This position is for a Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO), Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM). In this role, the incumbent will serve as FHFA's key specialist and technical expert for employee benefits programs under Title 5 and FHFA-specific authorities.
Summary
This position is for a Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO), Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM). In this role, the incumbent will serve as FHFA's key specialist and technical expert for employee benefits programs under Title 5 and FHFA-specific authorities.
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO) oversees the Agency's day-to-day operations including facilities management; continuity of operations; financial planning and budgeting; contracting; human resources management; information technology; quality assurance; and audit follow-up functions. The Office leads development and reporting on strategic planning and accountability.
Office of Human Resources Management
The Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) provides client-centric, data-driven, and solution-focused human capital services that enables FHFA's diverse workforce to achieve the FHFA mission. The OHRM is dedicated to collaborating as a strategic business partner in achieving FHFA's regulatory mission by proactively determining human capital needs to recruit and retain a preeminent workforce that is diverse, motivated, and committed to excellence.
Position Overview
The Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) will provide thorough guidance, policy interpretation, case management, and program oversight to ensure consistent, accurate, and compliant administration of benefits programs. They will also propose strategic initiatives to enhance benefits delivery, employee understanding, and overall program efficiency.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
Serve as FHFA's subject-matter expert on all Title 5 and FHFA-specific benefits programs.
Provide counseling to employees and executives on all aspects of retirement including CSRS, FERS, phased, deferred, disability, and survivor annuities.
Benchmark FHFA benefits programs against peer agencies and the private sector to ensure competitiveness and alignment with workforce needs.
Propose key program redesigns that significantly enhance/improve products and services rendered to Agency employees.
Develop reports and analytics on program participation, utilization, and cost trends to support leadership decision-making, including comprehensive analyses with proposals to resolve complex interrelated problems and issues.
Track and report performance metrics related to benefits administration and employee engagement.
Identify and analyze deficiencies or anomalies to recommend insightful alternatives or program adjustments which improve overall program performance.
Design and conduct comprehensive studies to identify and resolve a wide range of program problems, including those not susceptible to conventional remedies.
Develop innovative solutions and brief management as to the merits of adoption and implementation.
Design and deliver training, presentations, and guidance materials for employees, managers, and HR staff on all aspects of Agency benefits and retirement programs.
Lead agency-wide communication initiatives during benefits open season, while ensuring accuracy, clarity, and accessibility of information.
Develop, interpret, and update agency benefits policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and communications to align with OPM guidance, legislative changes, and collective-bargaining obligations.
Develop and maintain both conventional and innovative tools, resources, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to promote employee understanding and utilization of benefits.
Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) and those eligible for other hiring authorities.
SF-50's are required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include one showing your tenure and competitive status. You must provide an SF-50 that indicates your competitive eligibility. You will not be considered without this.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
FHFA participates in e-Verify. All New hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
Bargaining Unit Status: Ineligible
This is NOT a remote position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.
If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Qualifications
You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.
Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below.
Examples of specialized experience include:
Administering Federal employee benefits and retirement programs such as FEHB, FEGLI, FEDVIP, FSAFEDS, FLTCIP, FERS, CSRS, TSP, and related Agency programs by interpreting established Title 5 requirements, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations, and Agency policies to resolve complex benefits cases and ensure accurate program operations; AND
Providing retirement and benefits counseling to agency staff, including preparing retirement estimates; addressing complex service credit, phased retirement, and eligibility issues; and coordinating case processing with OPM in accordance with established procedures; AND/OR
Contributing to the development and implementation of benefits policies, procedures, and guidance by researching regulatory changes, drafting updates, and supporting program evaluations or process improvements; AND/OR
Developing routine program reports, training materials, and employee communications (such as Open Season materials) to help improve understanding, consistency, and service delivery.
Time-In-Grade: Current or former Federal government employees who have held an EL/GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time-in-grade requirement.
To be eligible for the EL-13 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-12 or higher in the Federal Service.
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 job does not have an education qualification requirement.
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
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 with a score of 90 or above; 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.
FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.
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.
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.
For this position, you will be required to complete a narrative assessment through your responses to the prompts in the questionnaire portion of the announcement. If you meet the minimum qualification requirements and are eligible for the position, your narrative assessment responses will be evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts. Through your narrative assessment responses, you will be measured on the following competencies:
Competencies:
Technical Proficiency
Critical & Analytical Thinking
Oral and Written Communication
To fulfill the requirements of the narrative assessment, applicants must provide a written response to the following prompts in their assessment questionnaire:
1. Describe your experience administering, advising on, or supporting Federal benefits and retirement programs. (e.g., FEHB, FEGLI, FERS, CSRS, TSP, FEDVIP, FSAFEDS, or similar programs).
2. Provide an example of a complex or unusually challenging benefits, retirement, or service credit case you work on (e.g., phased retirement, military service credit, disability retirement, redeposits, survivor benefits, or eligibility issues).
3. Describe an evaluation, review, or analysis you conducted related to a benefits or retirement program to identify inefficiencies, compliance risks, or service gaps.
4. Explain how you have used benefits or retirement program data, metrics, or reports to support decision-making, improve program performance, or inform leadership.
5. Describe your experience developing and delivering benefits or retirement training, guidance, or employee communications (e.g., Open Season materials, briefings, or written guidance).
6. Provide an example of a benefits or retirement-related policy, SOP, guidance document, or formal report you developed or contributed to.
All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.
In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to fairchanceactcomplaints@fhfa.gov or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.
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.
FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:
Contact Information: Your name and the best way to contact you.
Relevant work experience: Job experience should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.
Education, certifications or licensures: If the job announcement requires any education, certifications or licensures, make sure you include the required information on the resume.
Other important information regarding your resume:
As a part of the Executive Order 14170 titled, "Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service", all applicant resumes must be 2 pages or less. The long-form Federal resume style is now prohibited under this Executive Order. To be compliant with this guidance, please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Due to the new 2-page resume limitation, finalists for this position may be asked to provide additional previous employment information for pay setting purposes.
2. SF-50's are required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include an SF-50 that shows your tenure (1 or 2 in Block 24) and competitive status (1 in Block 34). You will not be considered without this. The SF-50 should show highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service. You must provide an SF-50 that indicates your competitive eligibility.
3. Required, if applicable: This position requires a minimum level of education or a combination of education and experience. Please submit your transcripts (official or unofficial) along with your application if you choose an option that requires transcripts. Failure to provide transcripts, when required, will result in removal from the hiring process. Note: If you are selected for a position, an official transcript will be required before onboarding.
4. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
5. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc.).
6. Other Supporting Documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Schedule A letter, if applicable
Important Notes:
Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
Do not submit encrypted documents.
Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USA Jobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USA Jobs preview feature.
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement:
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/27/2026 to receive consideration (if there is a cap on the number of applications, the announcement may close earlier. If this is the case, be sure to apply as soon as possible). To successfully apply to this announcement, please follow these steps:
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.
When submitting your documentation, make sure your resume is updated and contains all relevant experience (and dates that the experience was obtained). Ensure that your resume describes experience that is directly related to the Specialized Experience Statements found in the "Qualifications" section of the announcement.
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.
Once you have submitted your application package, write down the announcement number and control number. Please also ensure that you are using a current or relevant email address, so that any communication or updates regarding the announcement can be received.
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, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Ryan Stanger at ryan.stanger@fhfa.gov or 771-233-7320 to obtain an alternative application.
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in their resume. All applicants who are found to be minimally qualified (i.e., they meet the specialized experience and any basic education requirements, if applicable) will have their narrative assessment responses evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts (this assessment tool will determine the score that applicants are given). After each of the narrative assessments responses have been evaluated, applicant scores will be entered into the system to determine who is considered Best Qualified. All applicants who are determined to be among the Best Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further review. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s)***
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency or at other agencies across the Federal government.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:
Contact Information: Your name and the best way to contact you.
Relevant work experience: Job experience should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.
Education, certifications or licensures: If the job announcement requires any education, certifications or licensures, make sure you include the required information on the resume.
Other important information regarding your resume:
As a part of the Executive Order 14170 titled, "Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service", all applicant resumes must be 2 pages or less. The long-form Federal resume style is now prohibited under this Executive Order. To be compliant with this guidance, please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Due to the new 2-page resume limitation, finalists for this position may be asked to provide additional previous employment information for pay setting purposes.
2. SF-50's are required with the exception of current FHFA employees. Please include an SF-50 that shows your tenure (1 or 2 in Block 24) and competitive status (1 in Block 34). You will not be considered without this. The SF-50 should show highest grade held on a permanent basis in the competitive service. You must provide an SF-50 that indicates your competitive eligibility.
3. Required, if applicable: This position requires a minimum level of education or a combination of education and experience. Please submit your transcripts (official or unofficial) along with your application if you choose an option that requires transcripts. Failure to provide transcripts, when required, will result in removal from the hiring process. Note: If you are selected for a position, an official transcript will be required before onboarding.
4. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
5. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc.).
6. Other Supporting Documents:
Cover Letter, optional
Schedule A letter, if applicable
Important Notes:
Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
Do not submit encrypted documents.
Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USA Jobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USA Jobs preview feature.
If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement:
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/27/2026 to receive consideration (if there is a cap on the number of applications, the announcement may close earlier. If this is the case, be sure to apply as soon as possible). To successfully apply to this announcement, please follow these steps:
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.
When submitting your documentation, make sure your resume is updated and contains all relevant experience (and dates that the experience was obtained). Ensure that your resume describes experience that is directly related to the Specialized Experience Statements found in the "Qualifications" section of the announcement.
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.
Once you have submitted your application package, write down the announcement number and control number. Please also ensure that you are using a current or relevant email address, so that any communication or updates regarding the announcement can be received.
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, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Ryan Stanger at ryan.stanger@fhfa.gov or 771-233-7320 to obtain an alternative application.
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20219
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in their resume. All applicants who are found to be minimally qualified (i.e., they meet the specialized experience and any basic education requirements, if applicable) will have their narrative assessment responses evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts (this assessment tool will determine the score that applicants are given). After each of the narrative assessments responses have been evaluated, applicant scores will be entered into the system to determine who is considered Best Qualified. All applicants who are determined to be among the Best Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further review. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the deadline for applications. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
***There is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s)***
FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency or at other agencies across the Federal government.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
