1 vacancy in the following location:
· Chicago, IL
Work Schedule is Full-Time - Permanent
Opened Tuesday 11/8/2016 (1 day(s) ago)
Closes Monday 11/21/2016 (12 day(s) away)
· Salary Range
$43,915.00 to $69,827.00 / Per Year
· Series & Grade
GS-0301-07/09
· Promotion Potential
12
· Supervisory Status
No
· Who May Apply
Eligible recent graduates from qualifying educational institutions. Refer to "Qualifications and Evaluations" section for more information.
· Control Number
455712700
· Job Announcement Number
PW-17-CHI-EBSA-0018
Job Description
Job Description
Job Summary
DOL seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse customers we serve. DOL fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility and fairness so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
This position is located in the Department of Labor/EBSA, Chicago, IL. This position is located in the Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance Group (OEA Group) in the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which is responsible for administering provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010(ACA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.
This position has promotion potential to GS-12. Promotion Potential: There is no obligation to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and supervisory approval.
- This position is inside the bargaining unit.
This is an appointment under the DOL Recent Graduates program. The program duration is one year. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service.
Appointee must sign a DOL Pathways Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement.
The entire duration of the Recent Graduate Appointment constitutes a trial period.
Appointee must be a U.S. citizen in order to be eligible for conversion to a permanent position in the competitive service upon completion of the program.
This position is located in the Department of Labor/EBSA, Chicago, IL. This position is located in the Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance Group (OEA Group) in the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), which is responsible for administering provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010(ACA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998.
This position has promotion potential to GS-12. Promotion Potential: There is no obligation to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions are dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and supervisory approval.
- This position is inside the bargaining unit.
This is an appointment under the DOL Recent Graduates program. The program duration is one year. Upon successful completion of the program and at the agency's discretion, the appointee may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service.
Appointee must sign a DOL Pathways Recent Graduate Program Participant Agreement.
The entire duration of the Recent Graduate Appointment constitutes a trial period.
Appointee must be a U.S. citizen in order to be eligible for conversion to a permanent position in the competitive service upon completion of the program.
Duties
This position is with the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), in Chicago, IL.
GS-7: Incumbent provides technical information, guidance and assistance in response to written, telephonic, and walk-in inquiries from plan administrators, participants and beneficiaries, members of Congress, and the general public on the rights and benefits of individuals. Conducts detailed fact-finding and researches, analyzes and applies the provisions of ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act, Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, Michelle's law and other statutes and related regulations in the course of responding to inquiries. Directly assists participants in obtaining benefits to which they are entitled but which they have not been able to secure from plan officials on their own. Performs liaison duties with agencies, industry and employee groups and other organizations.
GS-9: Duties are the same but performed with less supervision.
GS-7: Incumbent provides technical information, guidance and assistance in response to written, telephonic, and walk-in inquiries from plan administrators, participants and beneficiaries, members of Congress, and the general public on the rights and benefits of individuals. Conducts detailed fact-finding and researches, analyzes and applies the provisions of ERISA, COBRA, ACA, HIPAA, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act, Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act, Michelle's law and other statutes and related regulations in the course of responding to inquiries. Directly assists participants in obtaining benefits to which they are entitled but which they have not been able to secure from plan officials on their own. Performs liaison duties with agencies, industry and employee groups and other organizations.
GS-9: Duties are the same but performed with less supervision.
Job Requirements
Job Requirements
Key Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Appointment to this position requires a background investigation.
Qualifications
GS-9: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 level in the Federal Service but the experience is not limited to Federal Service. However, such experience must be directly related to the position to be filled and that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
GS-7: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 level in the Federal Service but the experience is not limited to Federal Service. However, such experience must be directly related to the position to be filled and that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position
Some examples of qualifying experience include: experience that demonstrates the ability to provide assistance and educational information to individuals, employers, special interest and other groups in the employee benefits field. Additionally, work that included knowledge of ERISA, collective bargaining trends; insurance, investment and other financial transactions; experience researching and analyzing complex factual situations, making interpretations and applications of law and regulation and exercising independent judgment in reaching conclusions and determining action to take relating to employee benefits.
GS-7: Closer supervision is required for the duties described. QUALIFICATIONS BASED ON EDUCATION:
GS-7: 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement as listed below:
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) is automatically
qualifying for the GS-7 level. SAA is based upon one of the following three criteria:
1) Class standing - you must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses; or
2) Grade Point Average (GPA) - you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (out of a possible 4.0) based on 4 years of education or based on courses completed during the final 2 years or
a 3.5 GPA in the major field of study completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
GS-9: A master's or equivalent graduate degree or
two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B., or J.D., if related To be eligible for appointment, you must meet requirement a or b:
a. Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years; or
b. Was released or discharged from active duty within the previous two years, where the applicant is a veteran who, due to a military service obligation, was precluded from applying for a recent graduate position during any portion of the two-year eligibility period following completion of his/her degree or certificate requirements, provided that not more than six years have transpired since the applicant completed the requirements for a degree or certificate
You must submit an academic transcript from your academic institution showing the date that you most recently completed the academic requirements described above. See the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
To use your education as a basis for meeting the minimum qualification requirements (MQR) for this position, you must submit academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements. If specific course work is required to fulfill the MQR, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken to receive credit for that course work. See the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of this announcement for more details.
If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation demonstrating that you meet the eligibility and MQR for this position, your application will be deemed incomplete & you will be ineligible for further consideration. Please review College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education information.
Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
GS-7: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 level in the Federal Service but the experience is not limited to Federal Service. However, such experience must be directly related to the position to be filled and that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position
Some examples of qualifying experience include: experience that demonstrates the ability to provide assistance and educational information to individuals, employers, special interest and other groups in the employee benefits field. Additionally, work that included knowledge of ERISA, collective bargaining trends; insurance, investment and other financial transactions; experience researching and analyzing complex factual situations, making interpretations and applications of law and regulation and exercising independent judgment in reaching conclusions and determining action to take relating to employee benefits.
GS-7: Closer supervision is required for the duties described. QUALIFICATIONS BASED ON EDUCATION:
GS-7: 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement as listed below:
Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) is automatically
qualifying for the GS-7 level. SAA is based upon one of the following three criteria:
1) Class standing - you must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university or major subdivision based on completed courses; or
2) Grade Point Average (GPA) - you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (out of a possible 4.0) based on 4 years of education or based on courses completed during the final 2 years or
a 3.5 GPA in the major field of study completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or
3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
GS-9: A master's or equivalent graduate degree or
two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B., or J.D., if related To be eligible for appointment, you must meet requirement a or b:
a. Completed all requirements for an associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years; or
b. Was released or discharged from active duty within the previous two years, where the applicant is a veteran who, due to a military service obligation, was precluded from applying for a recent graduate position during any portion of the two-year eligibility period following completion of his/her degree or certificate requirements, provided that not more than six years have transpired since the applicant completed the requirements for a degree or certificate
You must submit an academic transcript from your academic institution showing the date that you most recently completed the academic requirements described above. See the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
To use your education as a basis for meeting the minimum qualification requirements (MQR) for this position, you must submit academic transcripts demonstrating that you meet the qualifying educational requirements. If specific course work is required to fulfill the MQR, you must supply transcripts from each academic institution in which the required courses were taken to receive credit for that course work. See the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of this announcement for more details.
If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation demonstrating that you meet the eligibility and MQR for this position, your application will be deemed incomplete & you will be ineligible for further consideration. Please review College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education information.
Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Security Clearance
Not Applicable
Additional Information
What To Expect Next
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.
To check the status of your application: Click here. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here.
To check the status of your application: Click here. To sign up for Application Status Updates via email: Click Here.
BENEFITS
Other Information
Promotion Potential: GS-12
Bargaining Unit: NCFLL
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Department of Labor does not make unfavorable hiring decisions on the basis of an applicant's previous or current unemployment, or the fact that an applicant has experienced financial difficulty through no fault of his/her own and has undertaken good faith efforts to meet his/her financial obligations. Consideration is given to financial status in relation to appointments only where required by law, regulation, or Executive Order.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION, PROBATIONARY PERIOD, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Bargaining Unit: NCFLL
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Department of Labor does not make unfavorable hiring decisions on the basis of an applicant's previous or current unemployment, or the fact that an applicant has experienced financial difficulty through no fault of his/her own and has undertaken good faith efforts to meet his/her financial obligations. Consideration is given to financial status in relation to appointments only where required by law, regulation, or Executive Order.
Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION, PROBATIONARY PERIOD, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to apply. Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration. Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, click the “Agency Contact Information” link on the “Apply” page or go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents
Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS)
Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL)
On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 Steps noted at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. Pull documents from your USAJOBS Account by clicking "U" icon under "Action". Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Application Review” step, click “Submit Application”
The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, click the “Agency Contact Information” link on the “Apply” page or go tohttps://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/.
STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents
Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses in the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. FOR EACH EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, include: start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week); otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.
STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS)
Once you have identified a job on www.usajobs.gov that you wish to apply for, click on the title and click the Apply button . Click “Start Application” and proceed through 5 steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. At Step 5, click “Continue to Agency Site”.
STEP 3 – Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL)
On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click “APPLY TO THIS VACANCY”. Continue through the 7 Steps noted at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. Pull documents from your USAJOBS Account by clicking "U" icon under "Action". Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Application Review” step, click “Submit Application”
The last “Confirmation” step will turn green noting that your application was submitted successfully.
STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm ET of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, then “Update Application”.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Applicants meeting the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated against the competencies described below and will be placed into one of the following quality categories, based on responses to the vacancy questionnaire:
Category A - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and has successful experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in applying the critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity.
Category B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies by this position.
Category C - Meets the specialized experience described in the minimum qualifications requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively conveys information (orally and in writing) to individuals and groups.
Individual Effectiveness: Organizes work and sets realistic personal goals.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Shows understanding, professionalism, courtesy, tact, and concern.
Technology Application: Uses computers and computer software applications.
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems.
Customer Relations: Identifies and understands stakeholder problems. Under close supervision, attempts resolution of identified customer problems through provision of accurate technical information gained through analysis of regulatory and plan provisions and clear, concise explanation of benefits due.
Knowledge and Application of Employee Benefit Plan Law: Knowledge and application of laws, regulations, court proceedings, precedents, interpretations, and exemptions governing the employee benefit plan community.
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview).Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)
Referrals will be made in accordance with applicable reemployment priority and/or veterans’ preference requirements. Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information.
To preview questions please click here.
Category A - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and has successful experience in the same or similar job that has demonstrated superior proficiency in applying the critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity.
Category B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies by this position.
Category C - Meets the specialized experience described in the minimum qualifications requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies.
Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
Communication Skills: Clearly and effectively conveys information (orally and in writing) to individuals and groups.
Individual Effectiveness: Organizes work and sets realistic personal goals.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Shows understanding, professionalism, courtesy, tact, and concern.
Technology Application: Uses computers and computer software applications.
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems.
Customer Relations: Identifies and understands stakeholder problems. Under close supervision, attempts resolution of identified customer problems through provision of accurate technical information gained through analysis of regulatory and plan provisions and clear, concise explanation of benefits due.
Knowledge and Application of Employee Benefit Plan Law: Knowledge and application of laws, regulations, court proceedings, precedents, interpretations, and exemptions governing the employee benefit plan community.
The information you provide may be verified by a review of your work experience and/or education, by checking references and through other means (ex. interview).Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the vacancy questions. If not, the HRO may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume. Your evaluation may also include a review by a Human Resources Specialist or panel and may include other assessments (ex. interview, panel review, written test, writing sample, etc.)
Referrals will be made in accordance with applicable reemployment priority and/or veterans’ preference requirements. Click Application of Veterans Preference for Category Rating Jobs for more information.
To preview questions please click here.
Required Documents
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 pm (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. Warning: If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission. Also, do not upload password protected documents.
The following documents are required from ALL applicants:
- Proof of Eligibility: Academic transcript or other official documentation from the qualifying educational institution showing that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Recent Graduate appointment, as described in the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of this announcement. If you are claiming extended eligibility due to military service performed during the two-year period following graduation, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing the dates of such service. (For active duty service members expecting to be honorably discharged or released within 120 days, clickhttp://www.dol.gov/oasam/doljobs/ActiveDuty.htm
">Active Duty)The following documents are required from ALL applicants:
- Proof of Eligibility: Academic transcript or other official documentation from the qualifying educational institution showing that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Recent Graduate appointment, as described in the "Qualifications and Evaluations" section of this announcement. If you are claiming extended eligibility due to military service performed during the two-year period following graduation, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing the dates of such service. (For active duty service members expecting to be honorably discharged or released within 120 days, click
- Proof of Qualifications: Academic transcripts sufficient to demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, as described in this announcement, where you are seeking to qualify, at least in part, on the basis of your education. See "Qualifications and Evaluations."
The following documents are required if applicable:
- Veterans’ Preference Documents (if applicable): To be considered as a 5-point preference eligible, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD214. Your DD-214 must show the type of discharge and dates of active duty. To claim 10-point preference, you must submit a copy of your DD214; an Application for 10-point Veteran's Preference, SF15; and the proof of entitlement of this preference which is normally an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying to the present existence of the service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of your disability. (For active duty service members expecting to be honorably discharged or released within 120 days, click Active Duty) Without this documentation, you will not receive veteran's preference. For more information, go to:http://www.fedshirevets.gov/hire/hrp/vetguide/index.aspx.
- Cover Letters are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience, but may be submitted.
Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.
Department Of Labor
Employee Benefits Security Administration
Contact
Mary BradfordPhone: 312-353-1579
877-889-5627
Email: bradford.mary@dol.gov
Address
Employee Benefits Security Administration230 S. Dearborn Street
Room 1026
Chicago
IL
US
000-000-0000