Benefits Specialist

Full Job Description

Advance your career at BPA! This developmental Human Resources Specialist opportunity is within the Benefits & HR Processing (HB) team, under the Human Resources Service Center (H).

In this role, you will help your BPA colleagues navigate crucial benefits like retirement, insurance, and the Thrift Savings Plan.

It is an excellent chance to provide direct support to fellow employees while growing your HR expertise.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS GS-07: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: (1) Assisting with the input of routine personnel actions into a human resources information system under direct supervision; (2) locating and retrieving information from established guidance, policies, or regulations to answer basic inquiries; and (3) providing general information to employees on common human resources programs such as health, life, retirement, and long term care.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor degree curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled (based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership).

See the following link for more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=app -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with completed graduate education.

GS-09: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as: (1) accepting and inputting personnel actions related to human resource programs into a human resources information system, (2) researching and following guidance, policy, regulation, and human resource plan information, and (3) providing counseling and options to internal employees on human resources programs such as health, life, retirement, and long term care programs.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.B.

or J.D. 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 year 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.

"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 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. Major Duties:

Advance Your Career and Serve Your BPA Colleagues as a Benefits Expert! Ready to take the next step in your career at the Bonneville Power Administration?

This is a unique opportunity to deepen your impact on the agency by moving into a critical support role within the Human Resources Service Center.

As an HR Specialist focused on employee benefits, you will have a direct and positive influence on the financial well-being of the colleagues you work alongside every day.

This is a developmental position with a clear career ladder from GS-07 to GS-12.

If you are looking for a path to advancement and want to become a trusted subject matter expert within the BPA community, this role offers a clear and supportive trajectory for professional growth.

Leverage your understanding of BPA's mission and culture to provide exceptional service to your fellow team members.

Your New Role and Responsibilities: Serve as a Trusted Advisor to Your Colleagues: Become the go-to expert for your fellow BPA employees, managers, and their families.

You will provide clear, empathetic guidance on their comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, FEGLI, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and more.

Provide Personalized Retirement Counseling: Guide your colleagues as they plan for a secure future after their career with BPA.

You will provide essential one-on-one retirement counseling, helping them understand their FERS annuity options and make confident decisions.

Deepen Your Expertise in Federal Benefits: While you already understand the BPA mission, this role will allow you to master the complex regulations governing the federal benefits that support us all.

You will become a subject matter expert, interpreting rules and providing reliable advice.

Empower the BPA Team Through Education: Develop and lead workshops to help your colleagues navigate their benefits.

You will empower them with the knowledge to make the most of their compensation package throughout their careers.

Ensure the Integrity of Colleague Data: Apply your attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of your colleagues' official personnel records.

You will audit service histories and calculate Service Computation Dates (SCDs), which are vital for retirement and leave benefits.

Support Colleagues Through Major Life Events: Be a crucial source of support for your teammates as they navigate significant life and career changes.

You will assist with benefits enrollment, coverage adjustments, and survivor benefits with professionalism and compassion.

Help Shape BPA's Benefits Programs: Use your unique perspective as a BPA employee to improve the programs that serve us all.

You will participate in evaluating our benefits offerings and recommend improvements to enhance service delivery.

Collaborate with Your HR Partners: Work within a dedicated HR team to ensure a seamless, efficient, and positive benefits experience for every member of the Bonneville Power Administration.