Washington Headquarters Services Logo
Position Title
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS)
Agency
Washington Headquarters Services
Announcement Number
ST-10417555-19-ST Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, February 20, 2019 to Monday, February 25, 2019
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a service connected, compensable Veteran with a VA rating of 30% or more?  You are eligible for this appointing authority if you:
  • are retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30% or more; OR
  •  have an official statement, dated 1991 or later, certifying as having a compensable service connected disability of 30% or more.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, as follows:
  • DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing dates of service, as well as character of discharge; member 4 copy of the DD Form 214 is preferable (Note: If you have more than one DD Form 214 for multiple periods of active duty service, you should submit a copy for each period of service.); AND
  • A copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs, dated 1991 or later, certifying an OVERALL Service Connected Disability of 30% or more; OR
  • DD Form 214, which reflects the character of service of "Retirement-Disability"; OR
  • Certification document* which reflects your OVERALL service connected disability of 30% or more.
  • The Standard Form-15 (SF-15), an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference is optional at the time of application.
*The "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted for consideration in the hiring process AND has a compensable service-connected disability. The certification MUST show the characterization of your discharge (Honorable, General, etc.) and OVERALL compensable service-connected disability percentage. Prior to appointment, the service member's character of service and qualifying discharge or release must be verified through a DD form 214 or equivalent documentation.

You may request copies of your military records online: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
You can obtain a copy of your DD-214 from the National Archives: 
You can obtain a copy of Standard Form (SF) 15:
Additional links:  https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current employee of the hiring agency?
If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. 
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).

NOTE:  If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
 
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current, permanent DoD Civilian employee?  You are eligible for this hiring category and the hiring category of Current Permanent Federal Civilian if you currently work on a permanent competitive service civilian appointment in any of the following Department of Defense (DoD) agencies:
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Army
  • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Department of the Air Force
  • Other Department of Defense Agency (e.g., DLA, DFAS, DISA, DODDS, Defense Commissary, etc.)
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").

Notes:
*Current Permanent Federal Civilians: You can check your competitive service status by viewing your latest Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50,
Block 34, Position Occupied. If eligible, you will see 1-Competitive Service in this block.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or you are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service in any of the above agencies, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category

NOTE:  If you are serviced by WHS you are not required to submit an SF-50.
 
(limit characters)
5. You are eligible for this hiring category if you are currently employed on a permanent appointment in the competitive service with a federal agency.

Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").

NOTE:  If you are serviced by DLA you are not required to submit an SF-50.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
(limit characters)
6. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
• your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.  For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/
(limit characters)
7. You are eligible for this hiring category, if you are: 
  • A current non-appropriated fund (NAF); OR 
  • Other Interchange Agreement eligible employee; AND 
  • served continuously for at least one year under a permanent appointment; OR 
  • Former Interchange Agreement eligible (e.g., NAF) employee who served under an appointment described above, and was involuntarily separated within the past year without personal cause (i.e., not because of unacceptable conduct or performance).
(limit characters)
8. The Washington Headquarters Service is currently operating under an approved reengineered Priority Placement Program (PPP) pilot for all positions in its serviced workforce.  This pilot is application based and current PPP registrants who are registered for activity codes 293A and 295A are required to apply to the job announcement via USAJobs in order to exercise their priority placement status.  This pilot permits priority candidates to be assessed with other competitive applicants.  Anyone claiming priority status must provide a copy of their PPP registration and supporting documentation (e.g. RIF notice, Sponsor's PCS orders, Certification of Expected Separation) at the time of application to verify priority placement and eligibility. (limit characters)
9. You are required to submit proof of your eligibility (for example, a copy of qualification certificate from a State or Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Office (Schedule A appointment of people with disabilities). Examples of special appointment authority include appointment of people from Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, General Accounting Office, Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, Panama Canal Commission, Peace Corps, Postal Career Service/Postal Rate Commission, Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), VISTA/ACTION Volunteers, etc. You are required to provide acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of proof of employment, from the appropriate agency with your completed application. (limit characters)
10. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If eligible, submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. 
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).

NOTE:  If you are serviced by DLA you are not required to submit an SF-50.
 
(limit characters)
11. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
• served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
• are entitled to veterans' preference

If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. 

For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/ 
(limit characters)
12. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
• recently separated (within the past 3 years)
• are a disabled veteran
• served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
• received an Armed Forces Service Medal

If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.  If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for applying to the Human Resources Specialist position, GS-0201-7/9/11/12/13, with the Human Resources Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services. (limit characters)
1. Minimum Qualification, GS-09
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Human Resources Specialist at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
(limit characters)
2. Minimum Qualification, GS-11
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Human Resources Specialist at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
(limit characters)
3. Minimum Qualification, GS-12
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Human Resources Specialist at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
(limit characters)
4. Minimum Qualification, GS-13
Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Human Resources Specialist at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
(limit characters)
This position has Conditions of Employment that must be obtained prior to your start date and maintained for the duration of this employment. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
5. This position requires you to pass screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter. Are you willing to meet the drug testing requirements? (limit characters)
6. This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Are you willing to meet the security clearance requirements? (limit characters)
7. This position may require you to work other than normal duty hours. Are you willing to meet the schedule requirement? (limit characters)
8. Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft. Are you willing to meet this requirement? (limit characters)
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. (limit characters)
9. Advises and responds to inquiries related to benefits and/or work life programs for resolution. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
10. Prepares, distributes, and markets information to inform employees of benefits, work life, and/or other related programs. (limit characters)
11. Provides advice and information related to health and life insurance benefits in order to educate the workforce. (limit characters)
12. Counsel employees, survivors, and management on the full range of retirement and benefits issues to ensure they understand all the available election options. (limit characters)
13. Research and address complex employee benefits issues for resolution. (limit characters)
14. Evaluates benefits and work life policies to ensure programs are current, incentivizing, and compliant with legal requirements. (limit characters)
15. Writes benefits and work life policies to ensure programs are current, incentivizing, and compliant with legal requirements. (limit characters)
16. Make retirement coverage determinations involving special retirement matters to ensure the special retirement provisions are correctly applied. (limit characters)
17. Calculates retirement benefits to advise customers of retirement eligibility and entitlements. (limit characters)
18. Fulfills reporting requirements related to employee benefits and work life programs to ensure compliance with policies. (limit characters)
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. (limit characters)
19. Calculates retirement benefits to advise customers of retirement eligibility and entitlements. (limit characters)
20. Follows guidance as outlined in standard operating procedures to ensure uniform management of the human capital programs. (limit characters)
21. Reviews materials and work products to ensure they are accurate, clear, and concise. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
22. Actively looks for discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information to ensure accuracy of work products. (limit characters)
23. Follows internal and external policies and procedures to ensure assignments are complete and accurate. (limit characters)
24. Performs multiple projects, tasks and assignments to support mission requirements. (limit characters)
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. (limit characters)
25. Builds and maintains effective working relationships and partners with customer. (limit characters)
26. Writes and presents findings, recommend appropriate course of actions, and prepare instructions and guidance. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
27. Serves as a spokesperson during meetings designated to solicit input from stakeholders. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
28. INTEGRITY CERTIFICATION
Your ratings in this questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification based on the documents you submitted. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. By agreeing to the statement below, you are confirming that you: 1) understand this warning; 2) have reviewed your responses to this questionnaire for accuracy; and 3) have verified that your responses accurately describe your current level of experience and capability as reflected in your resume. Do you certify the accuracy of your responses?
(limit characters)