Summary

This position is located in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Program, Claims Division.

Duties

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The duties and responsibilities for a GS- 0301-13 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as a Program Specialist (PSOB) with the responsibility of reviewing PSOB applications and claims, conducting detailed medical reviews, analyzing medical causation and forensic evidence, performing related program activities, and implementing the federal benefit programs.
• Reviews medical documentation submitted with disability and death applications and claims, including hospital records, physician statements, diagnostic imaging results, autopsy reports, and other medical records to determine consistency with PSOB eligibility requirements.
• Coordinates with independent medical examiners and specialists to obtain expert opinions on complex medical cases.
• Reviews mental health and psychological records in disability claims involving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, and other behavioral health conditions.
• Provides expert guidance to resolve complex PSOB program and policy challenges and ensures PSOB policies and procedures comply with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• Security Requirements: Non-Sensitive/Moderate Risk
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Program Specialist (PSOB), at GS-0301-13, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.

Specialized Experience:

Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Examples of specialized experience include:

• Analyzes medical evidence to determine causation in disability and death claims, distinguishing between duty-related injuries and pre-existing conditions based on clinical documentation and applicable program criteria.
• Translate complex medical terminology and clinical findings into clear written and verbal communications for claimants, beneficiaries, agency representatives, or senior leadership.
• Assesses case complexity to identify claims requiring independent medical examiner consultation for resolution of disputed causation or cause of death determinations.
• Conducts comprehensive reviews of benefits applications by evaluating medical records against regulatory requirements, identifying documentation deficiencies, coordinating expert referrals, and preparing detailed medical analyses.

Online Assessment:

This position requires an online assessment. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 08/10/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Reading Comprehension
• Decision Making
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Management
• Teamwork
• Reasoning

You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 08/10/2026.

Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment which is part of your application.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

• A current or former registered nurse, or an individual with a BSN degree, is preferred but not required.
• OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules.
• Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
• Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: 1) performance and conduct; 2) agency needs and interests; 3) advancement of agency/Government organizational goals; and 4) Federal service efficiency. Upon completion, employment terminates unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.