Not Required
Duties
Apply medical expertise to evaluate a wide range of disability claims, including precedent-setting and difficult cases.,Review and render decisions on medical records, diagnostic tests, and physician notes to determine disability status, severity, and impact on job performance.,Ensure compliance with laws, court decisions, and government policy in the administration of retirement, health, and life insurance benefits.,Supervise and review the work of subordinate Medical Specialists handling complex disability cases.,Plan and direct the work of the assigned office.
Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit
Qualifications
Basic Education Requirement: You must have a Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree: major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this Medical Specialist position. This degree must be from an educational program from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. For the GS 13: You must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector) performing the following: Applying medical knowledge to evaluate and adjudicate disability, retirement, health, or life insurance benefit claims, including complex or non-routine cases; AND Reviewing and analyzing medical records, such as physician notes, diagnostic test results, and supporting documentation, to determine the presence, severity, and functional impact of medical conditions; AND Rendering initial determinations or recommendations on benefit eligibility based on applicable laws, regulations, and medical evidence; AND Providing technical guidance or oversight to staff or peers involved in medical or disability claims adjudication; AND Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve benefit-related issues. Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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; religious; 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.
Education
This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement.
Other Information
Relocation expenses will not be paid. Current OPM employees may qualify as an exception. Incentive payments may be considered. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM. During the application process you will have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement. Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements visit the following websites: Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses Other Special Appointment Authorities Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration) If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document that you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. Click the following link for more information, https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period, or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - your performance and conduct; - the needs and interests of the agency; - whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and - whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period (or trial period) your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.