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, high performance, 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, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Washington District Office located in Silver Spring, MD. The Employee Benefits Security Administration is responsible for planning, directing, and administering a program of enforcement to ensure maximum compliance throughout the geographical jurisdiction of the Office with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the criminal provisions of the United States Code as they relate to employee benefit plans.
- The full performance level of this position is GS-12.
- Promotion Potential: 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.
- The position is inside the bargaining unit.
- Additional selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
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, high performance, 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, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Washington District Office located in Silver Spring, MD. The Employee Benefits Security Administration is responsible for planning, directing, and administering a program of enforcement to ensure maximum compliance throughout the geographical jurisdiction of the Office with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the criminal provisions of the United States Code as they relate to employee benefit plans.
- The full performance level of this position is GS-12.
- Promotion Potential: 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.
- The position is inside the bargaining unit.
- Additional selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time - Full Time
Travel Required
50% or less - In some instances, investigations may involve travelling up to 50% of the time in any twelve-month period. Travel will normally be within assigned geographic area; however, incumbent may be assigned at any time to any state as defined in Section 3(10) of ERISA.
Plans, conducts, and coordinates civil and criminal Investigations of moderate size employee benefit plans, service providers, trust departments, and other financial entities having relationships and conducting transactions with the plans.
The incumbent works closely with other EBSA investigators, auditors, and managers within the immediate office and in other regional and national offices in the Agency. Also, initiates contacts and maintains liaison with representatives of other Federal, state, and local agencies on ERISA and related matters pertaining to assigned investigations.
Works the legal staff of the Department's Office of the Solicitor (SOL) or Department of Justice in preparing cases for civil litigation and/or criminal prosecution and developing documentary evidence. May serve as a witness for the Agency civil and criminal court trials and may testify before Federal/state grand juries concerning facts and evidence developed during criminal investigations. Reviews and recommends approval of out of court settlement negotiated by the SOL
For assigned criminal cases, incumbent investigates allegations of criminal misconduct including, but not limited to: theft or embezzlement from employee benefit plans; false statements and concealment of facts in relation to documents required by ERISA; conspiracy; acceptance or solicitation to influence operations of employee benefit plans; unlawful payments by employers; coercive interference with any right to which the participant(s) or beneficiaries are entitled under Title I of ERISA or any other applicable provisions of the United States Code.
GS-12
Independently plans, conducts, and coordinates civil and criminal investigations of large and varied employee benefit plans, service providers, trust departments, and other financial entities having relationships and conducting transactions with the plans, Employee benefit plans investigated typically involve large numbers of participants, large sums of plan assets, complex organizational structures and accounting systems, and complex financial transactions. Investigations often involve: multiple, complex issues that may relate to multiple Federal statutes (e.g., pension, securities, health, and/or tax laws); issues and violations which are difficult to establish and prove because of incomplete or complex accounting and financial management records; a variety of operations and systems; financial activities; and multiple jurisdictions or states, Assigned cases often require discrete handling of facts and evidence because of the sensitivity of the investigations to the principals involved.
The incumbent works closely with other EBSA Investigator, auditors, and managers within the immediate office and in other regional and national offices In the Agency. Also, initiates contacts and maintains liaison with representatives of other Federal, state, and local agencies on ERISA and related matters pertaining to assigned investigations.
Works closely with and provides technical guidance to the legal staff of the Department's Office of the Solicitor (SOL) or Department of Justice in preparing cases for litigation and developing documentary evidence. May serve as a witness for the Agency civil and criminal court trials and may testify before Federal/state grand juries concerning facts and evidence developed during criminal investigations. Reviews and recommends approval of out of court settlement negotiated by the SOL
For assigned criminal cases, incumbent investigates allegations of criminal misconduct including, but not limited to: theft or embezzlement from employee benefit plans; false statements and concealment of facts in relation to documents required by ERISA; conspiracy; acceptance or solicitation to influence operations of employee benefit plans; unlawful payments by employers; coercive interference with any right to which the participant(s) or beneficiaries are entitled under Title I of ERISA or any other applicable provisions of the United States Code.
Must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 16 years of age.
Subject to frequent travel-up to 50% of the time-at times on short notice.
Requires a valid drivers license.
Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.
Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements.
Qualifications
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
For GS-11: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-09, in the Federal Service demonstrating a thorough knowledge of ERISA rules, regulations, exemptions and enforcement policies and procedures, as well as of Federal criminal statutes and the Federal rules of evidence in order to investigate moderately difficult employee civil and criminal transactions. Examples of specialized experience include:
Uses computer applications to identify, gather and analyze available data, records, and other documentation in conducting investigations and preparing resulting reports.
Conducts extensive research and analysis of issues and questions involved In complex civil and criminal investigations of employee benefit plans.
Conducts civil investigations and analyzes of moderately difficult violations of ERISA
Experience developing facts and financial data resulting from the examination of employee benefit plan records
For GS-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-09, in the Federal Service demonstrating a extensive knowledge of ERISA rules, regulations, exemptions and enforcement policies and procedures, as well as of Federal criminal statutes and the Federal rules of evidence in order to investigate large and complex civil and criminal transactions. Examples of specialized experience include:
Independently plans, conducts, or participates in the conduct of major, nation-wide civil and criminal investigative/enforcement projects involving the fiduciary breaches and conduct; reporting and disclosure violations, prohibited transaction violations, etc.
Independently leads investigations and related enforcement projects and solves problems that arise during the course of an investigation and provides guidance to other investigators/auditors.
Initiates discussions and interviews with plan representatives; takes investigative depositions;
Serves subpoenas to secure evidence and develop testimony;
Develops and prepares comprehensive reports, evidentiary materials, and related documentation sufficient for administrative closing or potential litigation;
Uses computer applications to identify, gather and analyze available data, records, and other documentation in conducting investigations and preparing resulting reports.
Education
Education may be used to substitute for specialized experience at the GS-11 level ONLY.
GS-11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related
College Transcript and Evaluation of Foreign Education - The Department of Labor does not recognize academic degrees from unauthorized secondary schools or post-secondary institutions that are not accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education. Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service. If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.
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.
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.
If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be evaluated against the evaluation factors below and will be placed into a category based on your vacancy question responses.
Categories Cat 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 critical competencies required by this position to work of increased levels of difficulty and complexity.
Cat B - Meets the basic qualification requirements for the vacancy and demonstrates satisfactory proficiency in the critical competencies required by this position.
Cat C - Meets the specialized experience described in the minimum qualifications requirements section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the basic competencies.
Evaluation Factors- All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:
1.) Investigations: Plans for and, as required or requested, report on the progress of investigations of employee benefit plans, plan officials, service providers, trust departments and other financial entities subject to ERISA. Conducts investigations and analysis of violations of ERISA and related regulations. Plan, organize, and conduct interviews of suspects, subjects of interest, complainants, and witnesses
2.) Communication Skills: Communicates effectively orally and in writing in order to concisely, accurately and clearly present complex/technical information.
3.) Individual Effectiveness: Rapidly adapts to sudden changes in work assignments and deadlines; adeptly shifts relative focus on emphasis between enforcement and compliance assistance.
4.) Interpersonal Effectiveness: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others (within and outside of EBSA). Handles adversarial, hostile, confrontational situations calmly, promotes voluntary compliance with ERISA.
5.) Technology Application: Uses standard and agency specific computer applications to identify, gather and analyze data, records and other documentation in conducting investigations and preparing resulting reports. Utilize computerized databases, including accessing systems, and performing data entry and data searches to obtain and support investigative findings;
6.) Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Determines scope of and approach for conduct of investigations; conducts extensive research and analysis of issues.
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). The examining Human Resources Office (HRO) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. 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.
INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLES ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligibles who are placed into Category B or higher will be considered "well-qualified".
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.
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.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. 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.
- Veterans 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 honorable or general discharge or release 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
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
- 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, go to https://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 . For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. 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 progress steps indicated by circles at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd progress step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th progress step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Review and Submit” 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”.
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
The Curtis Center
170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 600 East
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
United States
Next steps
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.
The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date. Follow the instructions: click How To Submit Supplemental Documentation Document. You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you. 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.
- Veterans 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 honorable or general discharge or release 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
- Displaced Employee Placement Documents – Only required if requesting priority consideration under CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.
- 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
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. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.
SAVE your information before the 30 MINUTE TIMEOUT! For help, go to https://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 . For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. 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 progress steps indicated by circles at the top of the DOL page. The 3rd progress step is where you answer the vacancy specific questions. The 4th progress step "Documents" is where you submit required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy. If you submit a document using the same document title, the 2nd submission will OVERWRITE the 1st submission.
STEP 4 – On the “Review and Submit” 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”.
Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration
The Curtis Center
170 S. Independence Mall West
Suite 600 East
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
United States
Next steps
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.
