HR SPEC (EMPL BEN) (TITLE 5) Job in Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA

Vacancy No. IA-12458055-AR-24-177 Department Army National Guard Units
Salary $60,407.00 to $78,529.00 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/25/2024 Close Date 7/9/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Camp Dodge Military Reservation, IA


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

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

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current Military members, Title 32 employees and T5 employees of the Iowa Army National Guard.

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

Conditions of Employment

  • 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:
  1. 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.
  2. Must have experiences in executing personnel programs and Human Resources Information Systems, as applicable to the specific position and its position description.
  3. 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.

Additional information

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.

If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 07/09/2024. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.

Annuitants other than DSR annuitants hired on or after November 25, 2003, shall not have their salary offset by the amount of the annuity received for the period of reemployment in accordance with section 9902(h) of Reference (b). These individuals shall receive full salary and annuity during the period of reemployment; they shall not be considered employees for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of Reference (b) (e.g., ineligible for retirement deductions, ineligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan); and their period of reemployment shall not be creditable for a supplemental or redetermined annuity.

Benefits

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.

Once the announcement has closed, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you meet the qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are found to be among the qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the minimum/specialized experience provided in the announcement and the KSA's (knowledge, skills, and abilities) listed below:

  • Knowledge of, 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.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze basic issues of fact and law.
  • Basic knowledge of other HRO specializations, i.e. Recruitment and Placement, Classification, Human Resources Development, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, etc., for purposes of interacting and resolving specific issues.
  • Ability to perform management advisory services and/or make informed judgments on specific retirement, worker's compensation, and leave issues/cases.
  • Knowledge of the organizational structures of the ARNG and ANG.
  • Ability to communicate both orally and in writing sufficient to develop and present findings and determinations to management and employees to gain acceptance and understanding of findings and recommendations.

Required Documents

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

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (including Month and Year, e.g., 02/2017, Feb 2017, etc.) of employment and duties performed.
  2. Additional Supporting Documents (if applicable): Cover Letter, Transcripts, SF-50, DD 214, VA disability letter/documentation, ect.
    1. (In order to claim Veterans Preference a VA disability letter or legible copy of your DD214(s) annotating dates, campaign medals, and character of service (honorable, general, etc.) must be submitted for consideration).

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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application/Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. To view the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12458055

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.


To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Agency contact information

Alyssa Smith
Address
IA Human Resources Office AR
7105 NW 70th Ave
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.