This position serves as a Human Resources (HR) Assistant performing a variety of HR program functions in Federal Workers' Compensation. This position is assigned to the VISN HR Office. The Human Resources (HR) Assistant provides technical support and clerical assistance for the Federal Workers' Compensation Program. The incumbent will serve as a liaison between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor's Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) District Offices.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Supports technical review, analysis and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate processing of WC claims. Provides guidance and counsel to facility and VISN employees, managers and supervisors regarding their rights, responsibilities and requirements under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). Evaluates the disposition of each workers' compensation claim against the required elements and determines next steps including transmission of documents, written responses, and tracking. Assists Specialist with coordinating access to the work site when requested by the OWCP Field Nurse and/or the OWCP Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist to conduct a job site visit to determine the extent (if any) a job may need to be modified to accommodate work restrictions. Reviews and interprets medical portions of less complex claims and research medical terms, procedures, and protocol of medical treatment to effectively manage claims and to understand the impact of the injured employee's medical condition. Reviews the medical costs associated with a claim to ensure that medical procedures, treatment and prescriptions are related to the accepted work-related injury. Evaluates, authorizes, and approves requests for Continuation of Pay (COP), or annual and sick leave used. Monitors requests for appropriate payment on a biweekly basis.Monitors and evaluates leave related to FECA claims for accuracy of payment and resolves discrepancies. Develops and monitors light duty assignments for injured workers until they can return to their preinjury position.Identifies and coordinates permanent job offers when the injured employee cannot return to their pre-injury position because they are permanently partially disabled. Assists in development of educational and training materials. Provides Specialist with draft responses to Congressional Inquiries, including but not limited to MSPB and civil litigation issues both orally and in writing by reviewing workers' compensation cases, performing fact finding, and advising and/or representing management officials as necessary. Preparation of workers' compensation documents for fraud proceedings and prosecution as requested.Prepares a written statement of challenge with appropriate oversight to notify OWCP of the deficiencies when any of the five elements are not met with factual and objective. Monitors the medical progress and duty status of all injured workers by obtaining periodic medical reports to determine work capacity. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Position Description Title/PD#: Human Resources Assistant (Workers Compensation)/PD99960-A Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/18/2024. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: To qualify at the GS-5 level, you must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal Service; experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of this specialized experience would typically include: Communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders over telephone, in person, in writing, and email regarding administrative concerns; use of office automation software to perform administrative work such as drafting and reviewing correspondence, and data entry; Supports managers and employees through a variety of tasks related to organization and communication; assist in preparation, maintenance, and filing of necessary documents. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a 4-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree. One year of full-time undergraduate study is defined as 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours. NOTE: If using education to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required. OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond 4 academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree. When education is used to meet specialized experience requirements at grade GS-5, the level of the course work must have been equivalent to at least the junior- and senior-year levels of a baccalaureate program. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required. To qualify at the GS-6 level, you must possess at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in Federal Service; experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of this specialized experience would typically include: Researching, applying, and advising employees and managers on HR policies; review, coordinate and maintain employee case files and documentation; utilize office automation software to research and perform work such as responding to customer inquiries, drafting and reviewing correspondence, and data entry; providing administrative support and preparing written statements and other documents. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address VHA VISN 2 Human Resources 130 W. KINGSBRIDGE ROAD BRONX, NY 10468-3904 US
• Name: Tierra Green
• Email: [email protected]