This position performs routine to moderately complex human resources management functions in assigned benefits and wellness areas. Responds to requests for information; performs limited research and analysis of applicable laws, regulations, policy, etc. and prepares summaries and recommendations for action. As assigned, performs segments of more complex benefits assignments of the Benefits Officer, which includes retirement, insurance, health benefits, injury compensation and worklife programs.

Duties

The incumbent as a Benefits Specialist at this level is responsible for providing assistance in the following program areas and duties/responsibilities: Retirement and Employee Benefits: Assists the Benefits Officer in researching issues in the areas of retirement and program administration. Stays abreast of legislative and regulatory changes in the benefit, retirement, and work life program areas, and assists the Benefits Officer in the development, issuance, and implementation of any required changes to FTC policy. Reviews retirement applications and ensures timely processing. Serves as the liaison with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in monitoring the status of retirement applications. Provides counseling to management, employees, and beneficiaries regarding program coverage, options, variances in coverage, and advantages and disadvantages of benefits. Advises employees on the standard facets of TSP, such as loan provisions, benefits and contributions, withdrawal of contributions, transfer of fund contributions to qualified pension plans. Provides advisory services for open season benefits including Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and associated programs including FEDVIP and FSA; TSP, and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI); and assists the Benefits Officer with contacting and organizing agencies for the annual benefits fair. Assists the Benefits Officer with providing counseling to aid employees placed in the wrong retirement code and covered by the Federal Erroneous Retirement Coverage Correction Act (FERCCA) in making election decisions, assisting with completing the necessary paperwork, and serving as a liaison with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in monitoring the status. Assists the Benefits Officer with the development, modification, and conducting of presentations of basic and/or refresher training in employee retirement, benefit, and work life programs. Completes the processing and completion of benefits related personnel actions in the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), the Workforce Transformation and Tracking System (WTTS) and the Entry on Duty System (EODS) as assigned. Worker's Compensation Program Assists the Benefits Officer with the Office of Worker's Compensation (OWCP) Program by providing administrative assistance with programs and processes. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Refers employees for basic EAP services including free, voluntary, short-term counseling, and referral for various issues affecting employee mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders. Assists the Benefits Officer in coordinating the presentation of special programs such as Emergency Back-up Daycare, Elder Care, Smoking Cessation, EAP Speaker Presentation Series, etc. Assists the Benefits Officer in representing the agency in external matters both in the public and private sector on work life programs, including sponsoring work-life, health, and EAP presentations. Employee Health/Fitness Promotion and Preventive Health Services Coordinates support and assistance to help employees enhance mental and physical well-being, prevent health problems, engage in health-promoting behaviors, and find assistance and support in times of need. Provides employee health education and services. Adopts health policies and programs that reduce the risk of premature morbidity and disability, foster healthy lifestyles and support a healthy working environment. Workplace Flexibilities Assists the Benefits Officer with the FTC's workplace flexibilities programs, including providing guidance and advice regarding the agency's workplace flexibilities policy and the Workplace Flexibilities Arrangement (WFA) process. Leave Programs Assists the Benefits Officer with the FTC Voluntary Leave Transfer and Leave Bank Programs by: Providing standard technical guidance/advisory services to FTC human resources staff, supervisors, and senior staff; Processing leave recipient and leave donor requests, to include required updates in FPPS; Conducting periodic reviews of VLTP and Leave Bank program policy and procedures and assisting with the updates based on any regulatory changes from OPM; Assisting with the announcement and coordination of the annual Leave Bank Open Season; and Assisting the Benefits Officer with the coordination, nomination and selection process for Leave Bank Board members.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• Position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
• This position is not in the bargaining unit.

Qualifications

You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the next lowest grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector. For the GS-9 level: You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level performing the following types of tasks: Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: researching and providing analysis and technical guidance on program areas to include, but not limited to the Telework Program, Open Season, Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP), Voluntary Leave Bank Program, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Federal Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCI), Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Life Care; coding and processing employee benefits; and advising management on various wellness programs including, but not limited to, Employee Assistance, Remote Work, Telework, Workers' Compensation, and other health and wellness programs and activities. OR master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR A combination of doctoral education and experience, which meets 100% of the qualification requirements for the position. 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.

Education

If you qualify on the basis of education in lieu of experience, you must submit a copy of your transcripts . Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.

If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION

Contacts

• Address Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite H-723 Washington, DC 20580 US
• Name: Dominique Hardy
• Phone: 202-326-3797
• Email: [email protected]