HR Specialist (Recruiting and Placement)

Summary

Applications under this job opportunity announcement will be considered under merit promotion (internal competitive) procedures and consideration is limited to those specified in the "Hiring Path". If you are not eligible under this announcement, see 25-HRB-12570639-DE-DS which can be accessed at http://jobsearch.USAJOBS.gov/

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Federal employees - Competitive service
  
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

Clarification from the agency

Current competitive service National Processing Center (NPC) employees on a permanent appointment; current permanent competitive service Department of Commerce employees; Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) eligible employees.

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
• The public
• Veterans

This job is also open in another announcement to:

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
• The public
• Veterans

Duties

This job opportunity is assigned to the Employment and Classification Section of the Human Resources Branch, National Processing Center (NPC) at Jeffersonville, Indiana; however positions may be filled at any Census Bureau location throughout the United States. This position performs recruiting, staffing, and placement activities for the U.S. Census Bureau's Regional Offices. If selected at the lower grade level, the incumbent, by assisting higher-graded specialists, will be assigned work of increasing responsibility that is designed to provide developmental experience and familiarity with the work.

This position is not included in the bargaining unit.

The individual selected for this position will:

• Draft, review, and approve job postings and selection certificates;
• Plan and implement continuing human resources management services in the areas of recruitment and placement including recruiting, qualifying applicants, and creating selection certificates for field positions;
• Identify and analyze personnel management problems in order to develop alternative solutions;
• Provide management advisory services involving a high degree of technical skill and present complex ideas and options to a wide range of audiences in order to persuade the target audience to accept a certain course of action.

Tour of Duty: Hours range from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Alternate Work Schedule is available. Alternate Work Schedule is an 80-hour biweekly basic work requirement that is scheduled in less than 10 days; i.e., eight 9-hour days/nights, one 8-hour day/night, and one day off.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If the position is later determined to be permanent, it may be made permanent without further competition.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Candidates may be required to clear the fingerprint process and initiate the required background investigation prior to final selection.

A one-year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

Time in Grade: In addition to specialized experience, you must meet the time in grade requirement. Current and former Federal civilian employees must have held a position at the grade 05 for at least 52 weeks in the Federal Service for promotion to the grade 07; at the grade 07 for at least 52 weeks in the Federal Service for promotion to the grade 09; at the grade 09 for at least 52 weeks in the Federal Service for promotion to the grade 11. Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Specialized Experience: You qualify at the grade 07 level if you possess one year of specialized experience that equips you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the grade 05 level to meet the qualification requirements in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as performing entry-level human resources assignments that include providing support for Human resources (HR) specialists involved in using HR information systems; in recruitment and placement activities; and communicating factual and procedural HR information clearly both verbally and in writing.

You qualify at the grade 09 level if you possess one year of specialized experience that equips you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the grade 07 level to meet the qualification requirements in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience writing job analyses and assessments, creating job opportunity announcements, conducting qualification determinations, and assisting higher graded specialists.

You qualify at the grade 11 level if you possess one year of specialized experience that equips you with the skills needed to perform the job duties. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the grade 09 level to meet the qualification requirements in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes writing job analyses, creating job opportunity announcements, conducting qualification determinations within various pools, consulting with hiring managers on recruitment needs, and assisting with mentoring junior specialists.

Education Substitution: In some cases, education may be substituted for the required specialized experience. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet the qualifications.

Grade 07: 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement (S.A.A).S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

1. Class standing Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.
2. Grade-point average (G.P.A.) Applicants must have a grade-point average of:
   
   • 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum;
   • 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2years of the curriculum.
3. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society - Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. These honor societies are listed by the Association of College Honor Societies.

Grade 09: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree.

Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.

Employees on a permanent appointment who were hired through a Recruiting Bulletin, who have not served in their current appointment for at least 90 days, are not eligible to apply. However, if this vacancy is in the same line of work as your current position (same qualification requirements), and selection for this position would not result in a promotion action the 90 day waiting period does not apply.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations, (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information

The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment.

Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Special Hiring Authorities

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining a rating of at least 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: USAJOBS Help Center | Unique Hiring PathsUSAJOBS Help Center | Unique Hiring Paths

CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:

1. A copy of your Reduction In Force (RIF) separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
2. A copy of your latest SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", - noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
3. A copy of your last performance appraisal including rating; and
4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.

The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, notify the Human Resources Branch. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Branch via the Federal Relay Service, 1-812-218-3610.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factor.

Employees who receive a buyout and subsequently return to positions in a Federal agency within 5 years after the date of separation, on which the payment is based, whether by reemployment or contracts for personal service, are generally obligated to repay the full amount of the buyout to the agency that paid it before the individual's first day of reemployment.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume, optional cover letter, supporting documentation, and dates of employment (mm/dd/yyyy) on the resume to determine if you meet the qualifications for the position. If you meet the qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions) that you completed as part of the application. Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire or your score will be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview. If referred, all relevant documents, including performance appraisals and incentive awards submitted with your application package. will be forwarded to the selecting official for review and consideration.

Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager.

The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate the applicant on the following competencies; do not provide a separate written response:

1. Ability to create announcements for vacant positions and determining qualifications of applicants in accordance with appropriate policies and procedures.
2. Ability to communicate with management officials to provide advice and recommendations regarding staffing issues developed in accordance with Federal laws and regulations and agency/company policy.
3. Experience using automated systems to perform the full scope of activities necessary to deliver Human Resources recruiting, placement, and advisory services.
4. Ability to meet the needs of an organization by providing the necessary staff for projects or programs in an environment characterized by ever-changing deadlines and fluctuating requirements.

• 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
  
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  A complete application consists of the following:
  
  Resume showing relevant experience, optional cover letter, and the online questionnaire.Your resume must indicate country of citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume should also list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week, annual salary, and specify the job duties related to the advertised position. For work in the Federal service, include the grade level of the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
  
  Performance Appraisals and Incentive Awards - Submit your most recent performance appraisal with supervisor's signature showing the official final rating of record and copy/listing of incentive awards received. In cases where the performance appraisal is incomplete or unavailable, applicants may provide explanation of the reason.
  
  SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," if applicable, supporting current or former federal employee's eligibility. This is not required for current NPC employees.
  
  Special Hiring Authorities: For further information about special hiring authorities, refer to www.USAJOBS.gov Click on the links at the bottom of the page to obtain detailed information on these special hiring authorities: 1) Individuals with Disabilities 2) Veterans 3) Students and Recent Graduates.
  
  Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) documentation, if applicable. See the "Other Information" section.
  
  Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment. (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc.)
  
  Education: If using education substitution, a combination of experience and education, or the position requires higher education, you must submit a transcript (official or unofficial) or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Refer to General Schedule Qualification Policies (opm.gov) for more information.
  
  You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
  
  Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - International Affairs Office | U.S. Department of Education. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation will result in lost consideration.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply online, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site. Enter the job announcement number in the left hand box titled "Keywords" and then click on the SEARCH button. To begin, click the "Apply" button in the middle of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit", you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your applications for consideration.)
  
  To return to a saved application, log into your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Applications". Click on the position title and then select "UPDATE APPLICATION" to continue.
  
  All online applications and supplemental materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the vacancy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications online using the application process outlined at www.usajobs.gov. While electronic applications are strongly encouraged, paper applications will also be accepted. Please contact the Human Resources Specialist identified in the job opportunity announcement for details and instructions on the process for submitting your paper application. Paper applications and supplemental materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the vacancy.
  
  To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click on https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12570638
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Deborah Santana
  
  Phone
  
  812-218-2604
  
  Email
  
  deborah.l.santana@census.gov
  
  Address
  
  National Processing Center
  
  1201 East 10th Street
  
  Jeffersonville, IN 47132
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:
  
  1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;
  2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
  3. Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
  4. Selected or Not Selected
  
  By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after beginning work; or, may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
  
  You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

A complete application consists of the following:

Resume showing relevant experience, optional cover letter, and the online questionnaire.Your resume must indicate country of citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume should also list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week, annual salary, and specify the job duties related to the advertised position. For work in the Federal service, include the grade level of the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the occupational questionnaire.

Performance Appraisals and Incentive Awards - Submit your most recent performance appraisal with supervisor's signature showing the official final rating of record and copy/listing of incentive awards received. In cases where the performance appraisal is incomplete or unavailable, applicants may provide explanation of the reason.

SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," if applicable, supporting current or former federal employee's eligibility. This is not required for current NPC employees.

Special Hiring Authorities: For further information about special hiring authorities, refer to www.USAJOBS.gov Click on the links at the bottom of the page to obtain detailed information on these special hiring authorities: 1) Individuals with Disabilities 2) Veterans 3) Students and Recent Graduates.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) documentation, if applicable. See the "Other Information" section.

Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment. (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc.)

Education: If using education substitution, a combination of experience and education, or the position requires higher education, you must submit a transcript (official or unofficial) or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Refer to General Schedule Qualification Policies (opm.gov) for more information.

You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - International Affairs Office | U.S. Department of Education. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation will result in lost consideration.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

To apply online, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site. Enter the job announcement number in the left hand box titled "Keywords" and then click on the SEARCH button. To begin, click the "Apply" button in the middle of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit", you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your applications for consideration.)

To return to a saved application, log into your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov and click on "Applications". Click on the position title and then select "UPDATE APPLICATION" to continue.

All online applications and supplemental materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the vacancy. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications online using the application process outlined at www.usajobs.gov. While electronic applications are strongly encouraged, paper applications will also be accepted. Please contact the Human Resources Specialist identified in the job opportunity announcement for details and instructions on the process for submitting your paper application. Paper applications and supplemental materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the vacancy.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click on https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12570638

Agency contact information

Deborah Santana

Phone

812-218-2604

Email

deborah.l.santana@census.gov

Address

National Processing Center

1201 East 10th Street

Jeffersonville, IN 47132

US

Next steps

You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Applications." The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:

1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;
2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
3. Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and
4. Selected or Not Selected

By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after beginning work; or, may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request