As a Human Resources Specialist, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to management and employees regarding the full range of employee and labor relations issues.
Location of position:This is a remote position within GSA's Office of Human Resources Management
Summary
As a Human Resources Specialist, you will be responsible for providing advice and guidance to management and employees regarding the full range of employee and labor relations issues.
Location of position:This is a remote position within GSA's Office of Human Resources Management
Your application will be considered if you are a:
Current career/career-conditional Federal employee in the competitive service; Reinstatement eligible; Special Appointing Authority eligible; VEOA eligible Veteran; ICTAP eligible; or OPM Interchange Agreement eligible.
As a Human Resources Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
GS-12 Grade Level:
Serve as an employee relations specialist and provide management advisory services in complex employee relations matters. Determine methods for fact-finding; interpret a variety of guidelines; resolve conflicts in the facts or the guidelines as necessary; and determine the best method to present findings and recommendations to management when providing advice and assistance.
Apply and interpret appropriate employee relations principles, guidelines, regulations and statutes for identifying the problems which are often complicated by conflicting information, providing alternative courses of action within the framework of these principles, guidelines, laws and regulations. Devise solutions to problems, which are presented to management after comprehensive study analysis in a professional manner, citing the facts and basis for conclusions. Reviews and recommends appropriate action on complex and controversial employee relations issues.
Research regulations, third-party decisions (such as MSPB, EEOC, and FLRA decisions), and case files to prepare agency position or rebuttals on hearings and record appeals. Address complex issues and questions pertaining to hours of work, and the leave administration program.
Provide advice and guidance to managers related to all phases of the performance management process. Assist management in developing critical elements and performance plans and in carrying out the performance management responsibilities. Assist the manager in developing the components of appropriate performance based actions ensuring the manager is performing his/her part during the process with the employee, and advising the manager as to the appropriate options if the employee fails to improve performance.
Advise management on the administration of the provisions of negotiated agreements. Advise managers/supervisors as to items that require negotiation with the union as a result of a change of working conditions and/or personnel policies or practices.
Advise management of their responsibilities under the various steps of negotiated grievance procedures which includes researching and providing advice pertaining to complex clauses. Advise managers of their responsibilities under the various steps of administrative grievance procedures.
GS-13 Grade Level:
Serve as an employee relations expert and provide substantial management advisory services in very complex employee relations matters. Determine methods for fact-finding; interpret a variety of guidelines; resolve conflicts in the facts or the guidelines as necessary; and determine the best method to present findings and recommendations to management when providing advice and assistance.
Apply and interpret appropriate employee relations principles, guidelines, regulations and statutes for identifying the problems which are often complicated by conflicting information, management indecision or indifference or lack of precedent, providing alternative courses of action within the framework of these principles, guidelines, laws and regulations. Devise solutions to problems, which are presented to management after comprehensive study analysis in a professional manner, citing the facts and basis for conclusions. Reviews and recommends appropriate action on complex and controversial employee relations issues.
Coordinate adverse actions with the Office of General Counsel to ensure cases that can be appealed to a third party forum. Research regulations, third-party decisions (such as MSPB, EEOC, FLRA decisions) and case files to prepare agency position or rebuttals on hearings and record appeals. Address complex issues and questions pertaining to hours of work, and the leave administration program.
Provide advice and guidance to managers related to all phases of the performance management process. Assist management in developing critical elements and performance plans and in carrying out the performance management responsibilities.
Provide direction and on-the-job training, as well as technical guidance and assistance, to lower-graded ER/LR Specialists in the branch. Advise management on the administration of the provisions of negotiated agreements. Advise managers/supervisors as to items that require negotiation with the union as a result of a change of working conditions and/or personnel policies or practices.
Consult with agency officials to assure proposed policies are consistent with existing provisions of negotiated labor contracts. Advise managers of their responsibilities under the various steps of negotiated grievance procedures which includes researching and providing advice pertaining to complex clauses. Advise managers/supervisors of their responsibilities under the various steps of administrative grievance procedures.
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
Meet all eligibility criteria within 30 days of the closing date
Meet time-in-grade within 30 days of the closing date, if applicable
Register with Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/1959
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or NonCareer SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Serve a one year probationary period, if required.
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security’s e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
The GS-12 salary range starts at $86,962 per year. Locality pay will be determined based on duty location.
The GS-13 salary range starts at $103,409 per year. Locality pay will be determined based on duty location.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-12 Grade Level:
To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience independently providing advice and assistance to managers and employees for several organizational components of an organization on matters related to: discipline and conduct; performance management; awards; developing performance standards; adverse actions; and experience developing and recommending policies and procedures on employee/labor relations issues.
GS-13 Grade Level:
To qualify, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level or higher in the Federal service. Specialized experience is interpreting and applying human resources principles, practices, laws, and regulations in order to independently perform the full range of labor and employee relations work including providing consultation and assistance to management in the areas of poor performance, misconduct, adverse actions, agency and bargaining unit grievances, appeals, and negotiations with unions.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is ineligible for the bargaining unit
If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the Federal government
Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.
GSA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility that goes beyond our compliance with EEO regulations including:
Valuing and embracing diversity, promoting equity, inclusion and accessibility, and expecting cultural competence; and
Fostering a work environment where all employees, customers and stakeholders feel respected and valued.
Our commitment is:
Reflected in our policies, procedures and work environment;
Recognized by our employees, customers and stakeholders; and
Drives our efforts to recruit, attract, retain and engage the diverse workforce needed to achieve our mission.
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.
You will be evaluated on the questions you answer during the application process, which will measure your overall possession of the following competencies or knowledge, skills, and abilities. Your responses to these questions must be supported by your resume or your score may be lowered.
GS-12:
Ability to conduct extensive research into laws, regulations, and case law to provide sound advice to managers/supervisors in employee and labor relations matters.
Ability to utilize performance management principles and practices as a tool to help managers/supervisors manage and improve employee performance.
Knowledge of employee relations principles, practices, regulations and legislation sufficient to provide complex technical advice, guidance and options to managers/supervisors regarding a range of disciplinary based actions, third-party case law, performance and awards management, leave administration, work schedules and hours of work, telework, medical issues and similar employee relations programs.
Skill in oral communications to present and negotiate sensitive recommendations to managers/supervisors in highly charged cases, to obtain compliance with policies and to articulate positions/policy of technical complexity.
Skill in written communication techniques sufficient to appropriately frame and author conduct-based actions and performance-based actions, draft grievance responses, and responses to third-party filings.
GS-13:
Knowledge of employee relations principles, practices, regulations and legislation sufficient to provide complex technical advice, guidance and options to managers/supervisors regarding a range of disciplinary-based actions, performance and awards management, leave administration, work schedules and hours of work, telework, medical issues and similar employee relations programs.
Ability and skill in utilizing performance management principles and practices as a tool to help managers/supervisors manage and improve employee performance.
Ability to identify and interpret facts and identify mitigating issues relevant to disciplinary and/or performance-related cases.
Knowledge of and ability to address a range of labor relations topics such as union representation, grievance procedures, union negotiations, bargaining unit status (bus) code determinations, and collective bargaining agreements.
Skill in written and oral communications required to provide technical advice and assistance and to present sensitive recommendations to all levels of management.
Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle, e.g., the minimum qualification requirements. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions.
Consideration will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume so that information will be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
If you are eligible under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan or GSA’s Career Transition Assistance Plan(ICTAP/CTAP), you must receive a score of 85 or higher to receive priority.
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
(a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.
(b) Copy of your agency’s annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).
If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.
If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Office of Human Resources Management
General Services Administration
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
Your resume showing applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Note: If required to submit an SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action), an equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form is acceptable. The SF-50 or equivalent agency Notice of Personnel Action form must show all of the following: effective date, position, title, series, grade, and rate of basic pay, tenure group 1 (career) or 2 (career-conditional), position occupied group, and name of agency. If you are a GSA employee (except in the OIG), you are not required to submit an SF-50.
If you are a 30% or more disabled veteran, VEOA or VRA applicant or qualified spouse, widow/widower, or parent:
(a) Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows your type of discharge and the dates of your active duty service. (b) If you are a disabled veteran, or are applying under VRA or VEOA as a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran, submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214: (1) completed SF-15 form; and (2) proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are a current Federal employee or Reinstatement Eligible: Submit your latest SF-50.
(a) one or more SF-50s, including your most recent one that shows you were on a competitive time-limited appointment(s) with a Land Management Agency and served on the appointment for a period(s) totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years.
(b) Copy of your agency’s annual performance appraisal(s) or written reference(s) from a supervisor at the agency verifying satisfactory performance during your appointment(s).
If you have a disability: Submit proof of eligibility. For information on eligibility and required documentation, refer to USAJOBS’s People With Disabilities page.
If you are applying under another special appointment authority: Submit proof of your eligibility under the appropriate appointment authority. See USAJOBS for more information.
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
If you are a current or former political appointee: Submit your SF-50.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
If you are having issues applying to this announcement, you should switch to a different browser, network or device. Note: Your firewall may block your transfer from USAJOBS to your GSA application.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer) or USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. We are available to assist you Monday-Friday during normal business hours. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions. Be sure to APPLY EARLY as most assessments must be completed fully and submitted before the announcement closing.
GSA, Office of Human Resources Management
General Services Administration
Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM)
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
