Benefits Specialist

Summary

Join a mission-driven agency that helps millions of Americans save for retirement. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) is seeking a talented and motivated professional to serve in the role of Benefits Specialist. This announcement may also be used to fill additional Benefits Specialist, GS-0301-13, positions at FRTIB in the same location, requiring similar qualifications and experience.

Duties

• Serves as a subject matter expert for assigned retirement benefits areas and supports the overall retirement benefits defined contribution program.
• Oversees and monitors TSP vendor performance for accuracy, timeliness, and consistency with program objectives, policies, and guidelines.
• Identifies and resolves complex retirement benefits program problems, including issues related to legislative initiatives and administrative decisions, and provides guidance to the TSP participant population.
• Designs, prepares, and implements broad studies to evaluate policies and best practices used in other defined contribution plans.
• Develops written guidance on proposed changes to benefit policies and oversight procedures.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements listed below. Some positions may also require a basic qualification, such as a specific degree or certification. If applicable, that requirement will be listed below as well. Specialized Experience GS-13: You must have at least one year of full-time specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level (or equivalent) that shows you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to do the work. Examples of specialized experience include: Administering retirement benefits or retirement savings programs by interpreting policies, regulations, or plan provisions to resolve participant, customer, or stakeholder issues. Evaluating the operational effectiveness of an assigned benefits program, service delivery function, or external service provider (including contractors and vendors) by analyzing performance data against established or self-developed performance measures, in order to identify deficiencies, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions or program improvements to management. Analyzing program, operational, or benefits-related issues to develop recommendations that improved service delivery, policy implementation, or program effectiveness. Developing policies, procedures, guidance, reports, or recommendations to communicate program requirements and support organizational decision-making. What Counts as Experience We consider both paid and unpaid experience, including but not limited to volunteer work with organizations like the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other community groups. Volunteer work can help you develop skills that are directly relevant to this job. A full year of work means working 35-40 hours per week. If you worked part-time, we'll calculate your experience based on the actual hours you worked to add up to one year of full-time equivalent work (2,087 hours). To receive credit for part-time work, you must clearly describe your duties and responsibilities, and the number of hours you worked each week.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position. Make sure your application is complete. All required qualifications must be met by no later than 09/18/2026. Your application will not be reviewed if any required documents listed under the "Required Documents" section are missing. You may need to complete a one-year probationary period if you're selected. Selective Service Registration is required for male applicants born after December 31, 1959, unless exempt under federal law. You'll need to certify your registration status if selected. A background check is required. Your continued employment depends on successfully completing a background investigation and receiving a federal suitability or security clearance. You may receive a tentative job offer while the investigation is underway.

Education

This position does not have a formal education requirement. You do not need to submit transcripts as part of your application, unless you are trying to substitute education for experience at or below the GS-11 grade level.

How to apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Application Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.