Human Resources Specialist

Duties

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

As a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations) your typical work assignments may include: Providing advice and guidance to top management officials relative to the proper interpretation of OPM and agency policies and directives as they relate to specific employee relations cases of assigned area of responsibility. Providing advice and assistance to proponents of such programs as reasonable accommodations, employee assistance program, leave administration, health and wellness, workplace harassment/violence and standards of ethical conduct. Reviewing employee relations program activities and providing advice on complex and multi-faceted issues. Providing advice and guidance to managers and supervisors on a variety of issues relating to disciplinary and adverse actions, performance, medical, grievances and appeals. Modifying existing training materials to keep pace with changing federal regulations or agency protocols.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. Citizen You must submit to a pre-employment drug test. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. DEA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see ). Current Federal employees cannot transfer unused Time Off Awards to DEA.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Specialized Experience requirements as noted below. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

You may qualify at the GS-12 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of experience (equivalent to at least the GS-11 level or pay band in the Federal service) that includes performing the following duties: 1) Researching, interpreting and explaining employee relations laws and regulations, guidance, and agency-wide policies; 2) Preparing written materials articulating proposed disciplinary and adverse actions and performance issues; and, 3) Creating both formal and informal training materials on employee relations matters.

You may qualify at the GS-13 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement:
One year of experience (equivalent to at least the GS-12 level or pay band in the Federal service) that includes performing the following duties: 1) Interpreting and explaining employee relations laws and regulations, guidance and agency-wide policies; 2) Serving as a technical expert on performance and conduct-based actions and related employee relations program practices; and, 3) Consulting with senior management on Employee Relations topics.

Specialized experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. One year of specialized experience for this position includes:

Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:

Human Resources ManagementTechnical CompetenceWriting

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement (as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F).

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, DEA requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation (Critical-Sensitive/Top Secret, Special-Sensitive/Top Secret, or Non-critical Sensitive/Secret). This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. DEA committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

EEO POLICY STATEMENT

Reasonable Accommodations Request: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans' Preference: Certain veterans are eligible to apply as a status candidate under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). View Feds Hire vets for more information on veterans' preference see .

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, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Interagency/Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP/CTAP): This program applies to Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed, or employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. Well-Qualified includes those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and abilities clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. For more information visit:

Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above.

Recruitment and/or Relocation Incentives will only be considered and approved under conditions specified provided the agency has determined that the position is likely to be difficult to fill in the absence of an incentive and funding for such an incentive is available.

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