Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations)

HQ USAF and Support Elements • Arlington, VA

4d

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to plan, develop, and carry out the full range of employee relations and management advisory services for assigned organizations with complex organizational structures and dynamic professional and/or scientific missions. The role manages end-to-end employee-management relations processes and provides consultation and assistance on complex, often controversial conduct- and performance-related issues.

The position manages one or more assigned programs and may handle special assignments or subject areas, including Title 5 and Title 10 performance management programs, virtual supervisory position builds and hierarchy issues in DCPDS, targeted training for supervisors and managers on employee and labor relations, the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program, workplace medical issues, and Disability Program Manager duties related to reasonable accommodation requests. The specialist provides employee relations assistance to managers in assigned complex organizations.

The announcement describes qualifications at the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 levels. Qualifications may be met through specialized experience, graduate education, or a combination of education and experience where specified. The position requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance. Work may involve travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft and occasional work outside normal duty hours.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
• Must complete the initial online questionnaire and additional assessment(s).
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, where applicable.
• GS-11 specialized experience: at least one year at the GS-09 level or equivalent, with relevant employee relations expertise and knowledge of third-party proceedings; alternatively, qualifying doctoral-level graduate education or an eligible combination of experience and education may qualify.
• GS-12 specialized experience: knowledge of employee relations concepts, practices, legal and regulatory requirements, and third-party powers and procedures sufficient to advise on complex issues, research cases, prepare case documents, and represent management before quasi-judicial boards and commissions.
• GS-13 specialized experience: mastery of advanced employee relations laws, regulations, precedents, policy, consultative skills, and judgment sufficient to provide authoritative advice, research and resolve complex conduct matters, lead studies and projects, and assess regulatory or policy impacts.
• Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements: one year at GS-09 for GS-11, one year at GS-11 for GS-12, and one year at GS-12 for GS-13, when TIG applies.
• Demonstrated knowledge of employee relations concepts, case law, practices, and regulatory requirements; Federal HR functions; legal research and analytical methods; and conflict resolution techniques.
• Ability to gather and analyze facts, make sound decisions, communicate orally and in writing, present advisory opinions, and prepare case documents.
• GS-13 applicants: knowledge of Air Force organizational structures and programs, advanced analytical and evaluative methods, Title 5 and Title 10 personnel systems, and relevant DoD and Air Force HR database systems and applications.
• Resume must provide supporting details for claimed experience.
• Transcripts must be submitted when qualifying based on education; foreign education requires evidence of equivalency to U.S. education.
• Federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• Depending on the appointment type, the selected applicant must serve a one-year probationary period or a two-year trial period; continued employment after that period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end employee-management relations processes.
• Consult with and assist managers on complex and often controversial conduct- and performance-related issues.
• Manage one or more assigned employee relations programs.
• Handle special assignments and projects, including performance management programs under Title 5 and Title 10.
• Address DCPDS virtual supervisory position builds and hierarchy issues.
• Develop and conduct targeted training for supervisors and managers on employee and labor relations topics.
• Support the Voluntary Leave Transfer Program and workplace medical issues.
• Perform Disability Program Manager duties related to reasonable accommodation requests.
• Provide employee relations assistance to managers in assigned complex organizations.
• Research legal case facts, laws, regulations, and precedent decisions to advise managers on procedural and legal requirements for conduct corrections and disciplinary or adverse actions.
• Review, troubleshoot, and resolve difficult employee relations issues, including issues not covered by available precedents.
• Plan and evaluate special studies and projects affecting employee relations programs or policies, and recommend solutions.
• Evaluate the effects of proposed or new regulations, policies, and laws; provide technical guidance and advice.
• Review draft regulations, directives, and guidance and recommend comments reflecting impacts on local policy or practices.

Benefits

• The announcement states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree