CASUALTY ASSISTANCE REPRESENTATIVE (CAR)

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is: to serve as the Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR), Casualty and Survivor Benefit Program Manager.

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-9, or equivalent in other pay systems.

Examples of specialized experience includes the following: (1) extensive knowledge of military human resources (HR) management policies and programs; all Federal benefits and entitlements, sufficient to provide authorities advisory service and an understanding of public laws and US Codes and applicability that impact delivery of the Air Force Casualty Services Program.

Installation program management, policy, and training on all Casualty Services programs and guidelines; (2) knowledge of federal, state, and local policies related to benefits and social programs and procedures sufficient to serve as a technical authority to implement and counsel on these programs and apply the total spectrum of benefits for military members and/or their dependents; (3) knowledge and understanding of the military retirement system, including those accrued based on prior service, SBP, and estate planning techniques.

Knowledge of the civil service retiree pension systems as they interface with the military retirement and social security systems; (4) knowledge of procedures for reporting and verifying deaths of active duty and retired members.

OR EDUCATION: PH. D Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience as described above may be used to qualify for this position.

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.

NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

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: 1.

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.

2. 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. 3.

Knowledge of interment rights and benefits precedents and chain command and the processes for verifying deaths, and the processes required by the Casualty Services Program.

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. 4.

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

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

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. 6.

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.

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

Serves as the installation's primary Casualty Policy and Casualty Program Educator and Manager.

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

Program Manager 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.