HR Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations)

Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services • Washington, DC

23h

About The Position

This position is an HR Specialist focused on employee and labor relations in the Department of Health and Human Services, Assistant Secretary for Administration, headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia. The specialist advises managers and supervisors on employee relations issues and supports the resolution of employee and labor relations matters. Work includes guidance on performance management, employee conduct, disciplinary and adverse actions, grievances, attendance and leave, appeals, and employee-supervisor relations; drafting disciplinary notices; and maintaining case files.

The position also supports labor-management relations, including interpreting collective bargaining agreements, processing grievances, addressing unfair labor practice matters, supporting bargaining activities, and handling other issues involving bargaining-unit employees. The specialist researches and interprets Federal laws, regulations, Executive Orders, case decisions, agency policies, and negotiated agreements to develop recommendations and help resolve issues. Qualification paths are provided at the GS-12 and GS-13 levels, each requiring one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
• Must be suitable for Federal employment and meet time-in-grade restrictions by the announcement closing date.
• Appointment is subject to successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date.
• GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level, including applying Federal employee and labor relations laws, regulations, policies, and collective bargaining agreements to advise management; providing guidance on performance management, conduct, disciplinary or adverse actions, grievances, and related matters; assisting with labor relations activities; and researching and interpreting relevant authorities to develop recommendations.
• GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level, including providing authoritative advisory services on complex matters; advising managers on complex or sensitive employee relations matters; providing labor relations expertise involving agreements, grievances, unfair labor practices, bargaining, organizational changes, and legal compliance; and researching and analyzing authorities to resolve complex issues and collaborate with relevant stakeholders.
• Applicants must clearly document relevant experience, exact employment dates, and—when applicable—the average number of hours worked per week. Documentation may be required for experience outside the official series and grade level of a Federal position.
• Experience may include paid or unpaid work, including qualifying volunteer work; part-time experience must include average weekly hours and beginning and ending dates.
• Federal salary payments must be made by direct deposit.
• A financial disclosure statement may be required; a probationary or trial period may be required.

Responsibilities

• Advise managers and supervisors on employee relations matters, including performance management, employee conduct, disciplinary and adverse actions, grievances, attendance and leave issues, and employee-supervisor relations.
• Assist with drafting disciplinary and adverse action notices and maintaining employee relations case files.
• Assist management in resolving performance and conduct issues by providing guidance on disciplinary and adverse actions, grievances, appeals, performance management, and related employee relations matters.
• Provide guidance on labor-management relations, including contract interpretation, grievance processing, unfair labor practice matters, bargaining activities, and issues involving bargaining-unit employees.
• Research and interpret Federal employee and labor relations laws, regulations, Executive Orders, agency policies, case decisions, and negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
• Develop recommendations and support the resolution of employee and labor relations issues.
• At the GS-13 level, assess the impact of organizational changes on bargaining-unit employees and collaborate with management, human resources staff, legal counsel, and union representatives.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Potential incentives, if authorized and subject to funding and other factors, may include moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentives, student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, and creditable service for annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed