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 Lead 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 four 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 detailed and specialized technical advice (both orally and written) 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, Congressional members and staff, and the general public. This includes developing and conducting outreach initiatives, educational programs, and presentations that effectively inform and assist audiences on their rights and obligations under applicable benefit laws. Experience analyzing multifaceted issues related to employee benefits, identifying potential violations, and proposing solutions through collaborative negotiation and conflict resolution. Experience with meeting customer service goals and managing statistical data.
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 Department of Labor (DOL) liaison with the general public. Major duties for this position include, but are not limited to the following: Act as the Office of Outreach, Education, and Assistance (OEA) National office casework liaison to coordinate novel or technical issues which includes coordinating reviews with other EBSA offices such as OHPSCA or ORI and other DOL or non-DOL offices such as SOL or Congressional staff as needed, and communicate the results to the field. Enhance program delivery by applying a comprehensive understanding of changes and trends in employee benefits laws and regulations, integrating new knowledge into daily practices. Assess internal and external factors affecting the outreach and assistance program correspondence/complex inquirers and make informed recommendations for program resource allocation and development. Provide technical advice to regional and national stakeholders for issues related to pension and healthcare benefits by interpreting laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and proper application of Standard Operating Procedures and agency guidelines. Ensure "standard language letters" provided by OEA for answering inquiries are updated. Provide new drafts updating them for technical correctness, plain language, gender neutral terminology, and better customer service.