Summary This job announcement uses the Subject Matter Expert Panel Assessment to evaluate applicants. Responsibilities Directs workflow adjustments and unit prioritization to eliminate backlogs and accommodate sudden shifts in workload, ensuring the continuous, timely processing of critical retiree and annuitant financial actions. Serves as the primary technical authority for Military Pay Technicians, resolving highly complex or rejected pay account transactions and auditing completed files to guarantee strict adherence to regulatory standards. Formulates and implements operational process improvements based on systematic customer feedback and performance metrics, presenting strategic, viable solutions to higher-level leadership for approval. Administers comprehensive personnel management functions, including drafting performance plans, executing objective evaluations, managing leave schedules, and overseeing recruiting and selection processes for vacancies. Cultivates labor-management relations and professional development by resolving workplace grievances, engaging with union officials, and designing targeted training programs on military pay entitlements and automated system updates. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GS-09 QUALIFICATIONS: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-08) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as: Applying expert-level knowledge of a large body of military pay rules, procedures and operations sufficient to process pay actions requiring audits, corrections, and adjustments of several interrelated aspects of military pay, sufficient to provide leadership, training and support to others responsible for this work, experience must include applying expert-level knowledge of related payroll systems sufficient to take necessary intervention and bypass of normal automated systems and procedures, and resolve issues within the automated systems. You may qualify for consideration if meeting specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement. The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements. Education GS-9 Substitution of Education for Experience: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education, Master's or equivalent graduate degree, may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience requirements for each grade level are listed in the Qualifications section above. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience and/or a basic requirement, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html). Additional Information Moving expenses will not be paid. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here. For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement), you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements. Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need. We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition. Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment. A one year supervisory or managerial probationary period may be required. We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Travel requirement is seldom. This position is not covered by a bargaining unit. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. PPP Application Based Preference Eligibles (Military Reserve and National Guard technicians, Military Reserve and National Guard technicians receiving disability retirement, and Retained Grade employees) will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level. Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here. Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information. This position requires you to obtain and maintain a Level 1 Certification under the DoD Financial Management (FM) Certification Program as a condition of employment. If you are selected, you will have to obtain this certification within two (2) years of your entry on duty in the position unless you are already in a position that requires a Level 1 Certification in which case you must complete the certification within the original 2-year period. Failure to become certified within the required time-frame may be grounds for removal from the position and/or from Federal service.