This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/535743400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The mission of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is to ensure the security of retirement, health and other workplace related benefits of American workers and their families. Each Office initiates, executes, and coordinates civil/criminal investigations of alleged violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and conducts investigations of all types of employee benefit plans.
Learn more about this agency06/06/2019 to 06/19/2019
$107,630 - $139,916 per year
GS 13
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
50% or less - Up to 50% travel.
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
13 - This position is at the Full-Performance Level (FPL).
No
No
MS-19-SF-EBSA-069
535743400
Current federal employees of this agency.
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
Open to current Department of Labor (DOL), Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) employees with competitive status in the local commuting area of San Francisco, CA. Also Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) eligibles in the local commuting area.
The primary purpose of this position is to provide information, guidance, and assistance to employee benefit plan administrators, participants, beneficiaries, the general public, and other government agencies concerning the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act of 1996, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA), Michelle’s law, and related regulations.
The incumbent serves as a mentor to more junior benefits advisors; provides on-the-job training; and may lead a team consisting of benefits advisors, student benefits advisors and/or support staff located in either the regional office or a district office; assists the supervisory benefits advisor by leading team projects; and, participates in the regional office’s planning and conducting of outreach and education programs. As such, the incumbent reports to the supervisory benefits advisor and assures that the work assignments of the other team members are carried out by performing a range of duties such as: maintaining a current knowledge of procedures, policies, and directives in order to answer questions of other team members; distributing and monitoring the timely accomplishment of the workload; reviewing the work of team members; and, compiling, evaluating, and preparing reports on regional/district program activities, as requested.
The incumbent directly assists participants, beneficiaries and plan officials by explaining their respective rights and obligations under the various statutes and resolving disputes about benefit entitlement and eligibility. In doing so, incumbent researches, analyzes, and applies provisions of these laws and related regulations to specific factual situations and prepares detailed written and/or telephonic responses using clear and understandable language. The inquiries are complex and highly sensitive from the public concerning statutory and plan rights and obligations. Incumbent must be able to properly recognize and respond to new, novel and extremely complex matters. Incumbent identifies and prepares referrals of potential violations to EBSA’s enforcement program.
The incumbent also plans and conducts complex outreach and educational programs and workshops. These programs are designed to enable participants to better understand and exercise their rights under the law and as well as give plan administrators and practitioners the opportunity to better understand and comply with the law. The incumbent is responsible for keeping abreast of problems and situations affecting various industries and companies within the region as well as identify and make contact with “grass-roots” organizations who can serve as partners in agency educational efforts.
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining liaison with other Departmental, state and federal agencies to educate them about the requirements of ERISA as well as professional industry and employee groups and other concerned organizations for the purpose of explaining obligations and benefits under ERISA and related statutes.
Applicants must meet time-in-grade, time-after-competitive-appointment and qualifications requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the vacancy to be eligible for consideration for selection.
Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12, in the Federal Service.
Specialized experience is knowledge of the employee benefits field and the ability to provide assistance and educational information to individuals, employers, special interest and other groups in the employee benefits industry. Experience may have been gained in government, pension and health benefit plan administration, or consulting firm, law firm, actuarial or accounting firm, labor union, health and pension trade association or research service, bank trust department, brokerage firms, insurance companies or investment firms.
Selective Factor: In addition to the specialized experience, to be considered minimally qualified at the GS-13 level your application must demonstrate extensive knowledge of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and related statutes and regulations. Your response to the ERISA question on the Vacancy Questionnaire will be used in your qualification determination.
There is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
DOL seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse customers we serve. DOL fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility and fairness so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
More than one vacancy may be filled through this announcement if additional vacancies become available.
Refer to these links for more information:
GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Click here for Evaluation details. For Displaced Employees ONLY: if you meet the eligibility requirements for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles will be considered "well-qualified" if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review DOL Account Eligibility Questions #24 and 27 to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP/CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Customer Relations Identifies and understands stakeholder problems. Attempts resolution of complex customer problems by providing accurate technical information gained through analysis of regulatory and plan provisions and by delivering clear, concise explanations of benefits due. Negotiates with plan representatives to obtain corrective action.
Communication Skills Clearly and effectively conveys information (orally and in writing) to individuals and groups, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Persuades others to accept recommendations.
Individual Effectiveness Organizes work and sets realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.
Interpersonal Effectiveness Shows understanding, professionalism, courtesy, tact, and concern; develops and maintains effective working relationships both within and outside the organization; and maintains current knowledge of and works to achieve organizational and programmatic goals.
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Identifies and analyzes complex problems; determines accuracy and relevancy of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations. Identifies rules, principles or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information, makes correct inferences and draws accurate conclusions.
Strategic Thinking Understands the organizational mission and functions; the practices, operations, and concerns of the employee benefit plan industry; and the interrelationships between government and the regulated community.
Technology Application Uses computers and computer software applications.
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview). Your evaluation may also include a review by an HR Specialist or panel and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
- The following documents are required from all applicants, if applicable (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):
ARE YOU A CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEE? If applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service, please provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action” which shows your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying. Your SF-50 must identify the highest grade you held on a permanent basis, Pay Plan/Pay Schedule, Series, and Grade/Pay Band, and career status. Multiple SF-50 may be submitted to demonstrate your highest previous rate and eligibility.
*WARNING: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step and competitive status. For current DOL employees, an award SF-50 DOES NOT indicate grade and step.
- Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation signed and dated within 18 months is requested by the agency, but will not disqualify candidates if not submitted. If not submitted during the application process, one may/will be requested at the time of the interview if the opportunity is extended. Applies to current and former Federal employees.
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents - Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP Eligibility.
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
Note: If you are unsure, refer to your last or most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) or ask your servicing Human Resources Specialist.) If you don’t know what type of appointment you are on, you may find copies of your SF-50s in your electronic personnel folder (eOPF).
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, go to https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents
Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS)
Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL)
On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 progress steps indicated by circles at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd progress step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th progress step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Review and Submit” step, click “Submit Application”
The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to Step 7 on: Using DOORS and USAJOBS Help Guide. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here for instructions.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/535743400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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