The Secretary of the Senate's Senate Disbursing Office is seeking an Employee Benefits Assistant. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa.

Duties

This is a career ladder position within the Senate Disbursing Office (Disbursing Office) in the Employee Benefits Section (EBS). The individual selected for the career ladder position will be placed into the Office of the Secretary of the Senate pay band 6 as an Employee Benefits Assistant in Phase I for a period of approximately 12 to 18 months, during which time he/she will be on a training plan and will be provided opportunities for development and increased responsibility. Upon successful completion of the development and performance goals, the individual will be granted a promotional increase and placed in pay band 7. This placement will be for approximately another 12 to 18 months, working on increasingly complex employee benefits and retirement issues. Successful completion of Phase II will result in a noncompetitive promotion to an Employee Benefits Specialist I position in pay band 9. The complete job description may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa.

Requirements

• For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – PHASE IWork requires a high school diploma or GED (bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or related field is preferred) with a minimum of one to three years of benefits administration and/or payroll experience, preferably in a federal environment; and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:Ability to perform math calculations. Ability to use computers and relevant software; knowledge of Microsoft Office programs a plus.Ability to perform research and use the internet as a search tool. Ability to gather and analyze data to develop appropriate information and evidence; determine accuracy and application of facts; and reach sound and correct conclusions.Ability to follow departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and functions.Ability to professionally handle confidential/sensitive matters and materials.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Knowledge of PeopleSoft a plus.Knowledge of benefits programs, retirement, and 401(k) programs a plus.Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – PHASE IIKnowledge of all PeopleSoft and Human Resources Management System (HRMS) payroll and benefits screens and ability to find information on system.Ability to use Word, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, Reveal, Document Imaging System, and other system-based EBS/Payroll references.Familiarity with Front Office, Payroll, and File Room Sections of the Disbursing Office and understanding of how each interacts with EBS.General knowledge of all aspects of the TSP Program.General knowledge of the overall working of the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program, including but not limited to contribution limits, health care versus dependent care, effect on taxable earnings and Federal Insurance Compensation Act (FICA), and the enrollment process.General understanding of the Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Program.General understanding of the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), the effect on taxable earnings and FICA, eligibility to enroll, and the enrollment process.Comprehensive understanding of retirement and FICA withholdings; knowledge of the requirement for vesting and eligibility for immediate retirement; and general understanding of the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SPECIALIST IA general understanding of the differences in FEHB plans offering FFS, PPO, HMO, CDHP, and HDHP, including HSAs and HRAs and how DCHL works.Complete understanding of all aspects of the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program; familiarity with all options available and ability to counsel employees about costs and coverages, including the age-based extra benefit, the accidental death and dismemberment benefits, and all QLEs that allow increases and all the available reference materials.Complete understanding of all aspects of the TSP Program. Familiarity with IRS limits, maximizing matching contributions, and all investment funds; and complete knowledge of regulations regarding loans, In-Service withdrawals, all options for withdrawal upon separation, and all reference materials.Demonstrate ability to perform confidential benefits counseling and related assistance to the Senate community; compute basic retirement annuity estimates and survivor benefits; verify, calculate, and credit prior federal service to retirement and benefits; and advise employees and Senators on federal benefits and continuing health and life insurance benefits into retirement.Demonstrate ability to verify prior federal and military service and make creditable service determinations and computations; provide advice and assistance to employees concerning deposits to retirement funds; review benefits application forms and related documents for accuracy and completion; coordinate the processing of forms, applications, and related documents within Disbursing Office and OPM or other appropriate agencies to substantiate claims; and close out Senate retirement records and transmit records to OPM upon separation from the Senate.Demonstrate ability to counsel employees on federal benefits and the impact of waiving coverage or delaying participation; explain procedures for electing coverage, designating beneficiaries, and obtaining temporary continuation of benefits; explain unemployment compensation procedures and process requests for state wage and separation information; and, reconcile state and federal billings for unemployment compensation and request adjustments, if necessary.Demonstrate ability to write internal procedures manuals, training materials, and user guides for work functions and be able to represent the Senate at advisory group meetings involving matters related to benefits administration.Demonstrate ability to draft correspondence with official certification and documentation of benefits to present to the Financial Clerk for signature.Demonstrate ability to keep abreast of legislative changes impacting benefits for Senate employees (i.e., LTC, FSAs, sick leave credit for FERS and CSRS, changes in retirement contribution percentages, and Roth option with TSP); and coordinate seminars, update materials, and communicate changes to the Senate community.PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTWork is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTSNone.

Education

See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.

Contacts

• Address Secretary of the Senate, Human Resources Hart Senate Building Washington, DC 20510
• Email: [email protected]