Job SummaryThis position serves as Human Resources Specialist (Retirement and Benefits) and provides senior advisory, special project leadership, and operational advisory, administration and services on a wide variety of Federal retirement (CSRS, FERS, State Department Retirement) and Federal employee benefit concerns. Duties include but are not limited to leading, developing, implementing, troubleshooting employee benefit and retirement services for Foreign Service, Civil Service GS-15 and below as well as SES employees at USAID. The position reports to the Employee Services and Benefits Division Chief, Human Capital Services Center and works collaboratively with the HCSC Center Director on matters pertaining to new benefit program development. The position advises and troubleshoots benefit and retirement matters and works as a customer service advocate on Benefit and Retirement concerns within ESB servicing multiple portfolio teams for assigned USAID Bureaus, Independent Offices and Foreign Service missions.The HCSC provides operational HR support services for position classification, civil service staffing and placement, benefits and retirement as well as e-OPF and HR processing for USAID. The HCSC also conducts internal quality assurance reviews on all assigned HR operational program services. The incumbent serves as a senior HR advisor on a host of Federal retirement and benefit concerns. Work includes providing advice and assistance to employees checking service calculations, developing annuity estimates and retirement packages for processing through the Office of Personnel Management and Department of State, in addition to leading benefit and program service delivery for one or more major benefit programs (these may include Student Loan Reimbursement Program, Family and Medical Leave Act, Leave Donor or Leave Bank, Enhanced Employee Death Benefit, or other special benefit programs /services).The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Employee may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesRetirement Program Administration 40%Leads the conduct and administration of retirement program for Foreign and Civil Service employees of USAID. Provides employees, annuitants and/or their survivors with definitive answers involving complex benefits questions on CSRS, CSRS Offset, FERS, Foreign Service Pension System and Foreign Service Disability and Retirement System.Provides information necessary to help employees of the organization make critical decisions to garner the maximum gains from the available retirement benefits. Works with State Department counterparts to ensure timely processing of retirement and associated applications.Works with employees on complex retirement program situations, such as combining federal service that has been credited under a different retirement program. Counsels employees who have qualified for retirement benefits under two or more programs, such as military retirement and Social Security and federal civilian programs to ensure a seamless transition into retirement.Employee Benefits Program Development Advice and Guidance 40%Serves as advisor and employee benefit program developer. May work as developer, designer and implementer on special benefit programs. Serves as employee benefit program lead on programs such as (Student Loan Reimbursement, FMLA, special leave and/or other agency specific benefit programs/services). Leads quality assurance reviews of retirement and employee benefit program administration. Leads training and coaching of benefit/retirement team members and assistants. Provides advice and guidance regarding available benefits and benefit selection decisions. Counsels or advises individual employees within a large, complex, or diverse organization on sensitive or serious problems related to health or life insurance coverage. The issues require special coordination and/or confidentiality and are complicated by various complex eligibility determinations or by the highly personal and sensitive nature of the issues, such as long-term care needs, terminal illnesses, or dependent parents or children.Assists managers in making proper referrals to external resources for employees with sensitive or serious problems that are directly related to health and life insurance programs or issues. Distributes written benefits guidance and materials.Administration of Miscellaneous Employee Benefits Programs 20%Ensures appropriate and timely administration of a wide variety of employee benefits programs, including government-wide programs such as the Thrift Savings Plan, long term care, federal group life insurance, dental and vision plan and organizational programs like voluntary leave donation and finical management programs. Provides high level and sensitive intervention for all employees. Manages interactions with vendors and external government program officials, including OWCP and OPM program administrators.Where necessary, coordinates employee benefit concerns with USAID Staff Care staff. Works directly with employees and the organization's managers in coordination with Staff Care to make proper Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referrals of employees with sensitive or serious problems, such as substance abuse, addiction, mental health issues, incarceration, financial crises, including bankruptcy cases and salary attachments, and lawsuits and other legal difficulties. Such cases may involve employees or family members as prospective or actual patients, debtors or litigants. Work also encompasses referrals or employees with life issues impeding performance and impairing well-being.Develops and delivers informational presentations and materials regarding benefits programs and alternatives. Works on intra agency and interagency work teams in coordination with Benefits Branch Chief and /or Division Chief.Leads quality assurance reviews on benefit and retirement action processing concerns and reports findings to HCSC quality assurance plan. Participates actively in monthly portfolio customer service meetings providing advisory to employees, reporting progress on Benefit/Retirement case management for ESB when asked.Performs other related duties as assignedTravel Requirements0 - 10%Salary GradeJob RequirementsEducation and/or ExperienceThe candidate must have mastery level of knowledge, and understanding of Federal retirement and employee benefit programs, policy, and procedures (up to and including CSRS, FERS, FEHB, TSP, FSA, FEGLI, as well as OWCP) to effectively advise others, accurately process, and troubleshoot retirement and benefit transactions.Highly desirable candidates possess at least 3 to 5 years demonstrated experience equivalent to the GS-13 providing Federal retirement and employee benefit program advisory and case management services for civil and Foreign Service employee.Qualifications and RequirementsExcellent written and verbal communication skills to include experience writing audit review findings, and/or evaluations for quality assurance reviews of subordinate Federal HR practitioner's work in retirement and employee benefit advisory and/ or administration. Candidates will be required to develop a wide variety of written products including case file summaries, benefit notices, correspondence, and/or policies and procedures.Excellent customer service skills with demonstrated experience acting as a liaison with OPM and/or other Federal Benefit Program service providers is desirable.Demonstrated experience using automated payroll/personnel systems (ie HR Connect/NFC, etc.) to process retirement personnel actions.Ability to work under deadline pressure, handle stress and deliver professional results.Long hours and weekends may be required to meet deliverables.Strong written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.Self-motivated with minimal oversight.Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.Some travel may be required.Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN USAID FACILITY ACCESSCategoryHuman ResourcesLocationUSAID EH - Washington, DC 20004 US (Primary)EducationBachelor's Degree