Summary

This role is located in the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which provides federal leadership, funding and resources to support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect children, assist crime victims, and address public safety challenges such as human trafficking and the opioid crisis.

This job is also being advertised to open to current or former federal employees in the competitive service and specific hiring authorities under announcement number JP-26-018.

Duties

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The duties and responsibilities for a GS- 0201-13/14 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serves as a HR Specialist (Employee Relations) with responsibility for planning and administering OJP's employee relations programs, conducting complex human resources research and analysis, and providing expert alternative dispute resolution and human resources advisory services
• Provides case and Employee Relations (ER) program management, administering ER programs and evaluating activities and operational procedures in alignment with governing regulations and organizational objectives
• Implements highly technical and complex ER programs, strategies, and initiatives, partnering with managers to address human capital challenges and resolve sensitive employee relations issues affecting major program or mission areas
• Provides authoritative interpretation of statutory and regulatory guidance (e.g., OPM regulations, executive orders, Comptroller General decisions, MSPB case law) and delivers expert consultation to officials and technical staff on complex ER matters
• Performs HR studies requiring extensive research, documentation, and expert interpretation of laws, regulations, and policy frameworks that form the basis for major agency-wide decisions
• Provides expert policy interpretations on sensitive, high-visibility HR issues that cross specialty areas and impact multiple OJP individuals and offices
• Serves as a technical expert in handling highly sensitive cases involving multiple HR issues with agency-wide impact; advises senior leadership on reports, studies, position papers, and formal actions
• Serves as OJP's technical authority for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), coordinating ADR activities, identifying systemic barriers, and advising leaders on short- and long-term improvements.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• Security Requirements: Non-Sensitive/Moderate Risk
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations), at GS-0201-13/14, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.

GS-13 Specialized Experience:

Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Examples of specialized experience include:

• Supports Employee Relations (ER) activities by performing case management tasks with guidance, assisting with policy development, and helping assess ER program needs.
• Assists in administering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) activities, reviewing ADR cases, identifying issues or barriers, and/or recommending improvements to strengthen dispute resolution processes.
• Performs case-related analyses and provides informed recommendations on sensitive ER matters that influence program operations and HR practices.

GS-14 Specialized Experience:

Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Examples of specialized experience include:

• Manages complex Employee Relations (ER) programs, including case management, policy development, and/or evaluation of ER operations.
• Advises on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs, evaluates ADR functions, identifies systemic barriers, and/or recommends improvements.
• Provides authoritative analysis and expert recommendations on complex and/or sensitive Employee Relations cases that impact program operations and Human Resources policy.

Online Assessment:

This position requires an online assessment. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 09/21/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

• Accountability
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork
• Decision Making
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning

You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 09/21/2026.

Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted.

Additional information

• OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules.
• Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
• Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: 1) performance and conduct; 2) agency needs and interests; 3) advancement of agency/Government organizational goals; and 4) Federal service efficiency. Upon completion, employment terminates unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.