IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION This position is open to current Military members, Title 32 employees and T5 employees of the Iowa Army National Guard. LOCATION: HRO-JFHQ, Johnston, Iowa

Duties

As a HR SPEC (EMPL BEN) (TITLE 5), GS-0201-9, 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. 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. 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. Provides counseling to employees and supervisors on matters relating to workers' compensation, such as determination on job reassignments, light duty, options regarding leave for time off the job, and potential compensation. Obtains facts to reconcile apparent conflicts regarding payment of benefits, medical bills, etc. 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. Works with rehabilitation counselors and field nurses on return to duty under the Nurse Intervention Program. 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. May initiate appeals of unwarranted claims and attends the IC appeals hearings. Maintains automated data system and produces required reports. Develops, modifies, and conducts FECA and Workers Compensation training to supervisors, managers, and conducts briefing for technicians. 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. Performs other duties as assigned. T5036

Requirements

• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
• Perform irregular/overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies
• Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
• The incumbent of this position description must have at a minimum, a completed National Agency Check (NAC) prior to position assignment.

Qualifications

In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: The ability to analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions, plan and organize work, and communicate effectively orally and in writing. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:GS02019- Applicant must have the following experience: Must have at least one year of specialized experiences at the GS-07 level or the equivalent which provided a working knowledge of National Guard missions, organizations, and federal civilian or military personnel programs. Must have experiences in executing personnel programs and Human Resources Information Systems, as applicable to the specific position and its position description. Experiences that prepared the applicant to perform the duties of the position. The applicant's accredited educational-degree study program; or other military or civilian academic courses may substitute for some specialized experience.

Education

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience - Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree, in an accredited college or university, meets the GS-5 level requirements.

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 IA Human Resources Office AR 7105 NW 70th Ave Johnston, IA 50131-1824 US
• Name: Alyssa Smith
• Phone: 515-252-4682
• Email: [email protected]