Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Cherokee Federal; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

Disability coverage

Paid holidays

EAP

FSA/HSA options

Training and certification support

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Human Resources Benefits Specialist in Washington, DC to provide guidance on federal benefits programs, including FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, and retirement planning. The role requires active security clearance and experience with federal policies and HR systems.

The position is on-site with a starting hourly pay range of $45.00–$47.00, reflecting federal contracting requirements and Public Trust eligibility. U.S. citizenship and DE certification are necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of Federal benefits experience required.
• Current OPM Delegated Examining (DE) Certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• Knowledge of federal staffing, recruitment, and position classification principles, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to learn and effectively use Personnel Tracking Systems (PTS).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Public Trust clearance.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Responsibilities

• Advise employees on federal benefits programs including FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, and retirement systems (FERS/CSRS).
• Conduct benefits briefings for new hires and assist with enrollments and qualifying life events.
• Provide retirement counseling, determine eligibility, compute service dates, and guide employees on TSP withdrawals and benefits continuation (e.g., COBRA, retirement options).
• Review retirement applications (SF-2801/SF-3107) for completeness; verify service history against eOPF; manually calculate high-3 salary; and submit certified packages to OPM within required timelines.
• Conduct one-on-one retirement counseling sessions within 60 days of eligibility using GRB Platform to generate annuity estimates and benefits summaries.
• Maintain and update official personnel records in eOPF, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Manage FECA cases, including documentation and coordination with the Department of Labor.
• Provide guidance on federal benefits policies, employee rights, and regulatory updates.
• Utilize HR systems and tools to process benefits-related actions and maintain records.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

PTS usage

Valid U.S. driver’s license

US Citizenship

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PTS

Job description

Human Resources Benefits Specialist

Washington, DC, United States (On-site)

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Public Trust clearance.

Position Summary:

The Human Resources Benefits Specialist provides technical guidance and support on federal employee benefits programs, including health and life insurance, retirement systems, and the Thrift Savings Plan. This role advises employees and management on benefits eligibility, enrollment, and retirement planning while ensuring compliance with federal laws, regulations, and agency policies. The Specialist supports benefits processing, maintains official personnel records, and delivers individualized counseling to employees throughout their employment lifecycle.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Human Resources Benefits Specialist:$45.00 – $47.00 per hour

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

• Advise employees on federal benefits programs including FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, and retirement systems (FERS/CSRS)
• Conduct benefits briefings for new hires and assist with enrollments and qualifying life events
• Provide retirement counseling, determine eligibility, compute service dates, and guide employees on TSP withdrawals and benefits continuation (e.g., COBRA, retirement options)
• Review retirement applications (SF-2801/SF-3107) for completeness; verify service history against eOPF; manually calculate high-3 salary; and submit certified packages to OPM within required timelines
• Conduct one-on-one retirement counseling sessions within 60 days of eligibility using GRB Platform to generate annuity estimates and benefits summaries
• Maintain and update official personnel records in eOPF, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Manage FECA cases, including documentation and coordination with the Department of Labor
• Provide guidance on federal benefits policies, employee rights, and regulatory updates
• Utilize HR systems and tools to process benefits-related actions and maintain records
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience
• Three (3) to five (5) years of Federal benefits experience required
• Current OPM Delegated Examining (DE) Certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire
• Knowledge of federal staffing, recruitment, and position classification principles, laws, and regulations
• Ability to learn and effectively use Personnel Tracking Systems (PTS)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills:
• Ability to analyze information and support HR processes with accuracy and attention to detail
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Public Trust clearance.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with automated HR systems; experience with USA Staffing preferred

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Strategic Solutions, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-AP1 #AppC2

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In compliance with Washington D.C.’s Wage Transparency Act, the estimated hourly pay range for this position is $19.00 – $20.00 per hour. Actual compensation is based on qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].