Benefits Specialist

Overview This position is within the Department of Energy (DOE), BPA Human Resources Service Center (H), Benefits & HR Processing (HB). We are seeking a benefits expert to guide federal employees through critical decisions regarding retirement, insurance, and savings plans. As a trusted advisor, you will interpret complex policies, provide one-on-one counseling, and help shape our benefits programs. Join us to make a direct and positive impact on the well-being of our dedicated public servants. Specialized Experience Requirements GS-11: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Providing technical advice and guidance to management and employees on the application of retirement and insurance benefit programs. Performing research and analysis to resolve benefit case issues. Preparing formal correspondence or supporting documentation regarding benefit eligibility, entitlement determinations, and program participation. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or an LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school’s definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. GS-12: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Interpreting and applying complex regulatory and legal frameworks to resolve non‑standard or highly detailed benefit problems. Developing, evaluating, or recommending new operational methods, criteria, or policies for effective program implementation. Conducting authoritative analysis and research to reconcile disputed, incomplete, or contentious information to reach legally supportable conclusions. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS‑12 level. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community‑based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time‑in‑grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr