This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/542291700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is responsible for planning, directing and administering a program of enforcement to ensure maximum compliance with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and criminal provisions of US Code as they relate to employee benefit plans. Offices initiate, execute and coordinate civil/criminal investigations of alleged violations of ERISA and conduct financial investigations of all types of employee benefit plans & related entities.
Learn more about this agency08/09/2019 to 08/23/2019
$56,051 - $98,176 per year
GS 09 - 11
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
50% or less - Travel up to 50%.
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Competitive
12 - There is no obligation to provide future promotions if you are selected. Promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, meet all the performance requirements, and supervisor’s recommendation to the next grade.
1801 General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series
No
No
DE-19-SF-EBSA-096
542291700
Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Also open under Pathways - Recent Graduate: PW-19-SF-EBSA-096 and MS-19-SF-EBSA-096. To be considered for all three job announcements, apply to ALL three.
GS-1801-09; Employee Benefits Investigator will complete the following tasks under close supervision of a supervisor or higher level investigator:
Plans, conducts and coordinates civil and criminal investigations or reviews of small, single or multi-employer plans or service providers. Participates, as a team member, in the conduct of larger reviews.
Researches and reviews a variety of background materials, plan reports, case files of previous investigations, and other information related to the entity being reviewed. With assistance from supervisor/higher level investigator, helps to determine areas to be covered and the investigative methodologies to be used.
Initiates contacts and holds discussions with plan officials, their financial/legal representative, and banking, insurance company, securities and investment firms, and real estate and other fiduciary and service provider representatives.
Examines records, plan and service provider operations, financial/accounting systems and operations, reports, and other data necessary. Applies applicable provisions of ERISA and related Federal civil and criminal statutes, related regulations, case precedents, and exemption and court decisions. Determine if transactions conducted, plan policies and operations, and financial interrelationships meet the specific regulatory requirements and standards for prudent management of funds. Verifies and corroborates facts and statements, obtains relevant evidence, establishes reasonable judgments and recommendations.
Develops complete investigative reports, using computers/computer software applications, or as a team member, portions of analyses of facts and issues; citation of applicable ERISA provisions and related legislation and regulations; support of findings with statements, depositions, affidavits, financial records, reports of financial transactions, etc.; and recommendations for closure or further action.
Discusses findings with supervisor and/or higher level investigator and makes recommendations that may serve as the basis for negotiation of voluntary compliance and/or other actions.
GS-1801-11; Employee Benefits Investigator will complete the following tasks with some supervision from a supervisor or higher level investigator:
Plans, conducts and coordinates moderately difficult civil and criminal investigations of health, pension and other employee benefit plans, service providers, trust departments, and other financial entities having relationships and conducting transactions with the plan.
Determines the scope and investigative approaches to be taken for each investigation. Researches and reviews targeting data, reporting and disclosure documents, case files and other background information; determines investigative scope and approaches as well as setting forth the issues(s) being investigated, sections of ERISA believed to be violated, references to relevant interpretations and regulations, required elements of proof, estimated time for completion, records to be reviewed, interviews to be conducted, information and documentation to be collected, and possible remedies needed for correction.
Initiates and arranges for meetings, conferences, and discussions with plan officials, service providers, and their financial and legal representative and conducts formal interviews. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with others.
Examines and analyzes: employee benefit plan financial records, trustee meeting minutes, claims data, and other plan records.
Prepares comprehensive and well-documented investigative reports, using computers/computer software applications and recommendations for disposition and/or the necessity for additional investigation, civil litigation or criminal prosecution. Clearly and effectively conveys information (orally/writing) taking into account the audience and the nature of the information. Actively listens to others; persuades others to accept recommendations.
Participates with higher graded investigators in the negotiation of corrective actions with plan officials, fiduciaries, and their legal representatives. Under the guidance of a higher level investigator, develops recommendations for settlements for the Regional Director's approval.
Works with the legal staff of the Department's Office of the Solicitor (SOL) or Department of Justice in preparing cases for civil litigation and/or criminal prosecution and developing documentary evidence. May serve as a witness for the Agency civil and criminal court trials and may testify before Federal/state grand juries concerning facts and evidence developed during criminal investigations. Reviews and recommends approval of out of court settlement negotiated by the SOL.
Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service or meet the education requirement or have an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For the GS-9 level, Applicants must possess 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal Service.
Specialized experience is experience gained as a compliance inspector, analyst, planner or investigator whose work is related to the field of employee benefit plans and/or Federal and/or state financial regulatory statutes; work directly involved in assessing or assuring finance-related regulatory compliance such as financial auditing, provided the experience clearly demonstrated the application of the laws, regulations and administrative procedures involved in assessing and assuring compliance and/or professional auditing and accounting work that involved determining compliance with Federal and State laws governing health and pension plans, securities, banking, insurance, or corporations.
OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree;
OR
two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree;
OR
LL.B. or J.D., if related.
Selective Factor (GS-11):
To be considered minimally qualified for the GS-11 you must have knowledge of ERISA or knowledge of similarly complex federal or state financial regulatory programs. Candidates must show this knowledge in their resume to receive further consideration.
In addition, an in depth knowledge of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Affordable Care Act (ACA), Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as working knowledge of other Federal and State health care laws and regulations are desired, but not required.
Also for the GS-11 level, Applicants must possess 1 year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal Service.
Specialized experience is experience that provided knowledge of ERISA rules, regulations and enforcement and regulatory policies and procedures, as well as Federal criminal statutes and the Federal rules of evidence; knowledge and experience in investigative techniques and methods of financial examination in order to obtain the necessary information to assess employee benefit plan operations, fiduciary conduct, and individual transactions.
OR
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree;
OR
three (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree;
OR
LL.M., if related.
Combining Education and Experience:
Education and experience can be combined to meet the minimum qualification requirements. Note: Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level can be combined with the appropriate level of experience to qualify for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11.
For additional information, refer to the Office of Personnel Management Operating Manual for Qualification Standards, Group Coverage Qualification Standards for Administrative and Management Positions.
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.
If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.
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.
Positions may be filled in either San Francisco, CA or Seattle, WA.
These positions are inside the Bargaining Unit.
Additional positions may be filled from this announcement if more vacancies become available.
Additional Competencies:
Technology Application: Uses computers and computer software applications to identify, gather, and analyze available data, records and other documentation.
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.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Shows understanding, professionalism, courtesy, tact, and concern; develops and maintains effective working relationships both within and outside the organization; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences.
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; determines accuracy and relevancy of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and makes recommendations; identifies rules, principles or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; and analyzes information to make correct inference or draws accurate conclusions.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses.
Categories
Category A - Meets the basic qualification requirements for vacancy and has successful experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in applying critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity.
Category B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies required by this position.
Category C - Meets specialized experience described in the minimum qualifications requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Investigations: Knowledge of investigative principles and techniques; ability to investigate and analyze plan operations and practices, financial transactions and business arrangements, background information and other evidentiary materials; and ability to draft clear and comprehensive reports including investigative findings and recommendations for corrective actions.
Knowledge and Application of Employee Benefit Plan Law: Knowledge and application of the laws, regulations, court proceedings, precedents, interpretations, and exemptions governing the employee benefit plan community.
Communication Skills: Clearly, effectively and persuasively conveys information (orally and in writing) to individuals/groups, taking into account the audience and nature of information; actively listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately; expresses facts and ideas in writing in a concise/organized manner; and 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; and demonstrates responsible behavior.
(Continued) See Additional Information.
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). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)
INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLES ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles who are placed into Category B or higher will be considered "well-qualified".
Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. 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.
- Veterans Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting honorable or general discharge or release within 120 days, click Active Duty). Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
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.
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/542291700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about