Benefit Authorizer (Central Processing) Direct Hire Authority

Once selected as a Benefit Authorizer in SSA you will make final determinations on benefit entitlement decisions. This includes having direct telephone contact with the public to resolve issues or discrepancies and provide them with their rights under Social Security laws. You will be responsible for adjusting established benefits and effectuating payments and using state-of-the-art computer technology to access and update information about claims.

Benefit Authorizers (BAs) determine if applicants are eligible to receive or continue receiving benefits and/or payments for various Social Security programs. They answer questions from callers to Social Securitys 800 number telephone network resolve issues or discrepancies and explain Social Security program information to the public.

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Selective Service Registration if applicable ()
• Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required
• Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results
• Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period
• Relocation expenses will not be paid
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
• Must pass Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP) interview.
• Selectees will be required to attend and successfully complete formal technical training onsite at a designated SSA facility
• Candidates will not be hired based on their race sex color religion or national origin

Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered please visit the new resume guidance for more information.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. If you are using experience to qualify you must have:

GS-5: Three years of general experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the federal service that demonstrates the ability to 1) review problems to identify significant factors gather pertinent data and recognize solutions; 2) plan and organize work; and 3) communicate effectively orally and in writing. An example of qualifying experience include reviewing explaining applying or interpreting rules regulation or policies.

GS-7: One (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level (or equivalent) that demonstrates the ability to (1) assist individuals in establishing their entitlement to receive benefits (e.g. retirement disability public aid insurance taxes etc.); (2) adjudicate authorize or reconsider claims; (3) explain benefit (e.g. retirement disability public aid insurance taxes etc.) entitlements or requirements to the general public; (4) evaluate benefit (e.g. retirement disability public aid insurance taxes etc.) program operations to assess the integrity and quality; or (5) interpret benefit (e.g. retirement disability public aid insurance taxes etc.) program requirements to formulate policies procedures or guidelines.

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.