Under Secretary for Benefits Job in Washington, DC

Summary

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).

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Required Documents

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

Next steps

The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with the Commission.