Claims Specialist

Do you like job security?  Do you like to work for the federal government?  Do you like to serve the American public from all walks of life in an office environment?  If you answer “Yes” three times, then a Claims Specialist (CS) position in the field office is a great fit for you.  

As a CS in each of our 1,300 field offices, you assist the public in-person, by mail, or by phone to conduct interviews to obtain, clarify and verify information for initial eligibility for various benefits. In addition, you resolve discrepancies, clarify issues, and make final decisions for initial and post-entitlement benefits and payments; adjudicate entitlement or disallowance actions; and use SSA’s computer systems to access and update claims information.  You also issue new and update Social Security numbers.  

We will provide you with extensive technical and on-the-job training.  We will assign at least one mentor to you during the first 1 to 3 years throughout the training process. 

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen and have excellent communication and people skills. We consider additional qualifications such as experience, education, or a combination of experience and education.  

To qualify for GS-5, you will need 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 includes reviewing, explaining, applying or interpreting rules, regulation or policies; or 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree.  

To qualify for GS-7, you will need 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; or 4-year degree with superior academic achievement or 1 year graduate study.  

SALARY & ADVANCEMENT  

Entry into these positions is at the GS-5 and GS-7 level with career ladder advancement opportunity within the position to the GS-11 level. Salaries are competitive and include locality adjustments based on the job location. SSA offers promotion opportunities and a wide variety of positions in our numerous offices across the country.  

Federal Grade Levels & Salaries for Claims Specialist:

• GS-5: $44,020 (entry level salary with career ladder promotion to GS-11)
• GS-7: $57,007 (entry level salary with career ladder promotion to GS-11)
• GS-9: $69,729
• GS-11: $84,366 to $109,673

Other Competitive Promotions Beyond Claims Specialist:

• GS-12 Claims Technical Expert
• GS-12 Management Support Specialist
• GS-12 Operations Supervisor
• GS-12 Area Systems Coordinator

GREAT BENEFITS

• Earn 13 paid vacation days a year, then
  • 20 days a year after 3 years
  • 26 days a year after 15 years
• Earn 13 paid sick days each year
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision; and access to flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Pension benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System
• Optional Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K). The government matches your contribution up to 5% of your salary
• Flexible work schedules
• Potential overtime opportunities
• Telework opportunities up to two days per week
• Eligibility for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

SALARY INCREASES

GS positions have salary increases based on the number of years of successful performance. The longer you work for SSA, the more your salary will grow! See OPM GS Pay Schedules in 2024 for Los Angeles-Long Beach locality pay, which includes Orange County CA: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/24Tables/html/LA.aspx.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Social Security helps people through their life’s journey in many ways. You will make a positive difference in the lives of people, from all walks of life, who need help applying for retirement, disability, and other critical benefits and services.  

Submit your resume to Lance.Lee@ssa.gov to express your interest with the Garden Grove Social Security District Office located at 11900 Gilbert Street, Garden Grove, CA 92841.