Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits)

Food Safety and Inspection Service • Eagan, MN

3d

About The Position

This position is located in the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Office of Management, Human Resources Operations Division. The Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) serves as a subject matter expert administering federal benefit and retirement programs. The role provides expert advice to agency employees, develops educational programs, and resolves complex cases to support the FSIS workforce.

The specialist administers federal civilian retirement and benefits programs and advises FSIS leadership, supervisors, employees, family members, and survivors on benefits matters. The role includes determining eligibility for health insurance in complex cases, providing guidance on life insurance and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and developing and conducting retirement education programs, briefings, and webinars. The specialist also contributes to agency benefits policies and methods and guides the workflow, daily performance, and professional development of junior HR specialists and HR assistants.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period unless previously served.
• Must use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Must successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Must meet the qualification requirements for at least one of the listed grade levels (GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12), including applicable specialized experience and/or education.
• GS-9 specialized experience: one year at or equivalent to GS-7 providing basic guidance and assistance on civilian benefits and basic experience interpreting related laws, regulations, and policies; qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience may substitute as specified.
• GS-11 specialized experience: one year at or equivalent to GS-9 providing guidance on multiple Federal civilian benefits, interpreting related laws, regulations, and policies, and identifying problems and recommending action; qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience may substitute as specified.
• GS-12 specialized experience: one year at or equivalent to GS-11 independently providing advanced guidance on at least three specified Federal civilian benefits functions, extensively interpreting related laws, regulations, and policies, and identifying problems and recommending solutions.

Responsibilities

• Administer all Federal civilian retirement and benefits programs for Agency employees.
• Provide expert advice and technical counsel to FSIS leadership, supervisors, and employees regarding Federal benefits programs.
• Determine employee eligibility for health insurance coverage in complex cases and provide targeted advice on health insurance issues.
• Interpret regulations and provide technical guidance regarding federal life insurance programs.
• Advise and counsel employees concerning the Thrift Savings Plan, including eligibility, fund allocation, loans, and disbursements at separation.
• Develop and conduct retirement education programs, briefings, and webinars explaining regulations and employee retirement options.
• Participate in developing and revising agency policies, methods, and techniques for effective benefits program execution.
• Advise and assist survivors, employees, and supervisors regarding federal life insurance benefits for survivors.
• Guide and review workflow, daily performance, and professional development of junior HR specialists and HR assistants within the section.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Selectees may be eligible for Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual (CSALA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed