Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations)

Summary

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Organizational Location: These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Human Capital, in Irving, Texas; Washington, District of Columbia.

These are not bargaining unit positions.

** Due to high volume of applicants, the first 100 applicants will receive first consideration. **

Duties

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To meet agency needs, this position will be filled under a time-limited appointment, of more than one year but not-to-exceed (NTE) 3 Years based on management approval which will be determined by their review of workload requirements and available funding. This is not a permanent appointment and does not allow for conversion to a permanent competitive service.

As a Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations), at the full performance level, you will perform the following duties:

• Serve as principle advisor to servicing area managers in identifying and addressing employee relations issues such as employee misconduct, performance management, administrative grievances, performance and medical issues, leave administration, procedural questions, and legal-regulatory issues related to personnel;
• Recommend appropriate action (including alternative methods), by which employees are counseled, reprimanded, suspended, demoted or removed for conduct or performance problems, serving as a technical representative in third party appeals, as appropriate;
• Analyze reports of investigation, and develop factual information from affidavits, exhibits, and other documentary evidence; develop supportable conclusions and effectively communicate findings orally and in writing, using a variety of methods;
• Modify, adapt or refine established guidelines to resolve complex, precedent-setting employee relations issues;
• Conduct extensive research into employee relations cases to identify trends, patterns, or aggravating/mitigating circumstances of a precedent-setting nature.

**The first 100 applicants will receive first consideration. Additional applicants, beyond the first 100, may be considered, upon management's request. Due to high volume of applicants, not all applicants will be considered. **

Note: One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation.
• You must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Requirements by Closing Date: Unless otherwise noted, you must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Probationary Period: This is a full-time Term position. Upon appointment to this position, you may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing 2 out of 4 of the following duties:

• Providing senior level technical advice and guidance to managers regarding a full range of conduct and performance matters, which are often sensitive and controversial in nature;
• Modifying, adapting or refining established guidelines to resolve complex, precedent-setting employee relations issues;
• Proposing new policies or practices in the employee relations arena;
• Conducting extensive research into employee relations cases to identify trends and patterns.

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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; 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.

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.

Additional information

This position is at the full performance level.

Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement reflects the lowest and highest potential salaries for this position. The actual salary range will be based on the applicable locality pay for the selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for High Risk/Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of 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.

A student loan repayment incentive may be available, in which case a service agreement will be required.

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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.

Benefits: DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

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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.