HR Specialist (Emp Ben / Compensation

Air National Guard Units • Fairchild AFB, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a Washington National Guard Title 5 Excepted Service Technician position, GS-0201-7/9, in Employee Benefits/Compensation at the 141st Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild AFB, Washington. It is an indefinite temporary appointment in the excepted service. The position may be used to fill one or more vacancies. An incumbent may be converted to permanent technician status without further competition if funding and employee manning levels permit.

At the GS-7 level, the employee performs developmental assignments and recurring work of gradually increasing difficulty involving established procedures and guidance. The role includes applying human-resources principles, researching and resolving routine issues, supporting studies and projects, drafting documents, and processing personnel actions using automated systems.

At the GS-9 level, the employee provides advice and counseling on retirement, insurance, compensation, leave, and related programs; helps employees prepare retirement applications; maintains electronic personnel files; and administers or supports a range of benefits and workforce programs. The employee also supports the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program, including claims coordination, workplace documentation, and appropriate use of light-duty policies.

The position requires U.S. citizenship, suitability for federal employment, and the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance. It is designated as Essential Personnel and may require duty during a state emergency or disaster. Irregular or overtime hours and temporary duty travel may be required. The work may involve driving a motor vehicle, in which case a valid appropriate driver's license is required. Duties may significantly affect the environment, and the employee must remain aware of applicable environmental responsibilities.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the security clearance designated for the position.
• Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers and contribute to a cooperative work environment.
• General experience analyzing problems, identifying significant factors, gathering relevant data, recognizing solutions, planning and organizing work, and communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• For GS-7, at least 12 months of specialized experience relevant to the duties and human-resources competencies, including familiarity with HR programs, subject matter, and processes associated with the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, or U.S. Air Force; alternatively, qualifying education or a combination of education and experience may be used as described in the announcement.
• For GS-9, at least 24 months of specialized experience relevant to the duties and human-resources competencies, including familiarity with HR programs, subject matter, and processes associated with the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, or U.S. Air Force; alternatively, qualifying education or a combination of education and experience may be used as described in the announcement.
• High school diploma or GED.
• For education-only qualification at GS-7: one full year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement.
• For education-only qualification at GS-9: a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D.
• Provide transcripts or other documentation supporting education claims when relying on education to qualify.
• Complete a trial period successfully if required.
• Participate in mandatory direct deposit.
• Submit a resume and required supporting documents.
• Comply with the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment; a person convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties.
• Be available for irregular and/or overtime (compensatory) hours when required for operational needs or contingencies, including hours outside the normal duty day.
• Travel in military and/or commercial aircraft for temporary duty assignments if required.
• Serve as Essential Personnel and perform duties in preparation for or response to a state emergency or disaster declaration.
• Hold an appropriate valid driver's license if required to drive a motor vehicle.
• If applicable, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered under the Military Selective Service Act.

Responsibilities

• Perform developmental assignments and recurring human-resources work using established procedures and guidance.
• Analyze routine problems, resolve them when possible, and refer unfamiliar situations or deviations to a supervisor.
• Assist with planning and conducting special initiatives, studies, and projects; prepare reports and briefings on findings and recommendations.
• Draft newsletters, routine inquiry responses, reports, letters, and other documents.
• Process personnel actions using automated systems in accordance with the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions and local checklists.
• Counsel management, employees, annuitants, and family members of deceased employees on retirement and insurance laws, regulations, benefits, and options.
• Research and interpret regulations; advise employees on insurance reinstatement, life insurance conversion, retirement programs, and related options.
• Assist employees with retirement applications and related documents, and forward them to the Army Benefits Center Civilian.
• Determine separation types and complete electronic Official Personnel File maintenance for relevant documents.
• Monitor legislative developments, agency reorganizations, and other activities that may affect management and employees.
• Determine eligibility for retirement annuities and continuation of life and health insurance.
• Provide technical advice on health and life insurance, the Thrift Savings Plan, leave, pay, compensation, and related programs.
• Assist with programs including Mass Transit, Reasonable Accommodations, Telework, USERRA, military or civilian deposits for CSRS/FERS, disability benefits, Light Duty, and Workers’ Compensation.
• Prepare termination memorandums for applicable separation circumstances.
• Publicize and support the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program; coordinate claims and medical documentation with relevant offices, managers, and supervisors.
• Help ensure claims are legitimate, report potentially fraudulent or questionable claims, and coordinate workplace validation and documentation.
• Assess compensation situations and support appropriate cost control and implementation of light-duty policies.
• Maintain Electronic Official Personnel Files by uploading required documents in accordance with personnel recordkeeping guidance.
• Perform other temporary, minor, or incidental duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency should be contacted for details.
• Certain incentives may be available subject to funding and approval, but are not guaranteed.
• Potential conversion to permanent technician status without further competition if funding and employee manning levels permit.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED