Human Resources Specialist

Smithsonian Institution•Cambridge, MA

10d

About The Position

The Human Resources Specialist works in the Human Resources Department of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The position plans, organizes, and independently carries out a wide range of human resources responsibilities for assigned organizations, including recruitment and placement, position classification, management-employee relations, performance appraisals, and visa processing. The specialist provides expert human resources advice and services to managers and supervisors, interprets applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, and advises on appropriate courses of action. The role also supports reorganizations and workforce reductions, handles visa petitions and renewals, participates in committees, and conducts studies and evaluations of HR programs. The specialist prepares and presents reports and recommends and follows up on corrective actions.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the normal line of progress for the occupation.
Specialized experience researching and providing expert HR advisory services to supervisors and managers on staffing, classification, employee relations, performance, HR automated systems, and international programs.
U.S. citizenship.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Must obtain Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) certification within six months.
Must complete pre- and post-appointment background checks.
Must use Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payment.
May be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
Qualification requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Recruit and place Federal and Trust Fund employees at all grade levels up to and including grade 15, and advise managers and supervisors on recruitment and placement programs.
Interpret laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and advise management on appropriate courses of action.
Determine selective factors with hiring supervisors, rate candidates, and conduct recruiting efforts through multiple outlets to expand recruitment sources for special programs.
Participate in pre- and post-RIF planning and actions for Trust and Federal employees; counsel affected employees on benefits, severance payments, resumes, and outplacement referrals.
Provide position management and classification support, including developing and evaluating position descriptions, applying classification standards, and determining titles, series, and grades.
Assist management with planning and implementing reorganizations and advise on organizational and position structures, classification changes, employee impacts, and related actions.
Conduct classification and position management surveys as needed to support reorganizations, new standards, and other position or organizational changes.
Advise and assist managers and supervisors on performance problems, adverse actions, Employee Assistance Program referrals, promotions, merit increases, quality and within-grade increases, cash awards, personnel utilization, and performance appraisal plans.
Help resolve difficult management-employee relations issues, including work deficiencies, poor performance, leave abuse, disputes, disciplinary actions, removals, suspensions, and grievances; assist with required correspondence and documents.
Advise on formal rating plans and help resolve complaints concerning performance ratings; participate in meetings between managers or supervisors and subordinates to help resolve problems.
Keep abreast of HR developments and regulatory guidance from SI, OPM, and other sources, and provide expert advice on policies, directives, and guidelines.
Prepare immigrant and non-immigrant visa petitions for prospective temporary or permanent hires, including H-1, J-1, O-1, TN-1, and permanent resident petitions and derivatives; maintain working relationships with relevant government and institutional offices.
Renew visas annually for foreign national employees and visitors already on board.
Serve as a personnel expert on Management, EEO, HRIS, or other special committees as required.
Prepare requested reports, conduct studies and program evaluations, present results, recommend corrective actions, and follow up to ensure actions are completed.