Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment & Placement)

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

11h • 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 & Placement) is part of the Recruitment & Staffing Shared Service Unit (RSSSU) and is responsible for providing recruitment and staffing services to fill General Schedule Title 5, Title 38, Hybrid 38, and Wage Grade positions across VHA. This role involves a multi-grade career ladder, with duties progressing in scope and independence up to the GS-12 level. Promotion is at the supervisor's discretion and contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and funding.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must complete all required steps in the application process, including the application, questionnaire, and an online assessment.
• Tentatively selected applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• 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 forms 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.
• Time-In-Grade Requirement: 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 GS-9: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in federal service demonstrating HR management knowledge, concepts, and principles, and performance in one or more HR specialty areas. Qualifying experience includes assisting in recruitment and placement, processing personnel actions, completing new hire onboarding, or assisting in recommending strategies for employment barriers. OR Successful completion of a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR Combination of graduate education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience.
• To qualify for GS-11: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in federal service demonstrating HR management knowledge, concepts, and principles, and performance in one or more HR specialty areas. Qualifying experience includes utilizing automated systems for job announcements, qualifications, applicant lists, and certificates; processing personnel actions; setting pay; determining onboarding requirements; or utilizing recruitment strategies. OR Successful completion of a Ph.D or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or LL.M., if related. OR Combination of graduate education (beyond the first two years) and specialized experience.
• To qualify for GS-12: Must fully meet or exceed either Criteria 1 or Criteria 2 (cannot combine).
• GS-12 Criteria 1: Graduate level degree or higher AND three years of progressive specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level, including utilizing automated systems for job announcements, qualifications, applicant lists, and certificates; processing personnel actions; setting pay; determining onboarding requirements; or utilizing recruitment strategies.
• GS-12 Criteria 2: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, including interpreting and applying HR laws, regulations, and policies for recruitment and placement; providing guidance to management on HR laws and regulations; reviewing and processing personnel action coding and correcting errors; advising on recruitment process requirements; and utilizing automated recruitment systems for announcements, qualifications, certificates, and onboarding.

Nice To Haves

• Current Federal employees applying for reinstatement.
• Current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
• Candidates who are well-qualified, meaning they possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications, including all selective factors, and are proficient in most of the required competencies.
• Commitment to improving the efficiency of the Federal government.
• Passion for the ideals of the American republic.
• Commitment to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Responsibilities

• Developing and publishing job opportunity announcements for vacant positions in the excepted and competitive service (Title 5, Title 38, and Hybrid Title 38).
• Reviewing past postings, hiring trends, and position-specific information to determine the most appropriate area of consideration in coordination with the hiring manager.
• Auditing certificates and reviewing selection documentation to ensure compliance with Merit System Principles and absence of Prohibited Personnel Practices.
• Consulting with managers and employees on all phases of the recruitment and placement process, including staffing concepts, principles, laws, regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Advising management officials on merit principles, advantages/disadvantages of various staffing methods, and ensuring compliance with union agreements.
• Processing various personnel actions for position fulfillment, such as career promotions, reassignments, or placements.
• Collaborating with managers and subject matter experts to gather and prepare job assessments.
• Consulting with management on the utilization of non-competitive recruitment alternatives (e.g., VRA, 30%, Schedule A candidates).
• Responding to customer inquiries and resolving complaints.
• Researching regulations, laws, HRMLS, and similar sources to provide accurate and timely responses to staffing inquiries and reports.
• Determining appropriate rating and ranking selective factors, developing crediting plans, and explaining the methodology to management.
• Reviewing candidates for minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements.
• Creating and issuing certificates of eligible candidates based on their area of consideration and legal authority.
• Making pay-setting determinations for unusual cases (e.g., superior qualifications, highest previous rate, movements between pay systems), utilizing recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives as appropriate.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make a federal career rewarding
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position and whether it is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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