Program Specialist (PSOB)

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. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.

Duties

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.

Qualifications and evaluation

Your qualifications will be reviewed against the requirements above, and you will be considered under every eligibility that applies to you. Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation, online questionnaire, and USA Hire Competency Based Assessment) will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment. Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12998557 For All U.S. Citizens applying under Delegated Examining: Your application will be evaluated and rated using Rule of Many procedures under 5 C.F.R. § 332.402 based on set Number of highest ranked eligibles. Preference eligibles will receive 5 or 10 points added to their score based on the adjudicated preference. All eligibles at or above the pre-determined top 15 candidates including any preference eligibles with a service-connected disability of 10 percent or more, at any score, will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. All eligibles with a tied rating will be referred even if the results exceed the pre-established number or percentage. The selecting official will receive a sufficient number of names, when available, to consider at least three candidates per vacancy. If fewer than three eligible and available candidates per vacancy result, the referral will be expanded in accordance with DOJ's guidance on supplemental certification. The selecting official will adhere to veterans' preference rules and Rule of Many procedures when making selections. For Applicants applying under Internal, Merit Promotion, or Non-Competitive Hiring Procedures: Merit Promotion/Status Candidates: If you are basically qualified for this job, as described above, and are among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Non-Competitive Candidates: If you are basically qualified for this job, as described above, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. For Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): If you have CTAP/ICTAP eligibility and are found well-qualified for this vacancy, you will receive selection priority over other candidates. To be found well qualified, you must meet and exceed all qualification requirements and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. Technical Qualifications: Applicants identified for interview, will be further evaluated on the following technical qualifications: Medical Records Analysis and Interpretation Program Policy Analysis and Application Case Management and Documentation Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials, application questionnaire, or during an interview may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/10/2026 to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on08/10/2026. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found on the Additional Application Information page that can be located in the application record in your USAJOBS account. Essay Questions: The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question (see the application questionnaire). You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position. Need Help? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help website which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc. Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring agency contact directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Required documents

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resume (Maximum 2 pages): Include for each job: Official position title Employer name and contact information Start and end dates (month and year) Full-time or part-time hours per week Duties performed and accomplishments See How do I write a resume for more information Current or Former Federal employee: Most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or equivalent agency form (not award SF-50s) Must show: Full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, effective date, service type, and tenure status Performance evaluation with final rating (or statement explaining why unavailable) List of awards from the last 5 years (e.g., superior performance, special act/achievement, quality step increases). Documentation will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration during selection. This applies to federal and non-federal work See Current & Former Employees for more information Veterans or Qualifying Family Members: Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): Preference eligible OR veterans with 3+ years active service DD-214 Member #4 Copy showing service dates, character of service, and discharge type; OR Certification letter from armed forces confirming expected honorable discharge/release within 120 days 30% or More Disabled Veteran: VA Letter with disability rating DD-214 Member #4 Copy SF-15 (10-point Veterans Preference form) 5 or 10-point Veterans Preference: DD-214 Member #4 Copy VA Letter (if applicable) SF-15 Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) (GS-11 or below): Disabled veterans; wartime/campaign veterans; Armed Forces Service Medal recipients; or veterans separated within the past 3 years DD-214 Member #4 Copy VA Letter (if applicable) See FedsHireVets or USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans for more information Military Spouse Appointing Authority: If spouse is on active duty: Spouse's active-duty documentation Marriage certification If spouse has 100% disability: Documentation showing 100% disability rating Marriage certification If spouse was killed on active duty: Documentation of death while on active duty Marriage certificate Statement certifying unremarried status See Military spouses for more information Schedule A (Individuals with disabilities): Official letter on letterhead from a doctor or licensed medical professional; Licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, OR; Federal, state, or local disability benefits agency Letter must state you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. See OPM's Schedule A for more information CTAP/ICTAP (Career Transition Programs): Separation notice, agency RIF letter, OR letter of intent to separate Most recent performance appraisal SF-50 showing current/former position details See Career Transition Programs for more information Land and Base Management: Most recent SF-50 equivalent agency form See Base facilities or land management agency for more information Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA: Certification of service documents See Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA for more information

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. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to human.resources@usdoj.gov. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.