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Benefits Specialist

  • Job
    Full-time
    Junior Level
  • Government & Politics
    People, HR & Administration
  • Washington

AI generated summary

  • You need a high school diploma/GED plus 2+ years in federal benefits, specialized training preferred, and a bachelor's degree is a plus. Must pass a background check and drug test.
  • You will advise employees on benefits, conduct training, process applications, analyze data, counsel on retirement, and maintain knowledge of federal programs while using various software tools.

Requirements

  • · High school diploma or G.E.D. plus two or more years related experience (experience with federal employee benefits and compensation programs - particularly Legislative Branch programs, desirable) or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required.
  • · Completion of specialized training in relevant human resources subject areas, (e.g. federal benefits) which may be completed as part of college course work, independent courses or comparable on-the-job-training, is preferred.
  • · Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • *Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactorily completing a criminal history records check (or other applicable security clearance) and a pre-employment drug-test (pre-identified position only).

Responsibilities

  • Provides advisory services to management and current and former House employees on a variety of benefits and entitlement programs and services, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Affordable Care Act health coverage, Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), retirement programs/options, beneficiary information, debt collection, creditable civilian/military service.
  • Distributes communications, such as monthly newsletters and information about initial benefit enrollment, to assigned customers.
  • Assists with training and briefings to the House community on a regular basis.
  • Serves as a benefits consultant, participating in the development and accomplishment of plans and special projects related to the technical support of the Department and services rendered to customers.
  • Maintains proficient knowledge in one or more Department specialty areas (e.g., TSP, Payroll and Benefits Records, Retirement, etc.). Answers general inquiries and questions about the interrelationship between different areas.
  • Counsels and advises employees regarding the immediate and long-term advantages of participating in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), procedures for enrolling, and procedures for changing or canceling TSP participation.
  • Provides general information and guidance to assist employees with retirement.
  • Advises survivors of deceased employees with general information on their benefits.
  • Researches, interprets, and accurately applies relevant laws, rules, regulations, polices, processes, and procedures.
  • Analyzes data using appropriate methods and tools.
  • Uses financial systems/software to research and troubleshoot issues.
  • Processes applications and makes adjustments to health insurance enrollment, which includes determining eligibility and the needed documentation.
  • Reviews TSP enrollment forms for accuracy.
  • Calculates payroll adjustments related to the TSP, health, or life insurance, when required.
  • Coordinates benefits for concurrent employees with other federal agencies to include issuing correspondence and adjusting necessary benefits.
  • Calculates Service Computation Dates (SCDs) for newly appointed employees with prior federal service.
  • Verifies prior federal service and benefits for appointed employees.
  • Provides employees with information about the eligibility for retirement.
  • Reviews student loan program agreements, reviews validity of submitted loan service provider information, and validates data entry.
  • Prepares reports and statistical compilations and researches and answers correspondence related to areas of expertise.
  • Instructs, trains, and mentors peers as needed.
  • Utilizes Adobe and Microsoft products a proficient manner. The latter includes, Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Performs other official duties and special projects as assigned.

FAQs

What is the role of a Benefits Specialist in the U.S. House of Representatives?

The Benefits Specialist provides advisory services to current and former House employees regarding federal and House-specific benefits, assists with enrollment processes, conducts training and briefings, and maintains proficiency in specialty areas such as the Thrift Savings Plan and retirement programs.

What are the primary responsibilities of this position?

Key responsibilities include providing information on benefits programs, distributing communications, assisting with training, maintaining proficiency in benefits specialty areas, counseling employees on benefits, processing applications, calculating payroll adjustments, and preparing reports.

What qualifications are required for this position?

A high school diploma or G.E.D. plus two or more years of related experience is required, with knowledge of federal employee benefits preferred. Specialized training in human resources, particularly in federal benefits, is also desired. A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Is previous experience with federal employee benefits necessary?

While not required, experience with federal employee benefits, particularly within the Legislative Branch, is considered desirable for this position.

How will candidates be evaluated for this job?

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications through a structured interview process.

What types of benefits does the position offer?

Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package, which includes various programs designed to support their health and financial well-being, though eligibility depends on the specifics of the position.

Are there any conditions of employment for this position?

Yes, continued employment is contingent upon satisfactorily completing a criminal history records check and a pre-employment drug test if applicable.

What is the work environment like for this position?

The work environment involves providing support services to a large community of House Members, Officers, and staff, requiring excellent communication skills both in-person and through electronic means.

How should candidates submit their application?

Qualified candidates should submit their resume online by following the instructions provided in the job announcement.

Who can apply for this position?

This job is open to U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Government
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Mission & Purpose

The U.S. House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government. Comprising 435 members who represent districts from each state, its primary purpose is to draft, debate, and pass laws. The House's ultimate mission is to serve the American people by creating legislation that addresses national issues, ensures justice, and promotes general welfare. It functions as a crucial component of the democratic process, providing representation for the population in federal governance.