer Experience: 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; religions; 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.

Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week.

Physical Requirements: This work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion. This position is primarily sedentary with some walking, standing, bending, stooping and carrying of lightweight items (i.e. folders, claims files).

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.

VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• 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.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

• TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE: Applies Federal, State and Local laws, regulations, policies, guides, procedures and judicial determinations applicable to veterans benefits programs (particularly compensation and pension).
• HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT: Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations and staffing needs. Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manage multi grade level workforce and various work situations.
• LEADERSHIP: Develops and leads employees work activities toward meeting organization mission/goals, identify patterns in (VSC) operations to develop solutions to enhance productivity/service, encourages an inclusive workplace, support constructive resolution of conflicts.
• ANALYTICAL REASONING: Analyzes (i.e. review and evaluate), comprehend and apply decisions based on data or complex information, weighs relevance and accuracy of information, generates and evaluates alternative solutions, makes recommendations or final determinations.
• ORAL COMMUNICATION: Clearly and concisely expresses information to individuals or groups, takes into account audience and nature of information, makes clear and convincing oral presentations, listens to others and responds appropriately.
• WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Writes in a clear, concise organized manner using correct English grammar, punctuation and spelling; thoughts and ideas are organized and written in a convincing manner for intended audience.
• DECISION MAKING: Makes well-informed and timely decisions, even when data is limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences, take into account the facts, goals, constraints and risks, perceives the impact and implications of decisions.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview.

• 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.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.
  
  1. Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
  
  • For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, FT/PT and/or not including documentation supporting Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
  
  2. A copy of your TWO most recent (2022/2023-VA Form 0750) performance appraisals (annual rating of record *with a documented rating*) and associated performance standards. NOTE: Applicants unable to provide your most recent performance appraisal MUST provide a valid written explanation for its absence.
  
  3. Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). General Adjustment' SF-50 is NOT sufficient to determine time-in-grade!
  
  
  • To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.).
  • If you are seeking a reassignment/change to lower grade, you must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) AND the SF-50 placing you into your current position.
  
  Additional Documents accepted:
  
  
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal (VA Form 0750)
  • Award SF-50s
  • CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal
  
  
  Please use this checklist to make sure you have included all documents required for your application. You will not be contacted for additional information.
  
  
  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
  
  Complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/16/2024 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12539272.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  
  Click here for instructions on viewing your application status.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Elena Kabanova
  
  Phone
  
  303-914-2688
  
  Email
  
  elena.kabanova@va.gov
  
  Address
  
  St Paul Regional Benefit Office
  
  1 Federal Dr, Fort Snelling
  
  St Paul, MN 55111-4050
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.

1. Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.

• For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you must also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, FT/PT and/or not including documentation supporting Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.

2. A copy of your TWO most recent (2022/2023-VA Form 0750) performance appraisals (annual rating of record *with a documented rating*) and associated performance standards. NOTE: Applicants unable to provide your most recent performance appraisal MUST provide a valid written explanation for its absence.

3. Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). General Adjustment' SF-50 is NOT sufficient to determine time-in-grade!

• To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.).
• If you are seeking a reassignment/change to lower grade, you must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) AND the SF-50 placing you into your current position.

Additional Documents accepted:

• Most recent Performance Appraisal (VA Form 0750)
• Award SF-50s
• CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal

Please use this checklist to make sure you have included all documents required for your application. You will not be contacted for additional information.


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

Complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/16/2024 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12539272.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

Click here for instructions on viewing your application status.

Agency contact information

Elena Kabanova

Phone

303-914-2688

Email

elena.kabanova@va.gov

Address

St Paul Regional Benefit Office

1 Federal Dr, Fort Snelling

St Paul, MN 55111-4050

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request