Summary THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a HR SPEC (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS) (TITLE 32), Position Description Number D1057000 and is part of the AR ANG HQ, National Guard. NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQURED Responsibilities 1.Provides technical guidance and procedural assistance to managers, supervisors, and employees in executing a variety of employee benefits programs, which may include workers\' compensation, retirement, health and life benefits, Thrift Savings Program (TSP), etc. Develops and carries out specific projects to accomplish the technical support mission of the Human Resources Office. Advises supervisors and employees on regulatory requirements of the programs and develops instructions. Reviews and interprets policies, directives, and other issuances by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), National Guard (NGB), Department of Labor (DOL), and outside control agencies for applicability to activities serviced. Takes appropriate action to comply with such directives and guidance or refers the matters to the proper functional staff for action. Coordinates publication of local policies and regulations. 2.Serves as a technical expert in matters regarding employees\' claims for Workers Compensation. Serves as the Injury Compensation Program Administrator and primary point of contact for the Federal Employee\'s Compensation Act (FECA) program for facilities at numerous statewide locations. Investigates facts and develops cases relative to on-the-job injuries, illnesses, processes non-routine and routine claims, which require identifying and substantiating information; and compiles pertinent information for use in filing, as well as controverting claims. Coordinates case details between employees, supervisors, medical personnel, and claims offices. Reviews claims and medical documents. Reviews CA-1, CA-2, and other program forms submitted by/for employees concerning occupational injury, illness or disease for accuracy and completeness. Solicits required information from employee and supervisor, as necessary, to complete documents. Obtains facts to reconcile any noted conflicts or discrepancies in description of injury or accident site. Assesses and analyzes situations to ensure minimum compensation costs are expended and light duty policies are implemented. When appropriate, coordinates with management and other HRO Specialists to ensure light duty is afforded the employee. 3.Works through appropriate channels with the DOL, Civilian Personnel Management Service (CPMS) Injury and Unemployment Compensation Division, and supervisors to determine that payment of legitimate claims is made, fraud is reported, and questionable claims are reviewed. Researches and presents any questionable cases to DOL for further action. Provides information and assistance to claimants and supervisors concerning processing procedures. Tracks claim status and follow-up requirements, monitors, and coordinates eligibility for continuation of pay for eligible claimants. Provides counseling to employees and supervisors on matters relating to workers\' compensation, such as determination on job reassignments, light duty, options regarding leave for time off the job, and potential compensation. Obtains facts to reconcile apparent conflicts regarding payment of benefits, medical bills, etc. Researches, writes, and composes draft local instructions, directives, and reporting requirements for the FECA Program. 4.Manages and monitors Office of Worker\'s Compensation (OWCP) cost for the state, and develops programs and processes to help reduce OWCP costs by coordinating with employees, DOL, medical professionals, and supervisors to return employees to work as soon as medically possible. Provides background information or answers congressional inquiries related to injured employees claims. Makes initial contact with all compensation recipients and subsequent contacts as necessary. Works with rehabilitation counselors and field nurses on return to duty under the Nurse Intervention Program. Utilizes the Injury Compensation/ Unemployment Compensation (IC/UC) computer system to make inquiries and monitor claim status. Analyzes claims to determine appropriateness of payment. Responsible for processing and maintaining the various IC claims forms and providing additional information as required in the completion/ submission of such forms. May initiate appeals of unwarranted claims and attends the IC appeals hearings. Maintains automated data system and produces required reports. Prepares program publicity and local instructions implementing specific portions of the Worker\'s Compensation program. Develops, modifies, and conducts FECA and Workers Compensation training to supervisors, managers, and conducts briefing for technicians. DUTIES CONTINUED UNDER EDUCATION: Requirements Conditions of Employment NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position. Compatible military grade and assignment required prior to the effective date of placement. This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the employing state\'s National Guard. Applicants who are not currently a member of the National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership in the military grade listed below. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. Military Grades: Enlisted Minimum Grade - PVT (E-1) Maximum Grade - SFC (E-7) Compatible Military Assignments: Selectee must be a member of the Arkansas Army National Guard. IMPORTANT NOTES (AS APPLICABLE): Upon selection for this position, individual must possess or initiate a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation. A favorable determination based upon investigative results is mandatory for this position. Failure to meet these requirements will result in termination of employment. A pre-placement physical is required if not already current. Upon selection, must complete mandatory Full-Time Support (FTS) Training at the Professional Education Center (PEC) within six months of assignment (if applicable, training will be coordinated by the supervisor). Individual must meet all military requirements of the position without creating a grade inversion, as determined by the Human Resources Office (HRO). Technicians will not be militarily senior to their full-time supervisor or wage leader (Grade Inversion). Enlisted members currently at a higher grade than allowed by the position (see Military Grade Requirement above) may apply; however, they must administratively reduce prior to appointment and provide confirmation of the reduction to HRO. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED UNDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Qualifications GENERAL EXPERIENCE: 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-7, that demonstrates the ability to: Analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions; Plan and organize work; and Communicate effectively orally and in writing. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Parenthetical titles may be used with the basic title of the position to further identify the duties and responsibilities performed and the special knowledge and skills needed. For all positions, 1-year specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the next lower grade. Specialized experience is experience that prepared the applicant to perform the duties of the position. The applicant\'s educational-degree study program or military or civilian academic courses may substitute for some specialized experience. An applicant must demonstrate the specialized experience competencies (skills, knowledge, abilities and behaviors) to qualify for a position identified by its position grade and career level. Specialized experience factors encompass human resources program\'s business competencies, familiarity with the subject matter or processes used in human resources programs associated with DoD, U.S. Army, or U.S. Air Force. Education DUTIES CONTINUED: 5. Assists in administering the retirement programs for technicians desiring to retire under any of the retirement systems. Processes retirement actions, which are moderately complex, non-controversial, and/or recurring cases related to both the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Civil Services Retirement System. Provides counseling to management, employees, retirees, and family members on the complex retirement insurance benefits, entitlements/options. Interprets, applies, and explains to employees retirement and insurance laws, regulations, and policies. Interprets regulations and provides advice to employees concerning reinstatement of insurance, conversion of life insurance, and features of the programs and options associated with retirement. Researches employment records for applicability to federal career, e.g., adjustment in service computation dates. Analyzes information to establish the length and type of creditable service, and prepares annuity computations for employees. Researches regulations and records and advises employees on the buy back of creditable time for retirement. Determines the amount of retirement contributions, refunds of contributions, payments, and repayments needed for service credit to include military deposits, and whether all special requirements and conditions applicable to the type of case have been met; and whether the requirements for payment of a survivor annuity or lump sum are satisfied. Assists employees in the preparation of retirement applications and related documents. 6. Provides technical guidance and assistance to management and employees on benefit programs such as Federal Employee Health Benefits, Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, Thrift Savings Program, Long Term Care Program, Mass Transportation Program, etc. Reviews, interprets, and distributes informative material on new, changed, and pending policy changes for employees that impact on existing benefit program entitlements. Provides counseling to management, employees, and beneficiaries regarding program coverage, options, variances in coverage, and advantages and disadvantages of benefits. Conducts new employee orientations covering numerous aspects of the technician program. Advises individuals\' taking AGR tours of their restoration rights during out-processing. Serves as authority within the HRO for TSP. Counsels and advises employees throughout their employment concerning participation in the plan. Advises employees on all facets of TSP, such as loan provisions, calculation of benefits and contributions, investment options and the pros and cons of each fund, withdrawal of contributions, transfer of fund contributions to qualified pension plans. Assists with the development of technical guidance and in the implementation of benefit program changes. Conducts open seasons for TSP, health benefits, and life insurance in the appropriate timeframe. 7.Performs other duties as assigned. Additional Information If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (Register | Selective Service System : Selective Service System (sss.gov)). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. Must be able to obtain/maintain appropriate security clearance
