Benefits Specialist

Summary 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. Responsibilities Powering the Northwest, Empowering Our People Join the team that keeps the lights on for millions in the Pacific Northwest. The Bonneville Power Administration's mission is to provide an adequate, efficient, and reliable power supply, and that mission starts with our employees. As a Benefits Specialist, you are the critical link ensuring that our dedicated team is supported through comprehensive benefits, allowing them to focus on their vital work. This is more than an administrative role; it's an opportunity to be a strategic partner and trusted counselor. Your expertise will directly contribute to the well-being of the federal workforce that powers communities and sustains the region's economy and environment. In this position, you will: Serve as a Subject Matter Expert: Act as the primary advisor to employees, managers, and their families on all aspects of federal benefits. You will provide clear, empathetic guidance on complex topics, helping colleagues navigate significant life and career decisions. Deliver One-on-One Retirement Counseling: Guide employees through the intricacies of federal retirement, helping them understand their options, calculate annuities, and prepare for a secure future beyond their service. Shape and Improve Benefits Programs: Provide crucial input into the policies and procedures for BPA's benefits programs. You will analyze the impact of new regulations and identify innovative ways to enhance our service delivery and educational outreach. Solve Complex Cases: Tackle challenging and unique benefits issues, from determining eligibility for special programs to correcting retirement coverage errors. Your analytical skills will ensure fair and accurate outcomes. Conduct In-depth Planning and Analysis: Research and interpret complex laws, policies, and regulations to provide recommendations and develop new procedures, ensuring our programs remain effective and compliant. Lead Educational Initiatives: Develop and deliver retirement planning seminars and other benefits-related training, empowering employees with the knowledge they need to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Provide Full-Cycle Benefits Support: Advise on a wide range of programs, including health and life insurance (FEHB, FEGLI), long-term care, dental and vision (FEDVIP), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Ensure Program Integrity: Conduct audits of personnel records and review retirement applications and other documentation for accuracy and compliance, upholding the high standards of our public service. Requirements Conditions of Employment In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Qualifications 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: 1) providing technical advice and guidance to management and employees on the application of retirement and insurance benefit programs; 2) performing research and analysis to resolve benefit case issues; and 3) 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 a 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: 1) interpreting and applying complex regulatory and legal frameworks to resolve non-standard or highly detailed benefit problems; 2) developing, evaluating, or recommending new operational methods, criteria, or policies for effective program implementation; and 3) 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. Education If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: 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 reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations 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. 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 Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Telework: Selective Service Registration: - Who must register: Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment. We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.