Summary
This position serves as a Human Resources (HR) Specialist performing a variety of HR program functions in Federal Workers’ Compensation. Incumbent serves as a VISN Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) servicing the employee’s workers’ compensation needs.. Incumbent serves as a SME and is a liaison between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) District Offices.
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 337.201) for this occupation.
Duties
Major Duties: Provides guidance and counsel to facility and VISN employees, managers and supervisors regarding their rights, responsibilities and requirements under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) immediately following the first report of work-related injury or illness.
Monitors the medical progress and duty status of all injured workers by obtaining periodic medical reports to determine duty status or clarify medical work restrictions imposed to assist the injured worker in progressing to full duties of the pre-injury position.
Develops and implements standardized VISN procedures and processes in the form of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing facility workers’ compensation program activities and methods for use in evaluating employee benefits or benefits activities.
Interprets and applies emerging case law (MSPB, ECAB and Federal Court decisions) to program implementation decisions.
Completes technical reviews, analysis and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate processing of WC claims.
Reviews and interprets medical portions of claim based on medical matrices and the level of disability in relationship to the work injury, considering any preexisting medical conditions and subsequent medical conditions of the injured employee.
Evaluates all claims against the five required elements of a compensable claim, i.e., Time elements, federal employee status, Fact of Injury (factual), Fact of Injury (medical, diagnosis), Performance of Duty, and Causal Relationship.
Develops VISN workers’ compensation educational and training materials to ensure consistent implementation of methods and procedures for the workers’ compensation functions at all VISNs and facilities.
Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday through Friday; Discussed during interview process
Compressed/Flexible: Will be discussed during the interview
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals 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 Specialist (Employee Benefits Worker’s Compensation)/PD99958S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not required
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
- Subject to a background/suitability investigation
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
- May serve a probationary period
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
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-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. 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 provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
GS-09 Grade Level
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but not limited to knowledge of, and skill in applying fundamental HRM laws, principles, systems, policies, methods, and practices; as well as interviewing, analytical, and research techniques sufficient to conduct factfinding and recommend solutions to moderately difficult but well-precedented and/or recurring issues and problems, as well as knowledge of, and skill in applying, basic laws, regulations, policies, and precedents of Federal employee retirement, group life insurance, health benefits, and Thrift Savings Plan : OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.B. or J.D., if related. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and be obtained from an accredited college or university. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the first year of graduate level education which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and was obtained from an accredited college or university.
GS-11 Grade Level
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to knowledge of, and skill in applying, laws, Executive orders, regulations, policies, concepts, and various HR policies, practices, procedures, and management controls of the ER WLB functions at a regionalized operations center sufficient to: provide comprehensive employee benefits services to on-site advisory centers; coordinate with, and advise HR specialists located at the on-site advisory centers on technical issues involving WLB actions; performing reviews of all products; and automation systems as they pertain to guidance in the WLB functions. Skills in applying, HR principles, concepts, laws, regulations, techniques, and guidelines sufficient to: support an organization’s WLB programs; conduct analyses on a wide variety of complex issues using research, interviews, observation, and analytical techniques to gather, document, and analyze information to develop documentation supporting WLB decisions; determine appropriate actions and steps required; and ensure documents are correct and processed within the time limits set. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full year of progressively higher graduate level education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the first two (2) years of graduate level education which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position and was obtained from an accredited college or university.
GS-12 Grade Level:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-11) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include, Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of HR concepts, principles, laws, regulations, and practices, to include OPM requirements, VHA-specific policy and labor organization agreements for Title 5, Hybrid T38 and full Title 38 positions regarding Worklife/Employee benefits, to include group life insurance, health benefits, and Thrift Savings Plan programs; knowledge and ability to perform a wide variety of interrelated or nonstandard procedural assignments and to resolve a wide range of problems. Knowledge of individual and group counseling techniques and skills to assist employees in solving problems of all scope and complexity. Knowledge of interviewing, analytical and research techniques to conduct or respond to fact[1]findings and to recommend solutions as a Worklife/Employee benefits subject matter expert.
There is no educational substitution for the GS-12 level.
Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. Although some slight physical effort may be required, no special physical exertion is required. The work is primarily performed while sitting and can involve sitting for long periods of time, and involves some periods of walking and standing. The regular and recurring work involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc.
Working Conditions: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. The work environment includes everyday low risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of offices and meeting and training rooms. This position is suitable for Telework.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
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.
Additional information
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals 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.
The following will be communicated 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) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM’s Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee’s credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive 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. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive 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.
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
- Resume
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, 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.
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 consideration 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, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide 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 must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/22/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12131893.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details 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 incomplete 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 incomplete.
Agency contact information
Lindsey Hovde
Phone
319-338-0581 X6742
Email
LINDSEY.HOVDE@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
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
- Resume
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, 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.
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 consideration 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, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide 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 must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/22/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12131893.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details 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 incomplete 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 incomplete.
Agency contact information
Lindsey Hovde
Phone
319-338-0581 X6742
LINDSEY.HOVDE@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
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request