This vacancy is for a GS-0201-13, Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, HUMAN RESOURCES RETIREMENT AND BENEFITS SERVICE CENTER in Curtis Bay, Maryland.
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Specialized experience must include the following: Managing and administering federal employee benefits programs (retirement, OWCP, FEHB, FEGLI, TSP). Providing technical expertise and advisory services on complex and controversial benefits issues to employees, managers, and leadership. Interpreting, applying, and implementing federal laws, regulations, policies, and precedents related to employee benefits. Conducting audits and resolving discrepancies in personnel and payroll records to ensure proper benefits entitlements. Developing policy guidance, standard operating procedures, and training materials related to employee benefits administration. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
You will serve as a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) and be responsible for serving as a center expert in the areas of employee benefits (i.e., retirement, Office of Workers' Compensation (ONCP), death benefits, Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), etc. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Serving as a program manager and technical expert for employee benefits programs, including retirement, OWCP, death benefits, FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, and military service deposits. Providing expert advisory and counseling services to employees, beneficiaries, managers, and supervisors on complex benefits matters and retirement options. Processing retirement applications, service deposits, and death claims, including auditing personnel records and coordinating with payroll and OPM to resolve discrepancies. Researching, interpreting, and implementing new or revised legislation, OPM regulations, and agency policies affecting employee benefits programs; develops guidance, SOPs, and training. Managing program reporting, FOIA and congressional inquiries, and employee benefits communications, including Open Season activities and workforce training initiatives.