Human Resources Specialist (Retirement)

Summary

This position is located in the Human Resources and Professional Development Directorate (HRPD), Payroll Processing and Benefits Division (PPBD), Benefits and Retirement Branch, which is responsible for administering the full range of employee benefits programs such as health benefits, life insurance, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), flexible spending account program, Military deposits, FERCCA corrections, Federal leave programs, new hire benefits orientation & retirement webinar/seminars.

Duties

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The major duties of the Human Resources Specialist (Retirement) GS-0201 12/13 position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares and disseminates information to Bureau employees and managers on changes/updates to the leave programs.
• Provides oversight and advice to lower-grade specialists and assistants assigned to benefits programs, ensuring efficient and effective administration of these programs.
• Provides authoritative technical advice and guidance to Bureau employees and managers at all levels on the full range of employee benefits programs, which includes health benefits, life insurance, Dental & Vision program, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Long-Term Care, Post-56 military deposit, FICA deposit, and FERCCA corrections.
• Provides benefits/retirement counseling and services to all ATF employees and survivors of deceased ATF employees.
• Acts as liaison between the Bureau and various external organizations, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), other DOJ components, National Finance Center (NFC), and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
  
  

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

The requirements listed below must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Key Requirements:

• Must be U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st ,1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• Pass drug screening and subject to random drug test.
• Suitable for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
• You must meet all applicable time-in-grade requirements by the closing of this announcement.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
  
  

MOBILITY PLAN: New employees hired pursuant to this vacancy announcement must sign a mobility agreement. The purpose of ATF's mobility policy is to enhance career development and progression, and achieve mission and business effectiveness. To accomplish these objectives, the mobility plan will facilitate the movement of employees through special short-term assignments or permanent reassignments throughout the Bureau. Applicants who decline to sign a mobility agreement, as required, will be removed from the hiring process. This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Human Resources Specialist (Retirement), position GS-12/13, you must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized experience is demonstrated experience, which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Experience must be in the normal line of progression or must be related to the work of the position advertised and must be reflected in resume.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of:

• Knowledge of the full range of employee benefits programs such as health benefits, life insurance, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), flexible spending account program, Military deposits, FICA deposits Federal leave programs, new hire benefits orientation on benefits and retirement webinar/seminars; AND
• Assists in researching and interpreting Federal procedures, manuals, regulations, policies, standards, and automated personnel management information systems, to lead and participate in cross-functional teams and to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs; AND
• Understands access to eOPF, NFC systems and of the personnel action and payroll processing activities to conduct or direct long and short-range system planning and coordination for reports unique to Branch programs and to oversee the institution of effective operational controls and quality assurance methodologies; AND
• Assists in providing direction and coordination the benefits and services programs administered by the Benefits and Retirement Branch, which may include responsibility for retirement, health insurance, life insurance, and TSP FEDVIP, Military deposits, FICA deposits, and FERCCA corrections; AND
• Knowledge of other personnel management disciplines to coordinate and integrate the Branch's programs with the other Human Resources Divisions' specialty areas and to assess the impact of Branch policies and procedures on these areas.
  
  

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 grade level, candidates must also have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized Experience Must Include All Of:

• Administering the full range of employee benefits programs such as health benefits, life insurance, retirement, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), flexible spending account program, Post-56 Military deposits FICA deposits, FERCCA corrections, Federal leave programs, process annual leave lumpsum payment. new hire benefits orientation, and retirement webinar/seminars; AND
• Knowledge of Federal procedures, manuals, regulations, policies, standards, and automated personnel management information systems, to lead and participate in cross-functional teams and to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs ; AND
• Knowledge of management and personnel principles, practices, theories, with particular emphasis on total quality service, and other concepts of evaluating personnel programs and systems for effectiveness, to make recommendations on system improvement ; AND
• Knowledge of and access to eOPF, NFC systems and of the personnel action and payroll processing activities to conduct or direct long and short-range system planning and coordination for reports unique to Branch programs and to oversee the institution of effective operational controls and quality assurance methodologies ; AND
• Ability to lead project teams and work groups.
  
  

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement (06/18/2026) to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

Additional Selections May Be Made From This Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations from ATF's Human Resources Operations Division. Please click on the following link to read important information. DOJ Notice to Prospective Employees of Ethical Obligations

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP): These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

• Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
• Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
• Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
  
  

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, 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.

Reasonable Accommodation:ATF provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the job application and hiring process, and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, please notify the human resources specialist listed on the vacancy announcement, or contact the ATF's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at (202) 648-8760 or send an email to reasonableaccommodations@atf.gov. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.