Human Resources Assistant (ER/Employee Benefits) | US Veterans Health Administration

Duties

VISN 12 ismitted to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, proes equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and weing. We embrace our differences as indiuals and unite as a team toward amon goal: to serve our nation s Veterans. MAJOR DUTIES: Personnel Actions (30%)Performs a variety of duties in connection with the processing of personnel actions for employees under different personnel systems, including Title 5, Title 38, and Hyb Title 38 employees in the excepted andpetitive service, maintaining electronic official personnel folders (e-OPF) and generating and maintaining records and reports.The incumbent will be responsible for daily monitoring of personnel information systems (for example, Manager Self Service) for actions related to the duties of the section, follows up with employee or service as appropriate for any missing information. Initiates all personnel action requests related to benefits, leave, and records (such as name changes, education changes, FEHB enrollment, FEGLI changes, Military Status, SCD changes, changes in veteran s preference, leave journalizing, and TSP changes). Worklife Benefits/Reasonable Amodation Programs (30%)Proes support to current staff and prospective staff responsible for starting, stopping or changing employee benefits upon request. Incumbent supports the work-life programs within HR including; Compressed Work Schedules, Telework program, Disabled Veteran Leave, Child Care Suby and Transit Benefits. Responsible for reviewing and routing all requests for worklife benefits submitted to HR; serves as a point of contact for medical centers and other facilities and proes information regarding the worklife programs. Attends health benefit carrier enrollment fairs to assist with open season. New Employee Support (15%)Maintains and presents up-to-date benefits information for including FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, Leave Programs and retirement. Ensures all new hires forms are appropriately uploaded to e-OPFs and obtains all required insurance information to enroll employees in health benefits or life insurance. Responsible for enrolling all new employees into the TMS system and crediting training into user accounts. Records Maintenance (15%)Afterpleting personnel actions, the HR Assistant ensures all documents are scanned and placed in the employee s e-OPF in the correct electronic folders. The incumbent follows up on the status of leave records and medical records for separated employees using information systems as directed by the agency. Completes all required forms for separations; ensures separation packages are sent out on time and health insurance matters are properly addressed. Audits e-OPFs prior to transfer of folders to the National Personnel Records Center or other personnel offices by purging temporary materials, ensuring that final personnel actions, leave records and medical folders are included. Audits e-OPFs in accordance with regulation, to ensure the contents of the e-OPFs are va. Maintains current files on accessions and separations using information systems. Administrative Duties (10%)Answers questions and/or proespleted forms concerning personnel actions and processing. Proes advice on using TSP and My-Pay websites. Composes routine correspondence in final form; types miscellaneous correspondence and reports. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without furtherpetition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: 7:30am to 4pm or 800am to 4:30pm; Monday thru Fay Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented indiuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Human Resources Assistant (ER/Employee Benefits)/PD99936S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required toplete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.

Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/13/2023. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must proe an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience GS-06: You must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience working with Human Resources requirements, procedures, operations, and terminology; working with HR functions and sections within HR (e.g. recruitment, classification, benefits, etc.); utilizing automated systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access programs, and web-based systems; processing requests for personnel action; and working with office management procedures including organization of regulatory materials, files, and records; making decisions, resolving problems or discrepancies based on knowledge of personnel processing rules, regulations, and procedures; preparing paperwork for new employees; proing in-processing services for new employees; proing a e range of information with respect to employee benefit programs such as health benefits, life insurance, thrift savings plan, etc.
• Specialized Experience GS-07: You must have one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: experience working with Human Resources requirements, procedures, operations and terminology; answers inquiries concerning employee benefits and reasonable amodation procedure; ability to initiate personnel action requests related to benefits, leave, FEHB enrollment, FEGLI changes, etc.; aplishes routine support tasks within the HR office; proes administrative support and explanations on HR policy related to employee benefits and reasonable amodation; requests HR records from the records center and uploads hiring forms to e-OPF; maintains files on accessions and separations using information systems; and uses personalputer, terminal, and office software programs to enter data,plete forms, and correct errors and omissions in HR documents, files, and records as needed.

Proficiency Requirement: In addition to meeting experience and/or education requirements, applicants for this position must show possession of the following skill. Ability to type 40 words per minute. Applicants may meet this requirement by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates, by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency. Performance test results and certificates of proficiency are acceptable for 3 years. Agencies may verify proficiency skills of self-certified applicants by administering the appropriate performance test. Experience refers to p and unp experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual;munity; student; social). Volunteer work helps build criticalpetencies, knowledge, and skills and can proe valuable training and experience that translates directly to p employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is conered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management s website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education

As a general rule, education is not credible above the GS-5 level for most positions covered by this standard; however, graduate education may be credited in those few instances where the graduate education is directly related to the work of the position. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Physical Requirements: No special physical exertion is required. The work is primarily performed while sitting, although some work may require periods of standing. The regular and recurring work of the position involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc., and occasional visits t activity work sites. Occasional use of automobile and public conveyances may be required. Working Environment: The work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. The work environment includes everyday low risks or diforts which require normal safety precautions typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, ormercial vehicles. Work is performed in a typical office setting. The following will bemunicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) proe eligible displaced Federal/VApetitive service employees with selection priority over other canates forpetitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requiredpetencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM s Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-ge-to-career-transition/. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government proes employees with aprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Note: Eence of experience, must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Please proe such documentation on your application or resume. Also, please proe work experience information such as hours per week and starting/ending dates of employment (month and year format) to establish one (1) full year of experience. The requirement for this proof is specified in the How to Apply section of this announcement. To be credible, experience must be documented in the application and verifiable through employment references and/or other means. **Your resume must support your answers in the occupational questionnaire. Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for coneration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities;pletion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or coneration for employment. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information proed by a canate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a canate s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. For more information on the Who may apply eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Canates and Other Canate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or anybination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government proes employees with aprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you re eligible under their policies.

  To apply for this position, you must proe aplete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  RESUME REMINDER: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title and a summary of duties. (Be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g., June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or Part-time status. (MUST include hours worked per week if part-time)
  • Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
  • Rmended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate coneration, please list the duties you performed under each indiual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose coneration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50 s (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • OF-306
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  Veterans Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full coneration for this position. Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, proe only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to proe all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you mustplete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. Theplete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/13/2023 to receive coneration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12035387.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents andplete the occupational questionnaire.
  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application isplete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an iplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be iplete. To return to an iplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be iplete. Agency contact information Stacy Cooper Phone

  708-492-3989

  Email

  Stacy.Cooper@va.gov

  Address VHA VISN 12 Human Resources FOUR WESTBROOK CORPORATE TOWER 11301 W. CERMAK ROAD, SUITE 810 WESTCHESTER, IL 60154-5768 US Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review isplete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are indiuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or whoe into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics,munity living centers (CLCs),munity-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, p and withoutpensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be p or unp and include reents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel proing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients oute VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following gance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable amodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must proe aplete Application Package which includes:

• Resume

RESUME REMINDER: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

• Job title and a summary of duties. (Be as detailed as possible)
• Month & year start/end dates (e.g., June 2007 to April 2008)
• Full-time or Part-time status. (MUST include hours worked per week if part-time)
• Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
• Rmended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate coneration, please list the duties you performed under each indiual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose coneration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50 s (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• OF-306
• Other (1)
• Other (2)
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full coneration for this position. Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, proe only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to proe all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help This job is open to

• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.