Junior HR Specialist (Retirement & Benefits)

IT Concepts, Inc.•Washington, DC

51d•$100,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities. By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones. Kentro is hiring a Junior HR Specialist to support Human Resources Transactional Services (HRTS) supporting the USAID. The objective of this contract is to provide senior-level advisory services to the USAID Human Resources Director in support of the agency's strategic wind-down. The Senior Advisors will leverage deep institutional knowledge of USAID and the Department of State to guide the implementation of critical foreign service personnel actions-including severance, retirements, and staff transitions-while ensuring compliance with U.S. Government regulations and facilitating coordination with interagency partners. This position requires mastery of, and skill in applying, the principles, concepts, laws, and systems of employee benefits sufficient to lead efforts in resolving broad programmatic issues that significantly impact government-wide retirement and benefits program administration. The incumbent serves as the Agency's authoritative resource for employee benefits, providing guidance, counseling, and program leadership for Civil Service, Foreign Service, and SES employees.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal retirement and employee benefits programs, policies, and procedures (CSRS, FERS, FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to process retirement and benefits transactions using automated systems (e.g., GRB, HRConnect/NFC, ServiceNow).
Strong analytical and organizational skills, with attention to accuracy and data integrity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft correspondence and explain technical information clearly.
Proven customer service orientation and ability to handle sensitive or confidential issues with professionalism.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a virtual, fast-paced team environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft/Google Office Suite (Google Docs/Word, Google Sheets/Excel, Gmail/Outlook) and experience using digital case management systems.
Must be a US Citizen
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance
Must meet updated ID requirements: https://www.gsa.gov/technology/it-contract-vehicles-and-purchasing-programs/federal-credentialing-services/get-appointment-help/bring-required-documents
If you do not currently meet the ID requirements outlined, you must be willing and able to update your current forms of ID in a timely manner to complete the suitability process successfully.

Nice To Haves

Experience counseling or assisting Federal employees with retirement or benefits questions.
Familiarity with workflow automation tools, digital forms, or process optimization initiatives.
Demonstrated interest in professional growth within HR, benefits, or retirement administration.

Responsibilities

Support the administration of retirement programs for Foreign and Civil Service employees.
Assist in processing retirement applications under CSRS, CSRS Offset, FERS, FSPS, and FSDS systems, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
Provide employees and annuitants with guidance on retirement eligibility, creditable service, and benefits options, escalating complex cases to senior specialists as needed.
Use automated systems such as GRB, HRConnect/NFC, and document management tools to manage case files, track actions, and maintain data integrity.
Prepare draft correspondence, retirement estimates, and benefit summaries for review.
Collaborate with OPM, State Department, and internal stakeholders to facilitate seamless processing and issue resolution.
Support quality assurance reviews by providing complete and well-documented case files. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and digital workflow enhancements.
Participate in periodic audits to ensure compliance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
Assist in administering employee benefits programs, including FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, dental and vision plans, FSA, and long-term care.
Respond to employee inquiries on deposits, redeposits, and service credit questions, coordinating with senior team members on complex cases.
Maintain accurate electronic case records, ensuring all actions and counseling notes are properly documented.
Support the development of training materials, knowledge base articles, and FAQs to improve employee awareness and understanding of benefits programs.
Contribute to process improvements leveraging technology platforms such as ServiceNow and HRConnect for benefits tracking and employee communications.
Participate in benefits-related presentations or webinars and provide administrative support to program outreach initiatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned, such as supporting Death in Service case documentation and coordination.

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more.
We invest in our employees - Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development. Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations.
We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

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