Supervisory Benefits Advisor
What you'd do
EBSA plays a vital role in protecting the retirement, health, and other job-based benefits of America's workers, retirees, and their families. We issue effective regulations, offer comprehensive education and assistance to workers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and service providers, and rigorously enforce the law. We serve workers, families, and the broader employee benefits community by protecting the security and integrity of the nation's benefit systems.
Major duties
The selectee will report to an assigned DOL office location on a regular basis and be eligible for telework as determined by agency policy. This is not a remote position. Offices for this position are located in Boston, MA; New York, NY; Dallas, TX; Fort Wright, KY; and Pasadena, CA. For specific locations, please see: DOL offices. The advertised salary reflects the minimum and maximum pay for the listed locations. Upon selection, the salary will be set in accordance with the selectee's assigned duty location. Benefits Advisors respond to participant and beneficiary inquiries and complaints and provide technical assistance on the obligations of employers, plan sponsors, and service providers under ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, etc. They resolve valid complaints through informal dispute resolution, refer complaints to enforcement involving potential criminal activity or plan wide issues that cannot be resolved informally, and serve as the focal point of the DOL liaison with the general public. Major duties for this position include, but are not limited to the following: Recommend allocation of resources to ensure compliance with program goals, effectively guiding subordinate staff in achieving organizational objectives. Evaluate the performance of the regional office outreach program, identifying areas for improvement, recommending, and implementing necessary changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Promote effective working relationships among team members and across divisions by encouraging cross-training and collaboration on regional projects. Conduct outreach and educational presentations to a variety of groups, effectively communicating complex benefits regulations in a manner that is easily understood by participants and stakeholders. Represent the agency in discussions with other federal, state, and local government officials, articulating policy positions and clarifying technical aspects of EBSA's mission. Negotiate resolutions of problems between plan sponsors and employee benefit plans on behalf of plan participants, using strong interpersonal skills to mediate and reach agreeable outcomes. Stay current on changes and trends in employee benefits laws and regulations, integrating new knowledge into daily practices to enhance program delivery. Assess internal and external factors affecting the outreach and assistance program and make informed recommendations for program resource allocation and development. Provide technical advice to subordinates on complex issues related to pension and healthcare benefits by interpreting laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and proper application. Analyze inquiries regarding sensitive issues related to benefits and develop comprehensive responses that reflect a thorough understanding of applicable regulations.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-13 in the Federal Service. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Qualifying specialized experience for this GS-14 position includes (applicants must meet three out of the five statements): Experience in planning, implementing, and/or evaluating programs related to employee benefits, compliance with federal regulations such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or related legislation. Experience providing complex technical advice and assistance to stakeholders, including plan administrators, employers, and participants regarding the application and interpretation of employee benefits laws and regulations. Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies, private industry representatives, and the general public. This includes developing and conducting outreach initiatives, educational programs, and presentations that effectively inform and assist audiences on their rights and obligations under applicable benefit laws. Experience in supervising, mentoring, or leading teams in a professional environment, including setting performance standards, conducting evaluations, and promoting professional development. This includes the ability to coordinate work assignments and manage resources to achieve program objectives effectively. Experience analyzing complex issues related to employee benefits, identify potential violations, and propose solutions through collaborative negotiation and conflict resolution. There is no substitution of education for the required specialized experience for this position at the GS-14 level.
Before you apply
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