THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a HR SPEC (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), PD# T5036000 and is part of the Human Resources Office. The primary purpose of the position is to provide technical, procedural and evaluative assistance in the area of employee benefits for both Army and Air National Guard organizations. Accomplishes work through the use of an automated personnel system.

Duties

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. Develops and carries out specific projects to accomplish the technical support mission of the Human Resources Office. Advises supervisors and employees on regulatory requirements of the programs and develops instructions. 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. Serves as the Injury Compensation Program Administrator and primary point of contact for the Federal Employee's Compensation Act (FECA) program for facilities at numerous statewide locations. Investigates facts and develops cases relative to on-the-job injuries, illnesses, processes non-routine and routine claims, which require identifying and substantiating information; and compiles pertinent information for use in filing, as well as controverting claims. Coordinates case details between employees, supervisors, medical personnel, and claims offices. Reviews claims and medical documents. 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. 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. Composes letters or summaries relating to a variety of employee benefit matters. Recommend changes to operating policies and procedures.

Requirements

• To be considered for this Title 5 position in the Excepted Service, you must be a US citizen.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• The incumbent of this position description must have at a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to position assignment
• Irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day.
• This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for a state emergency or disaster declaration. This designation will not exceed 14 calendar days per year unless otherwise approved in advance by the TAG.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.

Qualifications

GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Experiences gained through civilian and/or military technical training schools within the human resources business programs are included as general experience qualifications. An applicant must have a validated understanding of the basic principles and concepts of the occupational series and grade. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have at least one year of specialized experiences equivalent to a GS-07 which provided a working knowledge of National Guard missions, organizations, and federal civilian or military personnel programs. Experiences that prepared the applicant to perform the duties of the position.

Education

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.

Contacts

• Address RI Human Resources Office 2841 South County Trail East Greenwich, RI 02818 US
• Name: Christina Petrone
• Phone: 401-275-4141
• Email: [email protected]