Custome Service Representative (ICTAP/CTAP) NTE 1 Year in Birmingham, Alabama

Summary This part time, not-to-exceed one year position is located in the Birmingham AL Field Office. This office is located at 1200 Rev Abraham Woods Jr BLVD N Birmingham Al 35285. Applications will only be accepted for those eligible for Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) in the commuting area of the listed duty location and from eligible military spouses. Responsibilities Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) provide assistance to beneficiaries and the general public in person, by telephone, or in writing. CSRs conduct interviews to determine the nature of the caller’s question or issue; explain technical information, gather facts, evaluate evidence, and take action to resolve problems relating to all Social Security programs. Once selected for the Customer Service Representative position in SSA, you will contribute to the Agency’s mission through direct service to the public. As the first point of contact, you are responsible for assisting beneficiaries or inquirers in person, by telephone or in writing to provide information on SSA laws, rules and regulations and Medicare Insurance Programs. This includes obtaining information in order to determine eligibility and entitlement for programs administered by SSA, and using automation tools to access and update information about claims or potential eligibility. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the next lower grade 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. GS-7: 52 weeks of full-time specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal Service performing the following tasks: (1) researching Federal, State, or County laws, regulations, policies and procedures to evaluate program eligibility or claims; (2) explaining legal provisions and resolving complex issues (e.g., obtaining benefits, payment interruptions, etc.) to a large volume of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds; (3) using a computer to reconcile discrepancies and enter data into databases; and (4) responding to technical inquiries concerning benefit entitlement, benefit payments, etc. Note: Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period), you will be credited with 6 months of experience. SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW PROCESS (CAIP) INTERVIEW – Applicants will be required to participate in a panel interview (after basic eligibility determination) to demonstrate an aptitude for meeting and dealing with the public. Applicants must pass this interview process in order to be found fully qualified for this position and receive further consideration for selection. This interview will cover typical situations, which might be encountered on the job, in person or over the telephone. Applicants must demonstrate qualities such as clarity of speech, ability to listen, ability to establish confidence and put others at ease and the ability to organize and express thoughts clearly. If you do not pass the CAIP interview, you will not qualify for the job. Panel interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. NOTE: Previous Meet and Deal results are not valid for this vacancy announcement; you will be required to complete the CAIP assessment. Education For GS-8: Substitution of education is not applicable at this grade level. Additional Information In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicants must be eligible under one of the following categories: Displaced or surplus Federal employees eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) in the local commuting area of the listed duty location Eligibility under Military Spouse authority 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. 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 is a career-ladder position leading to the GS-8 grade level. Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.