Federal Daily - January 27, 2010

USAJOBS Gets Streamlined Look, Improved Features

It now may be easier than ever to apply for a federal job—or to look for a different one.

The Office of Personnel Management on Jan. 25 launched its redesigned USAJOBS Web site—one which OPM said will make it easier for jobseekers to access and apply for federal employment opportunities.

The new, faster-loading site has enhanced search capabilities and a cleaner interface, said OPM Director John Berry, and incorporates design changes that were based on usability studies, as well as extensive feedback from applicants through customer satisfaction surveys and focus groups.

Changes include an updated look, the introduction of social media and increased personalization, improved site navigation, enhanced job search tools, streamlined employment information (to ensure that job guidance is readily available) and targeted resources for students, executives, veterans and those with disabilities.

“I am committed to continual improvements in USAJOBS for all those who have responded to the call to serve,” said Berry.

To see more, go to: www.opm.gov/news/opm-improves-usajobs-to-make-it-more-userfriendly,1526.aspx.

:: Back to Top ::

VA Begins Recovery of Advance GI-Bill Payments

The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun its effort to recover advance education payments made to vets and servicemembers who applied for benefits under the post-9/11 GI Bill, VA announced on Jan. 25.

The advance payments were made during the fall 2009 semester in an effort to make sure participants got money for classes and books in time, without waiting for the VA to process their claims. The VA is now in the process of deducting those advance payments from the student benefits accounts.

VA—along with DoD—also is contacting active-duty servicemembers who mistakenly applied for the advance benefits, and is letting them know how they can return the money. As part of that effort, VA officials will begin sending out notification letters this week explaining the repayment process.

Once VA accelerated the claims process, it closed down the Web portal for the advance benefits, and is now is processing about 7,000 education benefits daily, up from an average of 2,000 at the beginning of the fall 2009 term, officials said.

Since the inception of the program last year, VA has paid out more than $1.3 billion in education benefits to about 183,000 veteran students.

To see more, go to: www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123187191.

:: Back to Top ::