HR Specialist

ICF • Washington, DC

23d • Onsite

About The Position

ICF is seeking candidates for the role of HR Specialist, a mid-level professional position responsible for performing independent, end-to-end human resources work across one or more functional areas in support of ICF clients. The HR Specialist plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, compliant, and timely HR services by executing assigned HR processes, applying established policies and guidance, and exercising professional judgment to address routine to moderately complex workforce needs. Serving as part of a consulting team, the HR Specialist supports clients operating in dynamic, often regulated environments and is expected to adapt to client-specific requirements, procedures, and timelines. The HR Specialist works under limited supervision, independently manages assigned tasks and workflows, and serves as a reliable point of contact for HR operational issues, escalations, and surge support activities. The HR Specialist applies HR policies, standard operating procedures, and regulatory guidance to perform transactional and functional HR work (e.g., recruitment and staffing support, onboarding, personnel actions, employee records management, and HR reporting) and ensures that deliverables are accurate, well-documented, and audit-ready. In doing so, the role requires balancing efficiency, compliance, and customer service while supporting high-volume and time-sensitive HR activities. In addition, the HR Specialist may provide day-to-day guidance to HR Assistants or administrative staff, review work for completeness and accuracy, and identify process issues or risks that warrant escalation. While this role does not carry strategic or policy-setting authority, the HR Specialist is expected to apply sound judgment within defined parameters, proactively resolve issues within scope, and collaborate effectively with project leadership, senior HR staff, and client stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, psychology, public administration, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 3 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources or a closely related administrative or operational role.
• Demonstrated experience performing transactional HR work and applying established policies, procedures, and guidance.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using HR information systems or applicant tracking systems.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting HR functions in a regulated, public sector, healthcare, or complex organizational environment.
• Exposure to recruitment, staffing, personnel actions, or employee lifecycle processes.
• Familiarity with compliance-oriented HR documentation and audit requirements.
• Interest in continued professional development within the field of human resources.
• HR certification (e.g., PHR, SHRM-CP) or progress toward certification.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent HR work across one or more functional areas such as staffing and recruitment, onboarding, personnel actions, employee records management, or HR reporting.
• Process and review HR transactions and documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Apply established HR guidance, standard operating procedures, and regulatory frameworks to resolve routine to moderately complex HR issues.
• Provide functional support to managers and employees by responding to HR inquiries, explaining processes, and identifying appropriate solutions within defined authority.
• Support recruitment and hiring activities, including reviewing applicant materials, coordinating assessments or interviews, tracking candidate status, and preparing required documentation.
• Review work completed by HR Assistants or administrative staff for accuracy and completeness; provide guidance and feedback as appropriate.
• Maintain HR data systems and records, ensuring data integrity, audit readiness, and confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
• Identify process gaps or inefficiencies and recommend improvements to enhance service quality, timeliness, and consistency.
• Participate in special projects, surge support efforts, or reporting initiatives as assigned.
• Exercise professional judgment within established guidelines and escalate complex or non-routine issues to senior HR staff when required.

Benefits

• ICF is an equal opportunity employer.
• Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process.
• Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level