About this role
Job SummaryEBSA plays a vital role in protecting the retirement, health, and other job-based benefits of America's workers, retirees, and their families. We issue effective regulations, offer comprehensive education and assistance to workers, plan sponsors, fiduciaries, and service providers, and rigorously enforce the law. We serve workers, families, and the broader employee benefits community by protecting the security and integrity of the nation's benefit systems.
QualificationsYou must meet the Specialized Experience to qualify for the Supervisory Benefits Advisor position, as described below. Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-13 in the Federal Service. Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Qualifying specialized experience for this GS-14 position includes (applicants must meet at least three out of the five statements below): Experience in planning, implementing, and/or evaluating programs related to employee benefits, compliance with federal regulations such as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or related legislation. Experience providing technical advice and assistance to stakeholders, including plan administrators, employers, and participants regarding the application and interpretation of employee benefits laws and regulations. Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies, private industry representatives, and the general public. This includes developing and conducting outreach initiatives, educational programs, call quality assurance programs, and presentations that effectively inform and assist audiences on their rights and obligations under applicable benefit laws. Experience in supervising, mentoring, or leading teams in a professional environment, including setting performance standards, conducting evaluations, and promoting professional development. This includes the ability to coordinate work assignments and manage resources to achieve program objectives effectively. Experience analyzing technical issues related to employee benefits, identifying potential violations, and proposing solutions through collaborative negotiation and conflict resolution.
Major DutiesBenefits Advisors respond to participant and beneficiary inquiries and complaints and provide technical assistance on the obligations of employers, plan sponsors, and service providers under ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, MHPAEA, etc. They resolve valid complaints through informal dispute resolution, refer complaints to enforcement involving potential criminal activity or plan wide issues that cannot be resolved informally, and serve as the focal point of the DOL liaison with the general public. Major duties for this position include, but are not limited to the following: Provide technical guidance to subordinates on issues related to pension and healthcare benefits by interpreting applicable laws and regulations, ensuring compliance, and applying Standard Operating Procedures and agency guidelines appropriately. Ensure that program strategies and activities are consistently aligned with the mission and objectives of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), demonstrating a thorough understanding of its goals. Recommend allocation of resources to ensure compliance with program goals, effectively guiding subordinate staff in achieving organizational objectives. Provide comprehensive technical, policy, and planning assistance by developing a range of options designed to uphold the integrity, responsiveness, and operational effectiveness of the Agency's programs. Develop and maintain clear and comprehensive materials and procedural guidelines for technical assistance, ensuring all documentation adheres to established standards and provides dependable resources for stakeholders. Contribute to the formulation of both short-term and long-term strategies for the Agency's customer service program, and is responsible for drafting, documenting, and communicating these strategies to ensure effective implementation and alignment with organizational objectives. Independently manage competing priorities within the outreach, education, and assistance program, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and deadlines are met. Develop a standardized review format to be followed in reviewing regional and national office assistance programs.