Summary
The Lead HR Specialist reports directly to the Senior Strategic Business Partner in the Strategic Business Unit in North Little Rock, AR. The Specialist contributes to overall VISN performance by assisting with tactical and strategic consulting on people and organization development strategies in support of business objectives.
NOTE: This announcement is limited to the first 50 applicants and will close on the date indicated, or when 50 applications are received, whichever occurs first.
This job is open to
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to current, permanent Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employees, and those eligible under CTAP.
Videos
Duties
The duties of the Lead HR Specialist (Recruitment & Placement) position include, but are not limited to:
- Providing expert management consultative service involving the full spectrum of HR functions (e.g., recruitment and placement, employee performance, and conduct issues) on highly complex issues.
- Serving as the primary strategic advisor between local leadership and VISN HR Operations, effectuating local strategic goals and metrics through expert management consultation in talent management and workforce and succession planning.
- Acting as change agent to business through process redesign and approaches that support change and transformation.
- Analyzing trends and metrics to develop solutions and providing day-to-day consultation to leadership on a variety of actions to include employee relations issues, policy interpretation and application, talent management and development, and organizational design consultation.
- Serving as a key member in various VISN committees and activities, working directly with leadership to develop an HR strategy that closely supports and facilitates meeting local organizational goals.
- Providing guidance and advice to mangers and leaders on employee engagement.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm (Schedule can be discussed with Supervisor)
Compressed/Flexible: May be available
Telework: This position may be authorized for telework on an ad-hoc basis, per supervisory discretion. Telework eligibility can be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual: This is NOT a remote/virtual position. Selectee will be required to report on-site to the facility.
Position Description/PD#: Lead HR Specialist (Recruitment & Placement)/PD 99880S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/14/2023.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12. The grade may have been in any occupation but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
The BASIC REQUIREMENT for the HR Specialist GS-0201 series is presumed met if found qualified at the GS-0201-7 level and above.
To qualify for this position at the GS-13 level, you must meet one of the following listed Criteria:
Criteria 1- Graduate Degree and Specialized Experience: Successful completion of a graduate level degree or higher and three years of progressive specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level. Such experience may be gained in administrative, professional, technical, or other responsible work positions in the public (i.e., Government or military) or private sector. Must include copy of unofficial transcript with application. Qualifying specialized experience includes:
- Experience and skill in applying, a wide range of Human Resources methods, principles, and practices.
- Troubleshooting and resolving difficult and controversial internal and external staffing and placement problems.
- Consulting and ensuring all pre-employment requirements are met with regard to position management and organizational design.
- Pay administration such as physician market pay, utilizing multiple pay scales and various information sources.
- Evaluating trends in missions, technology, manpower, fiscal resources, and other factors influencing future needs.
~OR~
Criteria 2– Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service that demonstrates HR management knowledge, concepts and principles and the performance of work in one or more of the HR specialty areas. Such experience may be gained in administrative, professional, technical, or other responsible work positions in the public (i.e., Government or military) or private sector. Qualifying specialized experience includes:
- Establishing human resources program objectives or performance goals and assess progress toward their achievement.
- Advising management on complex issues relating to employee and labor relations matters.
- Providing technical advice on internal/external placement and staffing matters to include assessment and evaluation of staffing needs, methods, and impact of mission changes.
- Planning and adjusting work operations to meet changing or emergency program or production requirements with available resources and with minimum sacrifice of quantity or quality of work.
- Communicating with others effectively both orally and in writing in working out solutions to problems or questions relating to the work.
- Coordinating and integrating the work activities and resources of several organizational segments or of several different projects.
- Analyzing organizational and operational problems and developing timely and economical solutions.
Preferred Experience:2-3 years of experience performing HR Specialist functions and responsibilities in a Strategic Business Unit environment to include:
- Acting as a local point of contact addressing concerns and questions from managers and employees regarding HR policy and procedures.
- Researching, sourcing, and analyzing HR data to compile finished reports.
- Drafting responses to local, VISN and National level Action Item requests.
- Reviewing recruitment package submissions for completion and budgetary resources approval.
Education
Qualifying education for the GS-0201 series includes programs in HR, HR development, HR management, business, business management/administration, industrial relations, labor relations, industrial psychology, organizational psychology, organizational development, management, organizational behavior, pre-law/law, legal studies, health care management/administration, public administration, public policy, human services, leadership and/or humanities.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix F1; Human Resources Specialist Qualification Standards GS-0201. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
Additional information
TheCareer Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM’s Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ ” target=”_blank”>”http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
- Benefits
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.
Review our 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 rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Communications
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Planning and Evaluating
Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
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; religions; 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.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
- Benefits
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.
Review our 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.
- Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume: Your resume must include the following information each job listed: Job title; Duties (be as detailed as possible); Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week); Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held. Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we can fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
- SF-50 (Eligibility): You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 dated within the past year demonstrating you meet the area of consideration as referenced in the announcement. (This should be a non-award SF-50.) You will be rated ineligible if you do not submit a SF-50 dated within the past year.
- SF-50 (Time-in-Grade): If you have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks, you must submit a copy of an SF-50 demonstrating you meet the requirements. It is recommended you submit the following SF-50’s to ensure time-in-grade can be verified:
- SF-50 demonstrating the highest grade you’ve held. (This should be a non-award SF-50.) AND
- SF-50 Promotions with an effective date more than one year old. OR
- SF-50 Within Rate/Grade Increase (WRI/WGI) demonstrating the highest grade you’ve held for at least 52 weeks. OR
- If you do not have a Within Rate/Grade Increase SF-50 for the highest grade held, you may submit SF-50’s to demonstrate when you started and left each position at the highest grade held to add up to 52 weeks demonstrating you meet time-in-grade.
- Transcripts: If you are using all or part of your education to qualify for the position, you must submit a legible copy of your unofficial/official transcripts demonstrating you meet the qualification requirement.
- CTAP Applicants: You must also provide the additional documents listed in the “Additional Information” section above.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Time-In-Grade SF-50
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans’ Preference: Does not apply to merit promotion announcements.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
- How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/14/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12119036.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
For more information on the “Who may apply” eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
Agency contact information
Tracy Lawson
Phone
858-692-8779
Email
Tracy.Lawson2@va.gov
Address
VHA VISN 16 Human Resources 715 S. PEAR ORCHARD ROAD PLAZA 1 RIDGELAND, MS 39157-4807 US
Next steps
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume: Your resume must include the following information each job listed: Job title; Duties (be as detailed as possible); Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008); Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week); Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held. Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we can fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
- SF-50 (Eligibility): You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 dated within the past year demonstrating you meet the area of consideration as referenced in the announcement. (This should be a non-award SF-50.) You will be rated ineligible if you do not submit a SF-50 dated within the past year.
- SF-50 (Time-in-Grade): If you have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks, you must submit a copy of an SF-50 demonstrating you meet the requirements. It is recommended you submit the following SF-50’s to ensure time-in-grade can be verified:
- SF-50 demonstrating the highest grade you’ve held. (This should be a non-award SF-50.) AND
- SF-50 Promotions with an effective date more than one year old. OR
- SF-50 Within Rate/Grade Increase (WRI/WGI) demonstrating the highest grade you’ve held for at least 52 weeks. OR
- If you do not have a Within Rate/Grade Increase SF-50 for the highest grade held, you may submit SF-50’s to demonstrate when you started and left each position at the highest grade held to add up to 52 weeks demonstrating you meet time-in-grade.
- Transcripts: If you are using all or part of your education to qualify for the position, you must submit a legible copy of your unofficial/official transcripts demonstrating you meet the qualification requirement.
- CTAP Applicants: You must also provide the additional documents listed in the “Additional Information” section above.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Time-In-Grade SF-50
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans’ Preference: Does not apply to merit promotion announcements.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/14/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12119036.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
For more information on the “Who may apply” eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.
Agency contact information
Tracy Lawson
Phone
858-692-8779
Tracy.Lawson2@va.gov
Address
VHA VISN 16 Human Resources 715 S. PEAR ORCHARD ROAD PLAZA 1 RIDGELAND, MS 39157-4807 US
Next steps
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request