THIS IS A TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION WITH THE NEBRASKA AIR NATIONAL GUARD. This National Guard position is for a HR SPEC (EMPL BEN), PD Number T5093000/T5036000 and is part of the Human Resources Office. INDEFINITE EMPLOYMENT IS TEMPORARY IN NATURE AND WILL LAST MORE THAN ONE YEAR BUT NO MORE THAN SIX YEARS. BENEFITS ARE THE SAME AS A PERMANENT APPOINTMENT. MAY CONVERT TO PERM WITHOUT FURTHER COMPETETION.

Duties

As a HR SPEC (EMPL BEN), GS-0201-7/9, duties include: 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. Researches, writes, and composes draft local instructions, directives, and reporting requirements for the FECA Program. 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. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Obtain/maintain the level of security clearance/background check required
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• Direct Deposit is mandatory
• Drug Testing Required

Qualifications

Security Clearance/Background Check requirements: In order to comply with US DOD requirements and ensure the safety and security of the missions, programs, property and personnel of the Nebraska Military Department, employees must obtain the appropriate background investigation and maintain the level of security clearance assigned to their respective work. Failure to obtain, within one year of appointment, and maintain the designated type of security clearance/background check required for the respective work may result in a job offer being rescinded, separations of employment, or other actions as may be deemed in the best interest of the agency. Prior to appointment individuals must meet the security clearance requirements for the position or submit the required documents of the Nebraska National Guard, Personnel Security Manager for processing the appropriate investigation. Required forms: SF86, PSIP Initiation Form, Fingerprints, OF306 and Application/Resume. Nebraska National Guard Information Security Specialist - [email protected]; 402-309-1129. GENERAL EXPERIENCE: For positions for which individual occupational requirements do not specify otherwise, general experience is 3 years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, that demonstrates 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: GS-07: Must have at least 1 year experience at the previous lower grade or equivalent experience and education, knowledge and skill in applying fundamental HR management methods, principles and practices and standardized analytical, and evaluative methods and techniques to advise on and or resolve moderately complex, non-controversial and/or recurring workers' compensation, employee benefits, and retirement issues and problems for which there are one or more readily apparent solutions; to advise, assist managers and employees; to apply rules and regulations; and to research and analyze policy regarding a variety of HR issues. GS-09: Must have least 1 year experience at the previous lower grade or equivalent experience and education, in examining retirement applications filed by employees to compute employee annuity and survivor estimates pending final OPM adjudication. Ensures adequate documentation to establish entitlement to an annuity. Determines the amount of retirement contributions, refunds of contributions, payment, and repayments for service credit. Assist in in processing of new employees. Experienced in using references and resource materials and experienced in program functions such as, maintaining personnel records, counseling, or employee relations. Experiences may include performing personnel functions associated with employee benefits, workers compensation claims, leave and compensation programs, managing personnel records and researching record data.

Education

Undergraduate Education:

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 for many positions covered by this standard. Others have individual occupational requirements that specify that applicants must, in general,

(1) have specific course work that meets the requirements for a major in a particular field(s),

or

(2) have at least 24 semester hours of course work in the field(s) identified. Course work in fields closely related to those specified may be accepted if it clearly provides applicants with the background of knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.

Contacts

• Address NE JFHQ Air 2433 NW 24th Street Lincoln, NE 68524 US
• Name: Jon Sronce
• Phone: 402-309-8173
• Email: [email protected]