Program Support Assistant_

Summary This Department of Veterans Affairs Program Support Specialist (PSA) position is located within the St. Louis Regional Office (VARO), in Overland, MO. The PSA is assigned to the Centralized Support Division (CSD). The PSA serves as the liaison for Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and Department of Defense (DOD). The Program Support Assistant is the expert in relation to FOIA and Privacy Act requirements. Responsibilities Responsible for the care and maintenance of claims folders and insuring all pertinent records and documents are preserved and neatly filed in chronological order in the correct compartment. Analyze claim and determine if disposition of claim and control action has been appropriately identified. Establish or updates control action, to include all tuxedo based applications to include Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES). Assist with gathering of Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) evidence for cases. Review evidence received for completeness. Follow-up to ensure that requested information is received for development actions, and takes the necessary steps needed to obtain the required information Utilize Electronic Military Records (eMilrecs) Systems for record retrieval capabilities. Prepare correspondence through the Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES) for communication to Regional Office personnel. Resolve cases in which records were, damaged or lost in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Process informal claims providing the claimant with the necessary application and stipulating the appropriate time limit. Generate various types of correspondence, (i.e. letters, reports of contacts, reports, and responses to FOIA requests or congressional inquiries), able to be understood by individuals with various backgrounds and educational levels. Provide information for statistical and narrative reports, as needed. Fully utilize CAPRI, COVERS, VACOLS, PCGL, PIES, SHARE, ARCIS, RRS, VBMS, Adobe, eMilrecs and WORD to input and/ or access information needed in connection with the duties of the position. Process all incoming Powers of Attorney. Explain basic VA FOIA/Privacy Act programs and entitlement criteria to veterans and their dependents. Assist claimants with resources for applications and forms. Review all forms and evidence submitted for completeness and accuracy and routing them to proper operating elements. Prepare, controls and monitors Veterans Assistance Inquiries (VAls) ensuring that timely responses are provided. Prepare changes of addresses. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/26/2024.Please Note: The closing date for this vacancy has been extended. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: (1) Using various software to produce and transmit documents, reports, and correspondences; (2) Utilizing automated computer systems to enter data and maintain case files; (3) Performing standard clerical duties to include maintaining suspense and follow up systems; AND (4) Reviewing forms and documents for completeness and accuracy. OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. 4 years of education above the high school level obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level.To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. NOTE: 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. Education An unofficial or official copy of your transcripts must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education: d.gov/accreditation/ If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: d.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Additional Information This is not a Virtual/Remote Position. Work Schedule: Regular office hours, Monday -Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Alternate work schedules may be available. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The full performance level of this position is grade GS-06. 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 may be discussed during the interview process. Telework is subject to approval by individual supervisors and managers, is considered a privilege not a right, is subject to approval based on performance and other varying factors, and is not guaranteed. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.