CASUALTY ASSISTANCE REPRESENTATIVE

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR), Casualty & Survivor Benefit Program Specialist.

Analyzing and recommending changes and administering the Casualty Services and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) programs and to provide Subject Matter Expertise in benefits and entitlements afforded through a wide variety of programs.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes (1) Working with extensive knowledge of military human resources (HR) management policies and programs including all Federal benefits and entitlements, sufficient to provide authorities advisory service and an understanding of public laws; (2) determining the appropriate treatment of matters as they apply to moderately complex survivor benefits and casualty assistance issues; (3) executing procedures for reporting and verifying deaths of active duty and retired members; (4) communicating effectively, perform advisory services for specific requests, conduct interviews and motivate apathetic or negatively inclined individuals to use benefits and services immediately available.

OR EDUCATION: Successfully completed a Ph.D or equivalent graduate degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position.

NOTE: You must submit copies of your college transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: I have a combination of specialized experience and education.

A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of transcripts.

FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible.

One year at the GS-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of comprehensive programs of federal entitlements administered by DOD, VA, and the SSA as they pertain to the Survivor Benefits/Survivor Rights Programs, Casualty Services and military life insurance programs (including the impact other survivor benefits will have on SBP, Civil Service retiree pensions and effect on military retired pay and survivor annuities) and the inter-relationship of these benefits and how it compares with commercial alternatives.

Knowledge of and familiarity with the responsibilities of the DFAS Centers, the VA, and the SSA. Ability to resolve problems related to casualty operations and the SBP with these agencies.

Knowledge of military rank and precedents and chain of command and the processes for verifying deaths, and the processes required by the Casualty Services Program.

Knowledge of interment rights and benefits provided by the VA including travel for family members, transportation of household goods/extension requests, and claims for destruction of personal property.

Ability to resolve problems related to casualty operations and the SBP with these DFAS Centers, the VA, and the SSA.

Ability to develop and apply knowledge of federal, state, and local social services available in the community as they relate to SBP, Casualty Services, and military life insurance programs (SGLI, VGLI, and NSLI).

Ability to compile and report data, analyze statistical data for trends, and to make adjustments to the programs.

Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, both orally and in writing, and with a high degree of empathy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with NOK of deceased persons.

Ability to perform in-depth research, gather facts and use extensive and effective analytical and evaluative methods to accurately express oneself orally and in writing in a highly effective and professional manner, to interact with diversified groups, individuals and organizations.

Public speaking and active training of large groups is an integral part of this position. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

Program Specialist for an installation's Casualty Services. Analyzes, implements, and administers total advisory services and comprehensive programs related to casualty services.

Independently performs a variety of complex assignments involving identifying beneficiaries eligible for benefits and entitlements of seriously ill, very seriously ill or deceased Airmen, providing tailored information to the Next of Kin (NOK).

Coordinates, advocates and obtains a variety of resources and services for surviving personnel and their families.

Serves as a subject matter expert for the installation's Casualty Policy and Casualty Program Educator programs.

Develops and implements publicity and information programs as they relate to Casualty Services, Survivor Benefits, Record of Emergency Data and the various government life insurance programs.

Provides advisory services and administers comprehensive programs related to Casualty Services. Provides guidance on casualty reporting, notification, and assistance programs.

Analyzes and refines work methods, gathers information, identifies issues and develops recommendations to resolve substantive problems of effectiveness and efficiency of casualty operations.

Program Specialist for an installation's Survivor Benefit Program (SBP).

Provides counseling, guidance, and interpretations concerning the broad range of rights and benefits, explaining both short and long term impact of the SBP on Air Force personnel and their families.

Provides total advisory services on programs related to the SBP.