Food Safety and Inspection Service
Human Resources Specialist (Employee Benefits / Workers Compensation)
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Summary
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Applicants must meet one year at the next lower grade to be considered for the next higher grade (e.g. one year at the GS-09 grade level for consideration for the GS-11 grade level). To qualify for the GS-9: 52 weeks or more of specialized experience at the next lower grade level ( GS-7 level) that includes: Navigating HR systems such as NFC, ECOMP, GovTA, etc. Assisting others by providing basic information and preliminary guidance on workers' compensation claims and inquiries. Maintaining data tracking systems by entering information, updating status changes, and verifying accuracy. Education can be used in lieu of specialized experience as defined below: Successful completion of a masters or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or LL.B. or J.D. OR Combination of Education and Experience: You must have an appropriate combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience. To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate education, more than the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify. To qualify for the GS-11: 52 weeks or more of specialized experience at the next lower grade level ( GS-9 level) that includes: Utilizing HR systems to process, track, document, and monitor actions to support employees and supervisors. Systems may include NFC, ECOMP, GovTA, etc. Researching and reviewing workers' compensation regulations, agency guidance, and policy to identify applicable requirements and provide guidance. Assisting employees, supervisors, and HR staff by providing information and basic counseling on workers' compensation claims and inquiries, helping them understand claim procedures, documentation needs, and timelines. Supporting the lifecycle management of workers' compensation claims by assisting with timely and accurate processing. Sharing workers' compensation information orally through phone calls, informal briefings, or training discussion, ensuring employees and supervisors understand claim processes, reporting requirements, and available resources. Education can be used in lieu of specialized experience as defined below: Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR Combination of Education and Experience: You must have an appropriate combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and experience. To determine your combination, first compute your experience as a percentage of the experience listed above; then determine your education as a percentage of the education listed above; then add the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate education, more than the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify. To qualify for the GS-12: 52 weeks or more of specialized experience at the next lower grade level ( GS-11 level) that includes: Navigating and utilizing ECOMP to submit claims, uploading documents, track claim actions, and support employees and supervisors in using the system effectively. Researching, interpreting, and analyzing complex workers' compensation statutes, regulatory guidance, and agency policies to ensure organizational compliance. Providing guidance and counseling to employees, supervisors, and HR staff regarding workers' compensation claims, eligibility criteria, claim processes, and required documentation. Advising peers or leadership on workers' compensation policy requirements, operational impacts, and emerging trends, contributing to informed decision-making and program improvement. Managing end-to-end lifecycle of workers' compensation claims to ensure timely and accurate processing. Delivering oral briefings, training, presentations to employees, managers, or leadership to explain workers' compensation processes, requirements, and best practices. For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here: Human Resources Management Series, 0201 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 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
Develop and maintain an effective Workers' Compensation Program integrated with agency-wide initiatives, ensuring compliance with federal and agency policies.
Research, interpret, and apply regulatory guidance and policies related to workers’ compensation, and disseminate new or revised procedures and information to staff and management.
Provide technical advice and assistance to HR staff, supervisors, and managers on complex or controversial workers’ compensation claims and inquiries.
Coordinate and conduct investigations of employee injuries, establish factual records, and prepare documentation for claims processing and challenges.
Present relevant information and evidence to the Department of Labor (DOL) for the challenge of claims, including potential fraud or invalid claims.
Analyze compensation cases and periodic rolls to identify employees with a reasonable probability of returning to work, and coordinate rehabilitation or return-to-work efforts.
Work closely with HR specialists and management to identify or modify positions and provide reasonable accommodations for employees with medical restrictions.
Audit and analyze quarterly and annual workers’ compensation costs and charge-back billings, identify errors, and recommend corrective actions to ensure cost accuracy.
Promote and adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and civil rights policies in all communications and program activities.
Deliver training, workshops, and informational sessions to employees and managers on workers’ compensation policies, procedures, and emerging developments.
Required Documents
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. Resume that includes: Personal Information: name, address, contact information; Education; Work Experience related to this position as described in the major duties including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); other qualifications. Resume cannot exceed 2 pages. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation. Current and former Federal employees: Most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service, highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND Most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. A performance plan is not an acceptable substitute. Current permanent FSA County employees must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing your highest grade (or promotion potential) held on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade AND most recent performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) per above. Veteran Hiring Authorities: VEOA: DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, that shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty, you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veterans' Preference must be verified prior to appointment. If claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference you must provide the DD-214 or certification requirements (see above), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act: Copies of Notification of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50) showing the employee served in eligible appointment(s) for a period(s) of more than 24 mos. w/o a break between appointments of two+ years. Include initial hire actions, extensions, conversions and separation Sf-50s for each period. Submit performance rating(s) showing acceptable performance for each period counted towards eligibility signed by supervisor(s). If documentation does not exist for one or more periods, submit a statement from supervisor(s) indicating acceptable performance. Applicants who do not have performance documentation for any period shall provide a reason why the documentation is not available and statement that performance for all periods was at an acceptable level. Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), current performance appraisal with rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with your application per 5 CFR 330. Peace Corps Volunteers: Documentation of no less than 36 months of continuous service without a break of 3 days or more and separated within the last 3 years. USAJOBS Hiring Path Peace Corps If claiming eligibility under a special hiring authority or an interchange agreement with another merit system not listed above, see the requirements for that authority and submit the required supporting documentation. Go to USAJOBS Hiring Path for Special Authorities or Special Hiring Authority for more information.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. Resumes cannot exceed two pages. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about 1-2 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Please verify that documents you are uploading from USAJOBs transfer into the Agency's staffing system as there is a limitation to the number of documents that can be transferred. However, once in the Agency's staffing system, you will have the opportunity to upload additional documents. Uploaded documents must be less than 5MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, TXT or Word (DOC or DOCX). Do not upload Adobe Portfolio documents because they are not viewable. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration. Please ensure your resume does not exceed two pages. Applicants who submit a resume that exceeds two pages will be removed from consideration. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, your system failure, etc.