Under Secretary for Benefits
Apply NowCompany: U.S Government
Location: Washington, DC 20011
Description:
Summary
The USB is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens
Duties
The Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) provides leadership and direction for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), one of three administrations comprising the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Under Secretary for Benefits reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on non-medical Veterans benefits matters and is responsible for the delivery of services and benefits to Veterans and their beneficiaries. The Under Secretary serves as the Secretary's representative on matters relating to Veterans benefits programs and must be committed to the priorities, goals, and objectives of the Department.
The USB also formulates and articulates VBA policies to implement the overarching policies and programs of the Department and is charged with addressing specific challenges to improve VBA's benefits delivery services in all program areas. Specifically, these challenges include ensuring timely delivery of benefits to the increasing numbers of Veterans participating in VA education programs; home loan guaranty program in a changing economy and housing market; vocational rehabilitation and counseling to disabled Veterans seeking employment opportunities; conducting outreach, communications and engagement activities, and also supporting the seamless transition from military to civilian life, accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of Service members, Veterans and their families; and providing timely and accurate disability claims decisions as the volume of new claims and the complexity of those claims continue to steadily increase.
Major responsibilities also include oversight of the development of legislative initiatives, implementing policies, and providing direction for the application of innovative management techniques to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The USB must possess the critical ability to successfully negotiate with stakeholders and partners at all levels and must also be able to effectively communicate VBA's major initiatives to a wide range of individuals and groups, including members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, other government entities, and the private sector.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be highly effective leaders who have proven ability or potential to direct the operations of a large integrated benefits system which is committed to the high-quality of our Nation's Veterans, implement the Secretary's guidance to transform VA, and serve as an accountable and innovative steward of the human capital and financial resources to VBA.
By law, the Under Secretary for Benefits shall be appointed solely on the basis of:
Additional information
Additional Agency Contact(s): Amy Nichols at Amy.Nichols2@va.gov; Bari Williams, Bari.Williams@va.gov.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Step 1: Minimum qualifications.
Step 2: Screening by Executive Board to determine group of candidates to be considered by the Commission.
Step 3: The Commission interviews the most qualified candidates.
Step 4: The Commission recommends the final candidates for consideration by the Secretary and the President.
You will be evaluated based upon your resume, application or curriculum vitae, and an interview if invited to appear before the Commission.
Required Documents
A complete application for this position includes the following items: Resume or Curriculum Vitae
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date 04/25/2025 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, complete the online questionnaire, and submit required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title and select Apply Online to continue.
OR
You may e-mail your application to VAUSB@va.gov
Agency contact information
Lucrecia Murdock
Phone
(202) 461-7887
Email
LUCRECIA.MURDOCK@VA.GOV
Address
Office of the Secretary - 1007
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with the Commission.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The USB is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
This job is open to
- The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. - Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales. - Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria. - Senior executives
Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens
Duties
The Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) provides leadership and direction for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), one of three administrations comprising the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Under Secretary for Benefits reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on non-medical Veterans benefits matters and is responsible for the delivery of services and benefits to Veterans and their beneficiaries. The Under Secretary serves as the Secretary's representative on matters relating to Veterans benefits programs and must be committed to the priorities, goals, and objectives of the Department.
The USB also formulates and articulates VBA policies to implement the overarching policies and programs of the Department and is charged with addressing specific challenges to improve VBA's benefits delivery services in all program areas. Specifically, these challenges include ensuring timely delivery of benefits to the increasing numbers of Veterans participating in VA education programs; home loan guaranty program in a changing economy and housing market; vocational rehabilitation and counseling to disabled Veterans seeking employment opportunities; conducting outreach, communications and engagement activities, and also supporting the seamless transition from military to civilian life, accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of Service members, Veterans and their families; and providing timely and accurate disability claims decisions as the volume of new claims and the complexity of those claims continue to steadily increase.
Major responsibilities also include oversight of the development of legislative initiatives, implementing policies, and providing direction for the application of innovative management techniques to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The USB must possess the critical ability to successfully negotiate with stakeholders and partners at all levels and must also be able to effectively communicate VBA's major initiatives to a wide range of individuals and groups, including members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, other government entities, and the private sector.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- US citizenship is required.
- Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) is required.
- Successful completion of a background investigation.
- Complete White House Presidential Personnel vetting process successfully.
- Senate Confirmation.
- Drug Testing Required.
Qualifications
Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be highly effective leaders who have proven ability or potential to direct the operations of a large integrated benefits system which is committed to the high-quality of our Nation's Veterans, implement the Secretary's guidance to transform VA, and serve as an accountable and innovative steward of the human capital and financial resources to VBA.
By law, the Under Secretary for Benefits shall be appointed solely on the basis of:
- Demonstrated ability in fiscal management; and
- Substantial experience in connection with the programs of the Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) or programs of similar content and scope.
Additional information
Additional Agency Contact(s): Amy Nichols at Amy.Nichols2@va.gov; Bari Williams, Bari.Williams@va.gov.
- Benefits
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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Step 1: Minimum qualifications.
Step 2: Screening by Executive Board to determine group of candidates to be considered by the Commission.
Step 3: The Commission interviews the most qualified candidates.
Step 4: The Commission recommends the final candidates for consideration by the Secretary and the President.
You will be evaluated based upon your resume, application or curriculum vitae, and an interview if invited to appear before the Commission.
- Benefits
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. - Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
A complete application for this position includes the following items: Resume or Curriculum Vitae
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. - How to Apply
Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date 04/25/2025 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, complete the online questionnaire, and submit required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title and select Apply Online to continue.
OR
You may e-mail your application to VAUSB@va.gov
Agency contact information
Lucrecia Murdock
Phone
(202) 461-7887
Email
LUCRECIA.MURDOCK@VA.GOV
Address
Office of the Secretary - 1007
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with the Commission. - Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
A complete application for this position includes the following items: Resume or Curriculum Vitae
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date 04/25/2025 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, complete the online questionnaire, and submit required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title and select Apply Online to continue.
OR
You may e-mail your application to VAUSB@va.gov
Agency contact information
Lucrecia Murdock
Phone
(202) 461-7887
LUCRECIA.MURDOCK@VA.GOV
Address
Office of the Secretary - 1007
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with the Commission.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request