THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) (Title 5) (Indefinite), Position Description Number T5036000 and is part of the VA HR, National Guard.

Duties

As a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) (Title 5), GS-0201-09, you will perform the following duties: 1. Provides technical guidance and procedural assistance to managers, supervisors, and employees in executing a variety of employee benefits programs, which may include workers' compensation, retirement, health and life benefits, Thrift Savings Program (TSP), etc. Reviews and interprets policies, directives, and other issuances by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), National Guard (NGB), Department of Labor (DOL), and outside control agencies for applicability to activities serviced. Takes appropriate action to comply with such directives and guidance or refers the matters to the proper functional staff for action. Coordinates publication of local policies and regulations. Serves as a technical expert in matters regarding employees' claims for Workers Compensation. primary point of contact for the Federal Employee's Compensation Act (FECA) program for facilities at numerous statewide locations. 2. Works through appropriate channels with the DOL, Civilian Personnel Management Service (CPMS) Injury and Unemployment Compensation Division, and supervisors to determine that payment of legitimate claims is made, fraud is reported, and questionable claims are reviewed. Researches and presents any questionable cases to DOL for further action. Provides information and assistance to claimants and supervisors concerning processing procedures. Tracks claim status and follow-up requirements, monitors, and coordinates eligibility for continuation of pay for eligible claimants. 3. Provides background information or answers congressional inquiries related to injured employees claims. Makes initial contact with all compensation recipients and subsequent contacts as necessary. Utilizes the Injury Compensation/ Unemployment Compensation (IC/UC) computer system to make inquiries and monitor claim status. Analyzes claims to determine appropriateness of payment. Responsible for processing and maintaining the various IC claims forms and providing additional information as required in the completion/ submission of such forms. Maintains automated data system and produces required reports. 4. Assists in administering the retirement programs for technicians desiring to retire under any of the retirement systems. Processes retirement actions, which are moderately complex, non-controversial, and/or recurring cases related to both the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Civil Services Retirement System. Provides counseling to management, employees, retirees, and family members on the complex retirement insurance benefits, entitlements/options. Interprets, applies, and explains retirement and insurance laws, regulations, and policies. Interprets regulations and provides advice to employees concerning reinstatement of insurance, conversion of life insurance, and features of the programs and options associated with retirement. Analyzes information to establish the length and type of creditable service, and prepares annuity computations for employees. Researches regulations and records and advises employees on the buy back of creditable time for retirement. Determines the amount of retirement contributions, refunds of contributions, payments, and repayments needed for service credit to include military deposits, and whether all special requirements and conditions applicable to the type of case have been met; and whether the requirements for payment of a survivor annuity or lump sum are satisfied. 5. Provides technical guidance and assistance to management and employees on benefit programs such as Federal Employee Health Benefits, Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Program, Long Term Care Program, Mass Transportation Program, etc. Reviews, interprets, and distributes informative material on new, changed, and pending policy changes for employees that impact on existing benefit program entitlements. Provides counseling to management, employees, and beneficiaries regarding program coverage, options, variances in coverage, and advantages and disadvantages of benefits. Conducts new employee orientations covering numerous aspects of the technician program. Advises individuals' taking AGR tours of their restoration rights during out-processing. Serves as authority within the HRO for TSP. Counsels and advises employees throughout their employment concerning participation in the plan. Advises employees on all facets of TSP, such as loan provisions, calculation of benefits and contributions, investment options and the pros and cons of each fund, withdrawal of contributions, transfer of fund contributions to qualified pension plans. Assists with the development of technical guidance and in the implementation of benefit program changes. Conducts open seasons for TSP, health benefits, and life insurance in the appropriate timeframe. 6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Tenure: This position is Indefinite and maybe made permanent at a later date without further competition.
• This position is not part of a bargaining unit.

Qualifications

NOTE: Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. For a brief video on How to Create a Federal Resume. Remarks: This position is being advertised as an indefinite appointment and applicant selected may be released at any time and advised of his/her rights and benefits to which entitled. In the event a permanent employee is accepted for this indefinite position, there will be a change in their tenure from permanent to indefinite. Indefinite appointments may be made permanent at a later date without competition. WHO CAN APPLY: GROUP A - All on Board Federal National Guard Employees within VANG. GROUP B - All current Federal Employees (from any agency), all federal re-employable eligible, and/or Current Army M-Day and Air DSG within VANG. GROUP C - All U.S. Citizens. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experience and understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the occupational series and grade. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Do you have at least 12 months specialized experience, education, or training, equivalent to at least the GS-08 level, or equivalent pay band in other pay systems in the Federal government? This experience may also have been obtained in the private sector, but must demonstrate that it is comparable to the GS grade indicated. This experience must include activities such as: Experiences in executing personnel programs and Human Resources Information Systems, as applicable to the specific position and its position description. Experience and working knowledge of National Guard missions, organizations, and federal civilian or military personnel programs. Experience resolving moderately complex, non-controversial and/or recurring workers' compensation, employee benefits, and retirement issues. Experience with the development of technical guidance and in the implementation of benefit programs changes. within the ARNG and ANG.

Education

If you are using Education to qualify for this position, A high school diploma or general education development (GED) diploma is required. An undergraduate degree from an accredited college/university is desired. A graduate degree from an accredited civilian academic college or from an equivalent professional military education school is optimum.

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.

Contacts

• Address VA HR 8000 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY BLDG 430 Richmond, VA 23297 US
• Name: Jacqueline Slater
• Phone: 434-298-6449
• Email: [email protected]