Actuary

Office of Personnel Management

Healthcare and Insurance

Summary

As an Actuary with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management,Healthcare and Insurance, Office of the Actuaries, you will perform actuarial research and analysis supporting Federal retirement, health, and life insurance programs. You will analyze program data, develop actuarial valuation inputs, evaluate premiums, conduct policy-related studies, and provide recommendations that support benefit program funding, oversight, and policy decisions.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Duties

Conduct actuarial analyses and develop valuation inputs for Federal retirement, health, life insurance, and other employee benefit programs.
Gather, validate, and analyze program experience, demographic, and financial data to support actuarial studies and projections.
Evaluate carrier premium proposals, participate in premium negotiations, and recommend premium rate adjustments.
Conduct actuarial research and provide analyses that support policy development for Federal benefits programs.
Develop actuarial models, tools, methodologies, and documentation to support program analysis and reporting requirements.
Prepare technical reports and communicate actuarial findings, recommendations, and program impacts to stakeholders.
Review and provide guidance on the work of junior staff and support collaborative actuarial projects.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office.
This position is eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit. The union that represents employees in this position is the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 32.

Qualifications

Basic Education Requirement GS 11 Grade level:
Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer scienceAND A bachelor's degree that included courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science totaling at least 24 semester hours. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION).

OR

Combination of education and experience that includes both of the following requirements: One year (52 weeks) of professional actuarial experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level AND successful and a bachelor's degree that included courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science totaling at least 24 semester hours. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites.(TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION).

OR

Special Alternative Means of Qualifying for Basic Education at the GS-11:
A combination of education and experience that includes both of the following requirements: One year (52 weeks) of professional actuarial experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level AND successful completion of three of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) examinations, or credit for three of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (JBEA) examinations;
AND
A minimum of 24 semester hours of courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science at a four year college or university. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites.(TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION).

Basic Education Requirement GS 12 Grade level:
A combination of education and experience that includes both of the following requirements: One year (52 weeks) of professional actuarial experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level AND A Bachelor's or higher degree that included courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science totaling at least 24 semester hours. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION).

OR

Special Alternative Means of Qualifying for Basic Education at the GS-12:
Possess one year (52 weeks) of professional actuarial experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level AND successful completion of four of Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) examinations, or credit for three of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (JBEA) examinations.
AND
A minimum of 24 semester hours of courses in actuarial science, mathematics, relevant statistics, business, finance, economics, insurance, or computer science at a four year college or university. This course work must have included a minimum of 12 semester hours of mathematics that included differential and integral calculus and one or more courses in mathematics for which these calculus courses were prerequisites.(TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION).

In addition to the basic requirement listed above applicants must meet the specialized experience listed below to be considered minimally qualified:

For the GS-11 Grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service (or equivalent) performing ALL of the following:

Preparing written reports, summaries, technical documentation, or presentations that communicate analytical findings, methodologies, or recommendations to management, customers, or stakeholders; AND
Using spreadsheets, databases, statistical software, programming tools, or modeling applications to develop analyses, maintain models, or produce quantitative reports; AND
Applying actuarial, statistical, mathematical, financial, or data analysis methods to evaluate program trends, costs, risks, liabilities, premiums, or other quantitative measures; AND
Collecting, validating, analyzing, and interpreting demographic, financial, insurance, benefits, or other quantitative data to support actuarial studies, forecasts, valuations, or program assessments.

For the GS-12 Grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service (or equivalent) performing ALL of the following:

Developing, maintaining, or applying actuarial models, spreadsheets, databases, or analytical tools to support projections, valuations, forecasts, or policy analyses; AND
Conducting actuarial analyses using statistical, financial, demographic, or program data to evaluate benefits, insurance, retirement, or similar programs; AND
Researching and analyzing actuarial, financial, or program issues and preparing reports, recommendations, or supporting documentation for management or stakeholders; AND
Reviewing, interpreting, and applying actuarial principles, standards, regulations, or program requirements to support program administration, funding, pricing, or policy decisions.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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

This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement.

Additional information

This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/raking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.

If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reasoning
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (obtain a score of 85 or higher on the assessments); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

Your Resume showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Only the first 2 pages of the resume/application will be used to verify minimum qualifications. Please be sure to include specific dates of employment and work schedule(s).

Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
- - Classified or government sensitive information
  - Social Security Number (SSN)
  - Photos of yourself
  - Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.
  - Encrypted and digitally signed documents

This position has a basic education requirement; you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts for further consideration..
Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)Documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
- If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.?

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

You may preview the assessment questionnaire by clicking here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12986016

Agency contact information

OPM Human Resources

Phone: 202-606-9321
Email: jobs@opm.gov

Address: OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US

Next steps

Once referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency during the probationary period.

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated. You will receive another notification about the status of your application.

We expect to make a job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/

Actuary Job in Washington, DC