A successful candidate in this position will serve as a Human Resources (HR) Specialist (Employee Benefits) at the Oak Ridge HR Shared Service Center (ORSSC), providing employee benefits services regarding retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, death benefits, flexible spending accounts and Thrift Savings Plan.
Summary
A successful candidate in this position will serve as a Human Resources (HR) Specialist (Employee Benefits) at the Oak Ridge HR Shared Service Center (ORSSC), providing employee benefits services regarding retirement, health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, death benefits, flexible spending accounts and Thrift Savings Plan.
Current competitive Federal employees. Current Former competitive service Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility. Current Excepted service employees in agencies with an active interchange agreement. Those eligible under Schedule A, 30% Compensable veterans, VEOA, VRA, or other non-competitive hiring authority. Proof of eligibility must be included with your application.
-This announcement will close at the 50-applicant limit or on the closing date scheduled, which ever comes first.
As a full performance Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits), you will:
Plan, evaluate and deliver Employee Benefits services.
Provide functional and procedural guidance on employee benefit matters to include those of a complex and highly detailed nature.
Provide input on the interpretation of policy issuances, regulations, and laws relative to employee benefits.
Provide information, advice, and guidance on issues related to eligibility and opportunities.
Conduct audits of official personnel records, resolves discrepancies, and determines creditability of verified service for all Service Computation Dates.
Process Civil Service Retirement (CSRS), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) applications.
Generates annuity estimates, service history completions for deposit/redeposit and military service deposits.
Provides advice and counsel to employees and managers on the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).
Serves as point of contact for employees injured in the performance of duty for counseling and filing of claims for disability.
OWCP - Serves as Agency Reviewer in ECOMP and certifies claims before submitting to Department of Labor (DOL).
Prepares, maintains, and regularly updates case files for cases that result in temporary or permanent disability, and provides counsel and assistance for disability compensation payouts and leave buy back.
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
This position is not included in a Bargaining Unit.
Resumes and questionnaire responses must be submitted online.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires a Non-Sensitive – Moderate Risk - Tier 2 background investigation.
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service.
Applicants may qualify for the GS-09 level of this position based solely on education, specialized experience, or a combination of education and specialized experience.
To qualify based solely on SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE at the GS-09 Grade Level, a qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position at the GS-09 is defined as:
Providing employee benefits support to managers, supervisors, and senior human resources (HR) specialists.
Interpreting rules and regulations and providing counsel to managers and employees.
Determining proper retirement coverage and creditable service.
Conducting audits of official personnel records and resolving discrepancies.
Process Civil Service Retirement (CSRS), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) applications.
Generates annuity estimates, service history completions for deposit/redeposit and military service deposits.
Provides advice and counsel to employees and managers on the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).
Serves as point of contact for employees injured in the performance of duty for counseling and filing of claims for disability.
OWCP - Serves as Agency Reviewer in ECOMP and certifies claims before submitting to Department of Labor (DOL).
Prepares, maintains, and regularly updates case files for cases that result in temporary or permanent disability, and provides counsel and assistance for disability compensation payouts and leave buy back.
OR
To qualify based solely on EDUCATION at the GS-09 Grade Level, and applicant must possess one of the following: Possess a master's or equivalent degree or possess 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or possess an LL.B. or J.D. related to duties of this position.
OR
An applicant can qualify for the GS-09 level through a COMBINATION OF EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE listed above.
Applicants may qualify for the GS-11 level of this position based solely on education, special experience, or a combination of education and specialized experience.
To qualify based solely on SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE at the GS-11 Grade Level, a qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position at the GS-11 is defined as:
Providing advice, guidance, and direction to managers, supervisors, employees, and HR staff on a variety of complex benefits and retirement issues.
Administering a benefits program for serviced customers, and providing program leadership for the establishment, delivery, and coordination of employee benefits program.
Promoting and participating in the implementation of an integrated training program to teach basic and complex proficiency of employee benefits.
Process Civil Service Retirement (CSRS), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) applications.
Generates annuity estimates, service history completions for deposit/redeposit and military service deposits.
Provides advice and counsel to employees and managers on the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).
Serves as point of contact for employees injured in the performance of duty for counseling and filing of claims for disability.
OWCP - Serves as Agency Reviewer in ECOMP and certifies claims before submitting to Department of Labor (DOL).
Prepares, maintains, and regularly updates case files for cases that result in temporary or permanent disability, and provides counsel and assistance for disability compensation payouts and leave buy back.
OR
To qualify based solely on EDUCATION at the GS-11 Grade Level, an applicant must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or possess 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or possess an LL.M related to the duties of this position.
OR
An applicant can qualify for the GS-11 level through a COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE listed above.
Your application and resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your application how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!
Knowledge of Federal employee benefits concepts, principles and practices in order to administer the benefits program. Independently plan and carry out assignments, adapt guidelines for application to specific cases or problems, analyze the results, and recommend changes to existing procedures and methods.
Knowledge of related HR concepts and functional areas in order to handle complex cases that involve interrelated HR issues.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a variety of audiences in order to present complex or abstract ideas and information in easy-to-understand formats that increase understanding of HR programs, policies, and objectives.
Ability to explain and defend controversial and unpopular decisions, gain cooperation of others and acceptance of recommendations, and deal tactfully and discreetly with sensitive and/or controversial matters.
Knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods, principles, and techniques in order to analyze and evaluate employee benefits services, projects, programs, and/or functions; and propose solutions to resolve broad issues that significantly affect employee benefits program administration.
Skill in collecting information, fact finding, analysis, evaluation, and research.
Process Civil Service Retirement (CSRS), and Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) applications.
Generates annuity estimates, service history completions for deposit/redeposit and military service deposits.
Provides advice and counsel to employees and managers on the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).
Serves as point of contact for employees injured in the performance of duty for counseling and filing of claims for disability.
OCWP - Serves as Agency Reviewer in ECOMP and certifies claims before submitting to Department of Labor (DOL).
Prepares, maintains, and regularly updates case files for cases that result in temporary or permanent disability, and provides counsel and assistance for disability compensation payouts and leave buy back.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.
Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
EDUCATION:
GS-09: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related.
GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
Additional information
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website.
If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section.
More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
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.
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.
The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications necessary for this position. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.
We will also verify that you are eligible for Merit Promotion positions by reviewing your previous Federal employment to ensure you meet Time-in-Grade requirements. If you are eligible to apply to Merit Promotion announcements based on Veteran or other non-competitive statuses, we will verify your supporting documentation prior to referral.
If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.
Your performance appraisals and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other applicants.
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
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.
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.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more.
ALL APPLICANTS:You must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
For paid work experience, please indicate your starting grade/salary for each position and the highest grade/salary you earned (if different).
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.
Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.
Current and former Federal employees: Most recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notice of Personnel Action).
To properly verify status eligibility, your SF-50 must show the following. If you do not submit an appropriate SF-50, we cannot verify your status eligibility!
Full position title;
appointment type;
occupational series;
pay plan, grade, and step;
tenure code; and
service computation date (SCD).
If specific educational requirements are indicated for this vacancy:Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.
Veterans:veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.
Displaced Federal employees who qualify for CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or surplused by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition for more information.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59pm U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline. Our online application system displays a countdown timer at the top of the screen for your reference.
For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off.
Steps to submit a complete application:
Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder.
You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system, will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are either faxed, uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.
If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): contact the HR Office listed on this announcement between normal business hours. If you are receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will put you in touch with the technical support number if we are unable to assist you personally.
If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center and select a topic of inquiry. Or, you may reach out to USAJOBS directly for support, by visiting the USAJOBS Contact Us page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.
If you are experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply online please contact the HR Office listed on this announcement during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Department of Energy
200 Administration Road
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831
United States
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more.
ALL APPLICANTS:You must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.
Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
For paid work experience, please indicate your starting grade/salary for each position and the highest grade/salary you earned (if different).
Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.
Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require one specific format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which type of resume is acceptable. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume. If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.
Current and former Federal employees: Most recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notice of Personnel Action).
To properly verify status eligibility, your SF-50 must show the following. If you do not submit an appropriate SF-50, we cannot verify your status eligibility!
Full position title;
appointment type;
occupational series;
pay plan, grade, and step;
tenure code; and
service computation date (SCD).
If specific educational requirements are indicated for this vacancy:Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. Please see the Education section for more information.
Veterans:veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.
Persons with Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may apply for appointment through the Schedule A hiring authority. Certified verification of a disability from a licensed medical professional; a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist; or any Federal, state, or District of Columbia agency or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits will be required.
Displaced Federal employees who qualify for CTAP/ICTAP: If you are a former Federal employee who was displaced due to a Reduction-in-Force (RIF) or surplused by some other means, please submit a copy of the separation letter or RIF notice from your agency. To be selected under I/CTAP, you must still be found well-qualified for this position. Please see the OPM Guide to Career Transition for more information.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59pm U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline. Our online application system displays a countdown timer at the top of the screen for your reference.
For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off.
Steps to submit a complete application:
Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder.
You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system, will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are either faxed, uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.
If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): contact the HR Office listed on this announcement between normal business hours. If you are receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will put you in touch with the technical support number if we are unable to assist you personally.
If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center and select a topic of inquiry. Or, you may reach out to USAJOBS directly for support, by visiting the USAJOBS Contact Us page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.
If you are experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply online please contact the HR Office listed on this announcement during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Department of Energy
200 Administration Road
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831
United States
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
