HR Specialist Benefits

To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work. Examples of specialized experience include performing the following types of tasks on a regular basis.

Process retirement applications and death claims for employees by completing a review of the official personnel folder to ensure all personnel data records are correct. Responds to high-profile, sensitive, and complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, drafting legally defensible releases regarding intricate federal employee benefits programs.

Provides authoritative advice, interpretation, and strategic guidance to employees and senior management officials regarding appropriate documentation frameworks for highly complex Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) claims. Manages complex federal benefits programs, independently applying Title 5 and OPM regulations to lead FEHB Open Season initiatives, audit historical personnel records, and adjudicate highly sensitive death and survivor claims for unique employee classifications.

Interprets evolving Title 5 statutes, OPM directives, and legislative updates to synthesize highly technical regulations into actionable training modules; provided advanced, authoritative instruction to agency staff and HR specialists on multifaceted topics including non-standard service computations, disability retirements, and intricate open season transitions.Providing expert advice to managers on complex staffing, recruitment, position management, performance management, or compensation issues.

Interpreting and applying federal HR laws, regulations, and policies to solve difficult workplace problems. Using qualitative and quantitative methods to review HR data, identify trends, and make recommendations to leaders. Working with internal and external partners to launch and manage human resources programs. Providing comprehensive human resources advisory services in multiple HR functional areas.

NOTE: All experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or related applicable assessment) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You will serve as a/an HR Specialist Benefits and be responsible for technical support to field representatives, employees, management officials, or the public when needed. Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Typical work assignments include: Administering all aspects of federal civilian retirement programs under both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

Computing complex, non-standard service histories, verifying military deposits, and managing the end-to-end processing and certification of immediate, deferred, and disability retirement packages. Explaining complex program dynamics including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB), and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).

Auditing historical personnel records to clear enrollment discrepancies and processing life insurance payouts, unpaid compensation accounts, and monthly survivor annuities. Analyzing and interpreting evolving Title 5 statutes, OPM directives, and new legislative mandates to maintain strict internal policy alignment.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement.

To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Reasonable Accommodation Information.