Benefits Specialist
What you'd do
This position is within the Department of Energy (DOE), BPA Human Resources Service Center (H), Benefits & HR Processing (HB). We are seeking a benefits expert to guide federal employees through critical decisions regarding retirement, insurance, and savings plans. As a trusted advisor, you will interpret complex policies, provide one-on-one counseling, and help shape our benefits programs. Join us to make a direct and positive impact on the well-being of our dedicated public servants.
Major duties
Powering the Northwest, Empowering Our People Join the team that keeps the lights on for millions in the Pacific Northwest. The Bonneville Power Administration's mission is to provide an adequate, efficient, and reliable power supply, and that mission starts with our employees. As a Benefits Specialist, you are the critical link ensuring that our dedicated team is supported through comprehensive benefits, allowing them to focus on their vital work. This is more than an administrative role; it's an opportunity to be a strategic partner and trusted counselor. Your expertise will directly contribute to the well-being of the federal workforce that powers communities and sustains the region's economy and environment. In this position, you will: Serve as a Subject Matter Expert: Act as the primary advisor to employees, managers, and their families on all aspects of federal benefits. You will provide clear, empathetic guidance on complex topics, helping colleagues navigate significant life and career decisions. Deliver One-on-One Retirement Counseling: Guide employees through the intricacies of federal retirement, helping them understand their options, calculate annuities, and prepare for a secure future beyond their service. Shape and Improve Benefits Programs: Provide crucial input into the policies and procedures for BPA's benefits programs. You will analyze the impact of new regulations and identify innovative ways to enhance our service delivery and educational outreach. Solve Complex Cases: Tackle challenging and unique benefits issues, from determining eligibility for special programs to correcting retirement coverage errors. Your analytical skills will ensure fair and accurate outcomes. Conduct In-depth Planning and Analysis: Research and interpret complex laws, policies, and regulations to provide recommendations and develop new procedures, ensuring our programs remain effective and compliant. Lead Educational Initiatives: Develop and deliver retirement planning seminars and other benefits-related training, empowering employees with the knowledge they need to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Provide Full-Cycle Benefits Support: Advise on a wide range of programs, including health and life insurance (FEHB, FEGLI), long-term care, dental and vision (FEDVIP), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Ensure Program Integrity: Conduct audits of personnel records and review retirement applications and other documentation for accuracy and compliance, upholding the high standards of our public service.
What you need to qualify
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) providing technical advice and guidance to management and employees on the application of retirement and insurance benefit programs; 2) performing research and analysis to resolve benefit case issues; and 3) preparing formal correspondence or supporting documentation regarding benefit eligibility, entitlement determinations, and program participation. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. GS-12: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) interpreting and applying complex regulatory and legal frameworks to resolve non-standard or highly detailed benefit problems; 2) developing, evaluating, or recommending new operational methods, criteria, or policies for effective program implementation; and 3) conducting authoritative analysis and research to reconcile disputed, incomplete, or contentious information to reach legally supportable conclusions. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-12 level. "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.
Before you apply
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