Human Resources Specialist (Benefits)

$68,405 - $107,590/Yr

Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services - Woodlawn, MD

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Woodlawn, MD

Administration of Human Resource Programs

About the position

The Human Resources Specialist (Benefits) position is located within the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), specifically in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Human Capital, Talent Acquisition and Benefits Group (TABG), Division of Pay and Benefits (DPB). This role is critical in administering CMS' employee benefits programs, which encompass a variety of offerings including retirement plans, health insurance, long-term care insurance, and the Thrift Savings Plan. As a Human Resources Specialist, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive support and guidance to both managers and employees regarding the agency's employee benefits administration and other work-life programs. This includes interpreting policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure that all employees are well-informed about their benefits options and the implications of their choices. In this role, you will counsel employees who qualify for retirement benefits under multiple programs, such as military retirement, Social Security, and federal civilian programs. You will provide essential information that helps employees make informed decisions regarding their benefits, ensuring they maximize their entitlements. Your expertise will be vital in identifying and correcting discrepancies related to federal benefits, compensation, or retirement programs, and you will assist senior team members in preparing presentations and briefings for various audiences. The position requires a proactive approach to managing employee inquiries and ensuring compliance with federal regulations governing employee benefits. This is a full-time, permanent position with a salary range of $68,405 to $107,590 per year, classified under the GS-0201 series at grades 9 to 11. The role is based in Woodlawn, MD, and while it does not allow for remote work, telework options may be available as determined by agency policy. Occasional travel may be required, estimated at up to 5%. The position offers a competitive promotion potential to grade 12, reflecting the opportunity for career advancement within the federal service.

Responsibilities

• Provide managers and employees with information and interpretations of the agency's employee benefits administration and other work-life programs, procedures, practices, policies, and guidelines.
• Counsel employees who have qualified for retirement benefits under two or more programs, such as military retirement and Social Security and federal civilian programs.
• Provide information necessary to help employees make irrevocable decisions and to garner the maximum gains from the available benefits.
• Identify and correct a variety of discrepancies or issues related to federal benefits, compensation, or retirement programs.
• Assist senior team members with research, preparing presentations or briefings to medium and larger size audiences.
• Schedule, organize, and prepare for meetings in advance.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship or National status is required to apply for this position.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal government, or a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree.
• Experience must include researching Federal benefits programs, assisting with analyzing guidance on Federal benefits or retirement programs, and communicating with internal and external customers regarding benefits.
• For GS-11, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal government is required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a federal human resources environment.
• Knowledge of federal employee benefits programs and regulations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Flexible working arrangements and telework options.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.