Job Listing: Veterans Service Representative

Duty Locations

 4 vacancies - Buffalo, NY

VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION

VBA DELEGATED EXAMINING UNIT - DETROIT

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Vacancy Identification Number:  VB183828

Opening Date: Monday, April 07, 2008

Closing Date: Wednesday, April 09, 2008

ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Wednesday, April 09, 2008.  

Position: Veterans Service Representative-GS-0996-07

Promotion Potential: GS-11

Salary: $37,534.00 - $48,790.00

Location: Buffalo, NY 4 vacancies
 

Relocation Expenses:  Not Authorized

Employing Agency: Veterans Benefits Administration

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is responsible for providing comprehensive benefits and services to America's veterans and their families, including compensation and pension, education, vocational rehabilitation, loan guaranty, and insurance benefits.  A position at the VBA may find you working one-on-one with veterans and their families, or developing systems and procedures that manage benefits and services for veterans.

Major Duties

MAJOR DUTIES:
The VSR works within a team environment and serves as (1) a counselor or advocate for VA claimants providing information about a broad range of benefits and assisting with applications for VA benefits and services, (2) a legal technician gathering requisite evidence from medical, military, community, and other sources to support benefit determinations, (3) a decision maker weighing the evidence and applying the controlling laws and regulations, and (4) a computer systems user who enters appropriate data to generate accurate benefits payments, controls pending issues or schedules future actions, and releases complete, correct notifications of benefits determinations. The VSR must not only be competent in interpretation and application of law and procedures, but must be well versed in medical principles and terminology and in public relations skills. In learning this position, the VSR can expect to work in all areas of the Veterans Service Center.

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Before applying, please ensure you read the following 5 points to ensure consideration:

Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.  Please refer to instructions below regarding uploading (scanning) and/or faxing.  If you are unable to upload your documents after you have completed the Occupational Questionnaire Online, you may FAX your documents (resume, OF-612, etc.) to 1-478-757-3144.  If you choose to fax, you are required to use the approved Cover Page.  To print a copy of the Cover Page, please insert this URL into your browser, http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and refer to the instructions below for complete details.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you will not receive consideration.
If you claim veterans preference (VP) and fail to provide supporting documentation such as a DD-214 and/or VA Disability Letter/SF-15, VP will not be granted.  You must submit this proof each time you apply.  If you are currently in the service and do not yet possess a DD-214, you may submit any document to support your 5-point claim, such as Separation or Retirement Papers.  If you are selected, a DD-214 will be required prior to appointment date.  Please refer to instructions below for complete details.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application, if applicable.  If you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to appointment date.
If you have questions that are not answered within this announcement, please email your detailed question, including the Vacancy Number to:  HRMDEU@VA.GOV. 
You may check the status of your documents once you set up your Application Manager Account at the Application Manager login  URL (https://applicationmanager.org).   In Application Manager, the Checklist and Details tabs on the Application Package Status page for each VIN show the status of each assessment and document.   For Technical System Problems, please email: applicationmanagerhelpdesk@opm.gov.      

For this job announcement the following materials are required:
Current Resume or the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612)
College Transcripts (when applicable), if you are using education to qualify
Veterans Preference documentation, if you are claiming veterans preference
Responses to the Occupational Questionnaire

FAILURE TO PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT BEING CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION.    IF YOU ARE CLAIMING VETERANS PREFERENCE, PLEASE SUBMIT THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK. IF YOU ARE USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY, PLEASE SUBMIT THE NECESSARY TRANSCRIPTS.  IF WE CANNOT VERIFY YOUR VETERANS PREFERENCE CLAIM OR YOUR EDUCATION, YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR YOUR CLAIM. 

 

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION MATERIAL FOR PREVIOUS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS TO OUR OFFICE IS NOT SUFFICIENT PROOF.  YOU MUST ALWAYS RE-SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION EVERYTIME YOU APPLY FOR A DIFFERENT VACANCY.

If you submit a resume, your resume should include the following information:

    Job Information:
            -        Vacancy Identification Number, title and grade(s) for which you
                   are applying.
          Personal Information:
            -        Full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening
                   telephone numbers (with area code).
          -        Social Security Number. Giving your Social Security Number
                   is voluntary.  However, we cannot process your application
                   without it.
          -        Country of Citizenship.
          -        If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the
                   highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of
                   employment in grade.
          Education:
            -        High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or
                   GED.
          -        Colleges and/or Universities attended, city, state and zip code.
          -        Major field(s) of study.
          -        Type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree
                    received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter
                    hours.
         Work Experience for each paid or non-paid position held
            related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide
            copies of job descriptions):
            -        Job title.
          -        Duties and accomplishments.
          -        Number of hours per week.
          -        Employer's name and address.
          -        Supervisor's name and phone number.
          -        Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year).
          -        Salary.
          -        Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.
          Other Qualifications:
          -        Job-related training courses (title and year).
          -        Job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer
                   software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.)
          -        Job-related certificates and licenses.
          -        Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments 
                   (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies,
                   leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)

You can submit your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire and resume (and any supporting documentation) via the ONLINE process or by fax.  We do encourage the ONLINE process as it is the most efficient way to receive and process your application materials. 

 

Online Process:  This process allows you to respond to the Occupational Questionnaire.  After submitting the responses, you will have the opportunity to upload your documents (resume, transcripts, DD214, VA Letter).  If you wish to use this process to upload all of your documents, you need to make sure your documents are in JPG, PDF, TXT, RTF, DOC, WPD, XFD, FDF, XFDF, or HTMM/HTML file format and not exceed 1 megabyte.  These files must not include macros or script of any kind.  Again this is the most efficient way of sending your application materials.

Application Manager: 

To begin, choose one of these options:

·        If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

·        If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process: Online Questionnaire. 

To return to Application Manager at any time, use whichever one of the links you used to begin as described above, or simply go to https://ApplicationManager.org.

You must submit your on-line questionnaire by midnight, Eastern Time, on the closing date of the announcement.

 

FAX Method: 

1.   If you are unable to upload your documents after you have completed the Occupational Questionnaire Online, you may fax your documents (resume, OF-612, etc.).  See below for further instructions.  To do so you will need to print and complete the Cover Page found in the Document Upload Screen.  This cover page is used to match your documents with the record you established when you submitted the occupational questionnaire. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may not receive consideration for this position if we cannot match up the documents. To print a copy of the Cover Page, click on this link Cover Page or insert this URL into your browser http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf. 

The Fax number to submit your documents is 1-478-757-3144.    Be sure when faxing in your documents to use the Cover Page and to feed all documents into the fax machine with the top of the page going in first.  This will ensure your forms will be processed accurately and promptly.

2.  If you are unable to use a personal computer (PC) to enter your responses to the occupational questionnaire and need to submit hard copies of the occupational responses and required materials, you will first need to obtain a Form 1203-FX. You can obtain this form two ways.

A.  Click this link to print a copy of the OPM Form1203-FX or insert or type this URL into your browser http://www.opm.gov./Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf;

or
B.  Call USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850. After the introduction Press 1 and follow the instructions. 

 

NOTE: YOU MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOUR NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Your application materials will not be returned. Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future. Please follow the directions very carefully.

ALL APPLICATION MATERIAL MUST BE RECEIVED BY Wednesday, April 09, 2008.  

Required Documents:

Instructions for answering the questions in the Occupational Questionnaire:

Please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double-check your application before submission.

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

Enter the Vacancy Identification Number: VB183828

1. Title of Job

Position Title: Veterans Service Representative

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for telephone number and the contact time.

3. E-Mail Address

If you have an E-mail address, please enter it in the space provided.

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

Answer questions A through D with Y for Yes and N for No.  Please leave Section E blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade level (07) you will accept.

11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference. A response to this question is required. If you claim 5-point preference, you MUST provide a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of entitlement. If you claim 10-point preference, you MUST submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed Veterans' Preference unless you have claimed derived Preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.).

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date, if you can begin work immediately. Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

Enter at least one occupational specialty code. The specialty code(s) for this position is:

001 Veterans Service Representative

21. Geographic Availability

Select the geographic location code(s) in which you are interested and will accept employment. The location code(s) for this position:

0321  Buffalo, NY

22. Transition Assistance Plan

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

APPLICANT RACE AND NATIONAL ORIGIN

The United States District Court for the District of Columbia, in a decree approved in a lawsuit entitled Luevano v. Lachance, Civil Action no. 79-0271, has ordered that Federal Government agencies provide data on the race and national origin of applicants for certain Federal occupations. The position for which you are applying is in one of those occupations. The collection of this information is authorized for use by the Office of Personnel Management only for the purposes of complying with the requirements of the Luevano v. Lachance Decree. The data you supply will be used for statistical analysis pursuant to the requirements of the lawsuit, and will not be shared with employing agencies. You are requested to complete the following, however, submission of this information is voluntary. Your failure to do so will have no effect on the processing of your application for Federal employment.

The categories (items 1-6) below provide descriptions of race and national origins. Select the category with which you identify yourself. If you are of mixed race and/or national origin, select the category with which you most closely identify yourself. Please select only one by shading in the circle next to the number corresponding to the category.

PRIMARY GEOGRAPHIC ZONE

Select the Zone (items 7-15) which includes your first choice for location of employment. This designation is for statistical use only and will not affect your actual consideration for employment. Your geographic area of consideration will be determined by your entries in Section 21, GEOGRAPHIC AVAILABILITY. Please select only one and darken the appropriate circle next to the number corresponding to your selection.

01 American Indian or Alaskan Native - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintains cultural identification through community recognition or tribal affiliation.
02 Asian or Pacific Islander - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands. For example, this area includes China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands, and Samoa.
03 Black, not of Hispanic origin - A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. This does not include persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins.
04 Hispanic - A person of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins. This does not include persons of Portuguese culture or origin.
05 White, not of Hispanic origin - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, North America, or the Middle East. This does not include persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish cultures or origins.
06 A person not included in another category.
07 ATLANTA ZONE includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia
08 CHICAGO ZONE includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
09 DALLAS ZONE includes Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming
10 PHILADELPHIA ZONE includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont
11 SAN FRANCISCO ZONE includes California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington
12 ALASKA ZONE includes the State of Alaska
13 CARIBBEAN ZONE includes Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
14 HAWAII ZONE includes the State of Hawaii and Pacific overseas area
15 WASHINGTON, DC ZONE - Washington, DC metro area (Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George Counties in MD, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, King George, Stafford, and Loudoun Counties and Falls Church, Alexandria, and Fairfax cities in VA) and Atlantic overseas area (African, European, Middle Eastern, Central and South American countries)

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND WORK EXPERIENCE

This section asks you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific factors which relate to job performance. ALL QUESTIONS MUST BE ANSWERED. Record your answers in Section 25.

1. Please fill in "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

2. From the descriptions below, select the letter that describes the education or experience you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-7, Veterans Service Representative work. If your highest level of education is not described below, choose the letter that describes experience or lower level education that you do have. mark only 1 response.

A. I have a bachelor's degree and superior academic achievement. (Refer to the vacancy announcement for information on the Superior Academic Achievement provision.)
B. I have one full year of graduate level study, or possess a Master's or higher degree, e.g., LL.B., J.D., LL.M., Ph.D., in a field that provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position. (Refer to the vacancy announcement for instructions on how to determine 1 academic year of graduate level study.)
C. I have at least one year of work experience evaluating and settling routine claims for compensation, benefits, insurance, or comparable matters under close supervision. In order to perform this work, I typically had to perform a variety of tasks such as the following: gather and complete documents, applications, and other information in order to process and evaluate a variety of claims applications; conduct interviews to gather pertinent information; determine the applicability of law, regulations, and procedures in order to evaluate eligibility and claims; and use automated software and systems to enter, edit, verify, and retrieve data in order to evaluate claims. OR I have at least one year of work experience that involved developing, adjudicating, authorizing, or reconsidering claims for benefits; or representing the agency in appeals actions before administrative judges; or evaluating benefit program operations to assess the integrity and quality; or interpreting program requirements and formulating policies, procedures, and guidelines; or preparing training material for other staff.
D. My experience is not related to this position and I do not qualify.
E. I have less than the full amount of graduate education described in "B" and less than the amount of experience described in "C", but I have a combination of the type of graduate education described in "B" and the kind of experience described in "C." (Refer to the vacancy announcement for instructions on how to combine education and experience.)
F. My education and/or experience is not reflected in any of the above statements and I do not qualify.

3. Please fill in "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

4. Please fill in "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

5. Please fill in "A" for this question.

A. This is the correct response.

The following questions ask you to describe your educational background, your work, and other experiences in specific areas which relate to successful job performance.

You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Then, record your answers in Section 25 on OPM Form 1203 FX (Form C) beginning at Item 6. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted. Do not omit answers unless instructed to do so. Other omissions may decrease your score.

6. During high school (grades 9 - 12), I made the semester honor roll:

A. = never
B. = once or twice
C. = three or four times
D. = five or six times
E. = seven or eight times

7. The high school grade I most often received was:

A. = A
B. = B
C. = C
D. = D or lower
E. = I do not remember

IF YOU DID NOT ATTEND COLLEGE, PLEASE SKIP TO ITEM 9.

8. The college grade I most often received was:

A. = A
B. = B
C. = C
D. = D or lower
E. = I do not remember

9. In the past three years the number of different paying jobs I have held for more than two weeks is:

A. = 7 or more
B. = 5 - 6
C. = 3 - 4
D. = 1 - 2
E. = none

10. I have been employed in work similar to that of the job covered by this examination:

A. = never employed in a similar job
B. = less than 1 year
C. = 1 - 2 years
D. = 3 - 4 years
E. = over 5 years

11. In the past three years, my primary work experience has been in:

A. = professional or administrative occupations
B. = clerical or sales occupations
C. = service occupations
D. = trades or labor occupations
E. = not employed in the past three years

12. On my present or most recent job, my supervisor rated me as:

A. = outstanding
B. = above average
C. = average
D. = below average
E. = not employed or received no rating

13. In the past three years the number of jobs I have been fired from is:

A. = 5 or more
B. = 3 to 4
C. = 2
D. = 1
E. = none

14. The number of civic or social organizations (which have regular meetings and a defined membership) that I belong to is:

A. = none
B. = 1
C. = 2 or 3
D. = 4 to 6
E. = 7 or more

15. In organizations to which I belong, my participation is best described as:

A. = do not belong to any organizations
B. = not very active
C. = a regular member but not an office holder
D. = have held at least one important office
E. = have held several important offices

16. My previous supervisors (or teachers if not previously employed) would most likely describe my basic math skills as:

A. = superior
B. = above average
C. = average
D. = below average
E. = do not know

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The questions in this part relate to fundamental competencies, such as problem solving and oral communication required for the job for which you are applying.

Please answer each question "A" for YES or "B" for NO.

Keep in mind the following:

1) Some questions refer to "work" experience. Unless otherwise stated, this includes experience you have gained through:    

·      School,

·      Volunteer work,

·      Military service,

·      Paid employment,

·      Hobbies, or

·      Professional, charitable, religious, community, social, or other    organizations.

 

2) Some questions include examples to help show the broad range of accomplishments and experience applicants might have. Read the entire question using the examples as a guide, but do not base your answers solely on the examples.

3) Some questions ask you if you received a grade of B or above in your schoolwork. On an A, B, C, D, F scale, a grade of B or above is considered an above average grade. If you were graded on a different scale, use the equivalent of a B or above on the type of scale on which you were graded.

Answer all questions to the best of your ability. Your responses are subject to verification through background checks, job interviews, and any other information obtained during the application process. Untruthful responses or any attempt to conceal information can result in your removal from a Federal job and in you being barred from seeking Federal employment in the future.

Remember:
A- For Yes
B- For No

17. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, demonstrating a product or service, or providing assistance to customers, clients, or the public?

18. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that improved your performance at work?

19. Have you successfully reviewed and evaluated forms, applications, documents, or other information, not including contract proposals or bids, to make determinations (for example, to determine approval or denial of loans, eligibility for claims, etc.)?

20. Have you broken a sales record or a similar record, regularly exceeded quotas or similar productivity standards, or received formal recognition for doing work that surpassed what was expected (for example, received a certificate of appreciation, bonus, etc.)?

21. Have you often been asked to proofread or edit the writing of others for content, punctuation, spelling, and grammar?

22. Have you willingly changed routine tasks to accommodate new systems, policies, or procedures (for example, changed to a new filing system, computer system, financial record-keeping system, etc.)?

23. Have you written procedures or instructions that others have followed successfully (for example, instruction manuals, survey instructions, training materials, etc.)?

24. Have you successfully provided good customer service while constantly working under difficult time constraints (for example, worked in a fast-food restaurant, worked as a stockbroker, etc.)?

25. Have you successfully done work that only occasionally required you to present information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?

26. In high school, did you have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, belong to an honor society, or graduate with honors?

27. Have you successfully completed a complex research project that included collecting and analyzing information, and reporting conclusions or recommendations?

28. Have you successfully done work that constantly required you to work under difficult time constraints?

29. Have you successfully completed a long-term project outside of work where you were solely responsible for doing the work (for example, completed a thesis, wrote a book that was published, prepared a horse for competition that won a ribbon, restored an antique car, etc.)?

30. Have you successfully worked in a newly created organization that was still in the process of establishing its policies and procedures?

31. Have you received formal recognition for providing good service to customers or clients (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?

32. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved composing letters or writing reports containing several short paragraphs, such as investigation reports, accident reports, performance evaluations, etc.?

33. Have you successfully written reports that presented facts, findings, logical conclusions, and persuasive arguments (for example, wrote a thesis, briefing papers, policy papers, complex research papers, etc.)?

34. Have you successfully remained polite and tactful while doing work where one of your primary responsibilities was to handle customer problems or complaints (for example, worked as a customer service representative)?

35. Have you successfully done work where you were responsible for determining appropriate treatment or rehabilitation programs (for example, worked as a probation/parole officer, social worker, counselor, etc.)?

36. Have you successfully done work that frequently required you to present nontechnical information at briefings, meetings, conferences, or hearings?

37. Have you willingly rearranged many of your priorities and much of your schedule to accommodate a major, planned change that had a long-term impact on you (for example, worked overtime for several months to implement a new system on schedule, had extensive renovations done on your house that required you to live elsewhere, etc.)?

38. Have you successfully done work that required extensive on-the-job training?

39. Have you been given additional responsibilities because of your ability to organize and complete your regular work more quickly than expected?

40. Have you successfully completed a highly structured, formal training program, not including an apprenticeship for a trade or craft, that required you to learn a complex body of information (for example, training for jobs in insurance, law enforcement, real estate, etc.)?

41. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring work for fewer than 10 people?

42. Have you learned a hobby or leisure activity well enough that you have been asked to do it for others on a voluntary basis?

43. Have you successfully responded to external changes that impacted a business you owned or managed (for example, responded to changes in the market, new laws, etc.)?

44. Have you designed or developed something, on your own initiative, to help you or other employees better complete assignments (for example, designed a training manual)?

45. Have you suggested or made changes to products or procedures that resulted in better meeting customer needs?

46. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved determining appropriate products or services for customers or clients?

47. Have you developed a formal mechanism to learn more about a problem (for example, developed a survey, conducted interviews or focus groups, etc.)?

48. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting with people, other than your co-workers, from a foreign country or from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds?

49. Have you readily rearranged virtually all of your priorities and much of your schedule to accommodate a sudden major change, problem, or setback that had a relatively long-term impact on you (for example, assumed the duties of another staff member who quit unexpectedly, took in an elderly parent who suddenly became ill, etc.)?

50. Have you identified and solved a problem with a procedure, product, or service that benefited the organization (for example, saved the organization time or money, increased sales, reduced errors, etc.)?

51. Have you received formal recognition for your ability to work well with others (for example, received a letter of recommendation or appreciation, an excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?

52. Since high school, have you received a grade of B or above in oral communication classes (for example, speech, public speaking, theater, etc.) or participated in activities that improved your oral communication skills (for example, training classes, workshops, seminars, debate team, speech club, etc.)?

53. Have you received favorable feedback for oral presentations you have given to management or other officials, or to the public (for example, for speaking at religious services, performing in theatrical productions, etc.)?

54. Have you taken the initiative to learn new skills or acquire additional knowledge that improved your performance at work or school, or in leisure activities?

55. Have you received formal recognition for solving a work-related problem (for example, received an award, a letter of commendation, etc.)?

56. Have you successfully completed a small-scale project (lasting several days or weeks) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?

57. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved interacting with or counseling people with special needs or problems (for example, hospital patients, psychiatric patients, prisoners, people who are elderly or disabled, etc.)?

58. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved listening carefully to others to understand a need, problem, or situation (for example, investigative work, counseling, etc.)?

59. Have you successfully provided quality service to people with special needs or problems (for example, worked in a hospital, halfway house, special education program, etc.)?

60. Have you served on a decision-making board or committee (for example, student governing board, planning board, homeowners' association board, etc.)?

61. Have you successfully done work, not including schoolwork, that regularly involved receiving varied assignments on short notice that needed to be handled immediately?

62. Have you devised a strategy to overcome a major setback that successfully enabled you to complete a project on time or within budget?

63. Do you have a professional license or certificate issued by a state or other official or professional licensing board indicating your mastery of a specialized body of knowledge (for example, cosmetology, real estate, certified public accounting, etc.)?

64. Have you successfully planned or monitored a large-scale project or program that involved several steps that were carried out over an extended period of time?

65. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved deciding how best to use the strengths of team members (for example, deciding who to assign to various projects, which player to put in each position, etc.)?

66. Have you successfully coordinated work, school, and/or family responsibilities under especially difficult circumstances (for example, you and your spouse worked full time while raising young children, you went to school full time and worked more than 20 hours per week, you worked full time while caring for an elderly parent, etc.)?

67. Have you successfully planned activities for nonwork groups (for example, athletic teams, professional associations, religious groups, etc.)?

68. Have you successfully done work, not including schoolwork, that required you to juggle several assignments or projects at the same time?

69. Have you successfully done work that involved making personnel decisions (for example, who to hire, promote, or discipline) or deciding how to allocate equipment, materials, staff, etc.?

70. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved discussing sensitive information with others, or interviewing or surveying people, either in person or by telephone, to gather information they were reluctant to give?

71. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and monitoring work for 10 or more people?

72. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved making decisions about disclosure of sensitive or confidential information?

73. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved answering questions, gathering nonsensitive information, or providing assistance to others, either in person or by telephone?

74. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved conducting quality checks or following up with customers or clients to ensure satisfaction with a product or service?

75. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved informally providing oral explanations of technical information or other complex information, such as regulations, policies, or procedures?

76. Have you successfully completed a large-scale project (lasting several months or longer) on or ahead of schedule with minimal supervision?

77. Have you successfully worked closely with a client over an extended period of time to complete a project or resolve a problem?

78. Have you successfully learned a hobby or leisure activity requiring extensive study or use of complex directions (for example, constructing stereo or computer systems, making stained glass objects, etc.)?

79. Have you participated in training classes, workshops, or seminars outside of school that helped you improve your self-management skills (for example, time management, goal setting, career development, etc.)?

80. Have you received formal recognition for your written work (for example, received an award, letter of commendation, excellent performance appraisal rating, etc.)?

81. Have you successfully dealt with a disruption to regular operations in a way that allowed for completion of the work or continuation of a noncritical service?

82. Have you received favorable feedback about your ability to provide oral instructions or on-the-job training to others, or about your ability to instruct or coach others in athletic, leisure, or community activities?

83. Have you done work that involved writing brochures, press releases, or speeches?

84. Have you successfully done work that involved writing technical or legal reports, or translating technical or other complex material into language that was more easily understood?

85. Have you successfully done work that regularly involved verifying the accuracy of information or the relevance of information to a problem or a situation (for example, investigative work)?

86. Do you regularly monitor your progress toward achieving your career goals (for example, by initiating discussions about your career goals with your supervisor, employee counselor, mentor, etc.)?

87. Have you received favorable feedback about your interpersonal skills when serving as a leader, instructor, or supervisor for academic, religious, community, sports, leisure, or work activities? 

Contact Information:
Detroit DEU

Phone: (313)226-3319

Email: hrmdeu@vba.va.gov


Or write:
HRC Baltimore
477 Michigan Ave Room 1100
Detroit, MI 48226-2614


What To Expect Next:

What To Expect Next: Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgment email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted.