Casualty Assistance Program Specialist

Summary
THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.
This National Guard position is for a CASUALTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST, Position Description Number D2022000 and is part of the ME DCSPER, National Guard.
This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  Current federal employees of this agency.
• National Guard & reserves
  Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

Clarification from the agency
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
Area I: All qualified permanent and indefinite MEARNG Enlisted who apply.
Area II: All qualified Enlisted MEARNG members.
Duties
This position is located in the Joint Force Headquarters (State), Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel (G-1), Personnel Services Branch. The purpose of the position is to manage the day to day operations of the Casualty Assistance Program within an assigned state.
b. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(1) The primary purpose of this position is to provide administrative support to states that occur casualties while soldiers are in a duty and non duty status. The incumbent of this position provides support to Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Center (CMAOC), Soldiers, Commanders, Federal agencies, Casualty Notification/Assistance Officers, Military Funeral Honors teams, funeral/cemetery directors, NOK, relatives, and other interested parties. This is considered a high visibility position, because of the variety of people and the mental state (bereaved) of persons being assisted. Inability to provide excellent service can and may result in concerns being escalated to General Officer, Congressional or higher levels. Receives notifications, initiates casualty reports, contacts unit responsible for notification, briefs key personnel, assists Funeral Details, and provides assistance to Next of Kin (NOK) and other interested parties. Responsible for 24/7 casualty management within the assigned state. Able to respond when state casualty reports are generated. Responsible for training casualty management alternates to take charge of operations when manager is not available.
(2) Receives notification of all death's and/or casualties. Such as, the death or believed to be death, serious or very serious illness or injury, or special category; of a soldier in a duty and non-duty status. Notifies the chain of command of incident, paying particular attention to cases with special requirements (Medal of Honor recipients, General Officers etc.), ones of a sensitive nature or if the case appears to have above average media or political interest and any problems that are encountered. Upon receipt obtains available information and initiates casualty report. Makes telephonic contact with DA and reports information locally in accordance with procedures. Notifies the Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) for notification of NOK (next-of-kin). Assist the CAC to ensure casualty notification is completed in a timely manner. Assist the CAC with assignment of a trained Casualty Assistance Officer. Once notification responsibility has been determined incumbent makes contact with the Casualty Notification Officer. Briefs notification officer of any specials need or concerns in regards to the soldier. Performs follow-up to ensure NOK was properly notified according to procedures and informs unit and state leadership of notification.
(3) Receives notification of death of veterans with requests for burial honors and forwards the request to appropriate state Military Funeral Honors personnel. Ensures identification of team by name, if possible and monitors performance through contact with team and funeral home. Identifies those cases where exceptions to normal policy may be necessary and notifies supervisor. Also, notifies supervisor if any problems are encountered or if the case appears to have above average media or political interest.
(4) Works hand in hand with the Casualty Assistance Officer and the Survivor Outreach Services personnel to ensure that all of the surviving family members needs are addressed and taken care of. Assist the CMAOC and CAC in preparing travel orders and assists with necessary arrangements for those directed to travel in conjunction with notification, assistance and honors. Assist the CMAOC and CAC with travel orders and makes arrangements for those NOK traveling due to serious illness/injury, death and funerals. Assists travelers with preparation of travel voucher as necessary. Prepares and submits reports for all casualties and documents all associated actions and inputs data in appropriate databases.
(5) Briefs personnel on the most current procedures for casualty notification, NOK assistance and burial honors. Conducts Casualty Assistance/Notification training to all units within the state, and provides training classes as required. Provides refresher training to CNO/CAO's when tasked by the CAC to provide the notification and assistance after a casualty with the state. Assist the Summary Court Marshall Officer (SCMO) in resolving any issues that arise and support them in the performance of their duties.
(6) Composes correspondence that requires reference to regulations, related correspondence manuals, etc. Prepares a variety of materials, narrative correspondence, forms, reports, etc. Uses a computer system in the preparation of different reports necessary to complete actions on all cases. Maintains forms, files, and data base/share drive related to casualty tracking and assignment of notification and assistance officers.
(7) Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
• This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state's National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
• Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
• Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
• Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Qualifications
Military Grades: Enlisted
Compatible Military Assignments: 42A
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Experience, education, or training which provided a general knowledge of principles of organization, management, and administration. Experience using computer and automation systems.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Must have at least 24 months experience, education or training in any position that required compiling reports, letters, memoranda, etc., and required person-to-person contacts to convey information. Applicants must have experience providing technical guidance and assistance in the type of work or in comparable work of the position to be filled. Applicants must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures and practices of management. Experience developing administrative procedures.
Education
If you are using Education to qualify for this position,
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims. To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.
Additional information
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.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.
Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application package, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this position. If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
1. Knowledge of commonly applied military personnel principles, concepts, legal requirements, and methodology to gather facts, responds to questions, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide advisory services
2. Knowledge of the interrelationships of military personnel programs sufficient to properly refer management and service members for assistance and technical problem solving.
3. Ability to interpret and apply regulations, procedures and/or precedents to provide advice and solve specific problems.

• 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.
  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  It is highly suggested that applicants address the General and Specialized Experience required of the position within their resume or on a separate document. All information provided during the application process will be verified. Failure to address all General and Specialized Experience requirements may result in non-selection for an interview.
  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
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12214167
  A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
  To begin, 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.
  To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  Agency contact information
  Cara MacVane
  Phone
  (207) 430-6019
  Fax
  (207) 626-4246
  Email
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