Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment)

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is located in VHA Workforce Management and Consulting's Human Resources Operations Office (HROO), which serves as the exclusive operational HR service provider for VHA's Central Office (VHACO). The HR Specialist (Recruitment) works within the Delegated Examining Office (DEO), which holds delegated examining authority from the Office of Personnel Management. This authority covers a wide range of occupations, including those under Title 5, Title 38, Wage Grade, and other Title-regulated positions. The role involves a multi-grade career ladder, with duties at lower grades being of a more limited scope and requiring less independence, progressively building towards the full performance level of GS-12. Promotion is at the supervisor's discretion and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and funding, and is not guaranteed. The specialist will be responsible for assigned examining areas and will act as a knowledgeable examiner for the occupations covered. This includes examining with rating schedules for highly specialized and technical administrative & management positions, professional & scientific positions, technical medical positions, and clerical & administrative support positions. The work requires specialized and technical health care terminology, complex rating guidelines, knowledge of Federal personnel policies and programs related to recruitment, staffing, and competitive examination procedures, the ability to analyze complex qualification standards, and proficiency in the USA Staffing program. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition upon meeting all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements. The job announcement will remain open until 10/14/2026, with an initial cutoff for applications received by 11:59 pm EST on the day 100 applications are reached. Applications received after this may not be considered. Submitting multiple applications will alter the review order.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including the application, questionnaire, and an online assessment measuring critical general competencies.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
• 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-9 position, must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7.
• For a GS-11 position, must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9.
• For a GS-12 position, must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11.
• To qualify for the GS-9 level, must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 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, OR successful completion of a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related, OR a combination of graduate education and specialized experience.
• To qualify for the GS-11 level, must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in federal service, OR successful completion of a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related, OR a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience.
• To qualify for the GS-12 level, must meet either Criteria 1 (graduate degree and three years of progressive specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level) OR Criteria 2 (one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level).
• A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Eligibility for compressed/flexible work schedules will be discussed during the interview process.
• Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
• Virtual Work eligibility is for current VA employees that are already subject to the return to in person work mandate in their current position.
• Candidates who are well-qualified for ICTAP/CTAP positions 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.

Responsibilities

• Utilizing delegated examining regulations to prepare vacancy announcements, rate and rank applicants, prepare and issue certificates, and audit certificates.
• Analyzing complex qualification standards from both OPM and VA.
• Explaining policies and procedures regarding recruitment requests, including the utilization of various strategies for hard-to-fill and/or remote locations.
• Interpreting human resources guidelines, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Utilizing a database-driven recruitment system, such as USA Staffing.
• Interpreting OPM/VA qualification standards.
• Reviewing applicant materials and applying qualification requirements.
• Reviewing and adjudicating Veterans' Preference.
• Preparing written correspondence, reports and presentations for an audience to include applicants, hiring officials, HR offices and upper management.

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.

What This Job Offers

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