Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits)

Full Job Description

This position is for a Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO), Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM).

In this role, the incumbent will serve as FHFA's key specialist and technical expert for employee benefits programs under Title 5 and FHFA-specific authorities.

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.

Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below.

Examples of specialized experience include: Administering Federal employee benefits and retirement programs such as FEHB, FEGLI, FEDVIP, FSAFEDS, FLTCIP, FERS, CSRS, TSP, and related Agency programs by interpreting established Title 5 requirements, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations, and Agency policies to resolve complex benefits cases and ensure accurate program operations; AND Providing retirement and benefits counseling to agency staff, including preparing retirement estimates; addressing complex service credit, phased retirement, and eligibility issues; and coordinating case processing with OPM in accordance with established procedures; AND/OR Contributing to the development and implementation of benefits policies, procedures, and guidance by researching regulatory changes, drafting updates, and supporting program evaluations or process improvements; AND/OR Developing routine program reports, training materials, and employee communications (such as Open Season materials) to help improve understanding, consistency, and service delivery.

Time-In-Grade: Current or former Federal government employees who have held an EL/GS position in the preceding 52 weeks, must meet the time-in-grade requirement.

To be eligible for the EL-13 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks as an EL/GS-12 or higher in the Federal Service.

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. Major Duties:

Office of the Chief Operating Officer The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO) oversees the Agency's day-to-day operations including facilities management; continuity of operations; financial planning and budgeting; contracting; human resources management; information technology; quality assurance; and audit follow-up functions.

The Office leads development and reporting on strategic planning and accountability.

Office of Human Resources Management The Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM) provides client-centric, data-driven, and solution-focused human capital services that enables FHFA's diverse workforce to achieve the FHFA mission.

The OHRM is dedicated to collaborating as a strategic business partner in achieving FHFA's regulatory mission by proactively determining human capital needs to recruit and retain a preeminent workforce that is diverse, motivated, and committed to excellence.

Position Overview The Senior Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits) will provide thorough guidance, policy interpretation, case management, and program oversight to ensure consistent, accurate, and compliant administration of benefits programs.

They will also propose strategic initiatives to enhance benefits delivery, employee understanding, and overall program efficiency.

Major Duties & Responsibilities Serve as FHFA's subject-matter expert on all Title 5 and FHFA-specific benefits programs.

Provide counseling to employees and executives on all aspects of retirement including CSRS, FERS, phased, deferred, disability, and survivor annuities.

Benchmark FHFA benefits programs against peer agencies and the private sector to ensure competitiveness and alignment with workforce needs.

Propose key program redesigns that significantly enhance/improve products and services rendered to Agency employees.

Develop reports and analytics on program participation, utilization, and cost trends to support leadership decision-making, including comprehensive analyses with proposals to resolve complex interrelated problems and issues.

Track and report performance metrics related to benefits administration and employee engagement.

Identify and analyze deficiencies or anomalies to recommend insightful alternatives or program adjustments which improve overall program performance.

Design and conduct comprehensive studies to identify and resolve a wide range of program problems, including those not susceptible to conventional remedies.

Develop innovative solutions and brief management as to the merits of adoption and implementation.

Design and deliver training, presentations, and guidance materials for employees, managers, and HR staff on all aspects of Agency benefits and retirement programs.

Lead agency-wide communication initiatives during benefits open season, while ensuring accuracy, clarity, and accessibility of information.

Develop, interpret, and update agency benefits policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and communications to align with OPM guidance, legislative changes, and collective-bargaining obligations.

Develop and maintain both conventional and innovative tools, resources, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to promote employee understanding and utilization of benefits.

Perform other duties as assigned.