LEAD HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS)

Summary Who may apply : Current, permanent DFAS employees in the competitive service, eligible DoD PPP Military Spouse preference applicants and current DFAS VRA employees Responsibilities Serves as a senior Employee Benefits specialist with responsibility for providing advisory services to managers and employees on Federal employee benefits programs to include retirement, health and life insurance, and Thrift Savings programs. Leads staff and develops new methods, processes and guides to support team members and overall program operations. Develops instructions and procedures to update or implement changes in Federal benefits programs. Performs regular and ad hoc audits on team operations and program delivery; and develops initiatives to improve service delivery. Remains aware of government or agency wide initiatives, DoD working group activities, OPM regulatory changes, pending reorganizations, mission changes, or staffing reductions or increases affecting serviced organization. Provides advisory services and assistance to management in the areas of employee wellness, benefits management, and agency / workforce impact associated with benefit program changes or implementation. Develops, delivers, and / or arranges for presentations for customers on current benefits programs and entitlements or changes in program requirements. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-11) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as a applying the concepts, practices, principles, policies, laws, executive orders, and regulations in the administration of employee benefits programs. Work must have included providing benefit program consultation and training to customers in at least two of the following areas : employee health benefits, retirement, or life insurance; and investigating complex issues and analyzing applicable law, regulation, policy and case law in providing recommendations and guidance to customers in these program areas. Time-in-Grade : Current or former federal employees who have held a GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time in grade requirement. Applicant must have served 52 weeks as a GS-11 or higher grade in Federal Service. You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. Education There is no substitution of education for Specialized Experience at this grade level. Additional Information Moving expenses will be paid. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements / payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here. For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement), you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements. Telework availability in the local, Indianapolis, IN area will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination. We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition. Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment. A one year probationary or trial period may be required. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Travel requirement is Occasional. This position is not covered by a bargaining unit. Retired Civil Service Employee : Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here) The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed / undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain / maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information. All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.