HR Specialist (Business Advisor)

Summary

Serves as a human resources (HR) professional and subject matter expert providing advice and consultation on a full breadth of HR matters, primarily including recruitment and hiring, delegated examining and merit promotion, special hiring authorities, federal HR management, classification and compensation, and other HR matters and policies. Utilizes a data-driven, solutions-oriented, and client-centric approach to support managers and HR colleagues to staff and manage the agency's workforce.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Duties

Analyzes HR management recruitment and staffing, develops recommendations and alternative solutions for consideration. Prepares and presents reports and briefings on program status to individuals at all levels within the agency.

Establishes and maintains proactive working relationships within OHRM and throughout FHFA. Consults with and supports subject matter experts to improve human capital planning, services and other activities as a basis for establishing objectives, insuring increased effectiveness and efficiency.

Conducts or participates in conferences/meetings to provide or receive information duties and responsibilities and maintain subject matter expertise.

Reviews job analyses for adequacy, currency, and accuracy. Ensures minimum qualifications conform with OPM and FHFA standards. Works with subject matter experts to review and update Specialized Experience Statements as necessary, and to ensure competencies are identified and applicable to the job description. Develops or provides input to draft job analysis for review and finalization.

Advises supervisors and employees on career ladder promotions, details, reassignments, rewards and recognition program, and other staffing related actions. Ensures hiring and staffing actions are documented appropriately to ensure timely and accurate processing.

Provides management officials with full-cycle recruitment services. Encourages flexible and innovative strategies based upon approved hiring plans and ongoing recruitment and hiring needs to carry out the full range of recruitment actions, e.g., Merit Promotion Staffing, Delegated Examining, Schedule A, and direct hire actions.

Uses an automated system to develop job vacancy announcements, reviews applications for minimum qualification requirements, adjudicates veteran preference, develops Certificates of Eligibles, and develops recruitment files including all required documents including justifications for selection or non-selection.

Consults with managers on developing effective vacancy announcements and supports innovative assessment and recruitment strategies. Provide advisory services on interviewing and selection strategies and supports managers in developing and finalizing selection materials.

Extends offers to candidates and supports selectees with paperwork, security, and other onboarding needs. Responds to inquiries from applicants about benefits, technology, salary, and other conditions of employment.

Prepares for and attends recruitment events as needed. Preparation may include registering for event, gathering materials, coordinating subject matter expert attendance, and posting Agency and/or position information. Interacts with potential candidates, conveying Agency information and directing candidates on how to apply to FHFA positions.

As appropriate, supports colleagues and managers with position management, employee development, and performance management issues. Consults with subject matter experts within OHRM and directs employee and applicant questions as appropriate.

Supports special projects and initiatives to improve and streamline the agency's hiring and onboarding processes. Consults with managers and reviews developments and best practices in both the federal and private sector and plans and supports projects to enhance the agency's HR offerings.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
• Bargaining Unit Status: Ineligible
• FHFA participates in e-Verify. All New hires must complete the I-9 Employment Verification form either on or before their first day of employment. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
• If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
• This position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.
• This is NOT a remote position; you MUST live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.
• Current Delegated Examining (DE) certification from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Qualifications

You may qualify for your desired series and grade level if you meet the following qualification requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualification EL-12: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.

Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-12 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-11 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:

1. Utilizing USA Staffing to develop and post job announcements, review applicants and issue certificates, and closing out and auditing certificates and vacancy announcements.
2. Consulting with managers on the development of job analyses and specialized experience statements and other assessments, and how those will be applied in the hiring process.
3. Performing qualification review for Delegated Examining, Merit Promotion certificates and Excepted Service referral lists.
4. Serving as a point of contact for managers, staff, and candidates to respond to routine or general HR questions, such as classification, compensation, staffing, performance management, employee relations, or workforce planning.

Minimum Qualification EL-13: Applicants must have 52 weeks (one-year) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level as described below.

Experience: I qualify for the EL/GS-13 because I have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the EL/GS-12 or equivalent demonstrating work experience with the statements described below. Examples of specialized experience include:

1. Utilizing the full breadth of USA Staffing functionality to develop and post job announcements, review applicants and issue certificates, processing the onboarding of newly selected staff, and closing out and auditing certificates and vacancy announcements.
2. Consulting with managers on the development of job analyses and specialized experience statements and other assessments, the use of specialized hiring authorities, and the application of veteran's preference and issuance of certificates.
3. Performing qualification review for Delegated Examining, Merit Promotion certificates and Excepted Service referral lists.
4. Serving as a point of contact for managers, staff, and candidates to respond to complex or highly sensitive HR questions, such as classification, compensation, staffing, performance management, employee relations, or workforce planning.

Selective Placement Factor: This is an additional minimum requirement to determine if you have the experience necessary for the position.

Applicants for either grade (EL-12 or EL-13) must have a current Delegated Examining (DE) certification from the Office of Personnel Management.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

An Overview of FHFA's Benefits for Fiscal Year 2023 provides a summary of benefits for the current fiscal year.

FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill vacancies.

This position may be required to complete a financial disclosure report.

If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.

Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 90 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

FHFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 years of age or over), genetic information, parental status, marital status, prior protected EEO activity, political affiliation, or other non-merit factors.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:FHFA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, except when doing so would pose an undue hardship on the Agency. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify FHFA. The Agency's decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

• (202) 649-3984
• 7-1-1 TTY
• reasonableaccommodations@fhfa.gov

Ethics: FHFA employees are subject to government-wide ethical standards of conduct, financial disclosure requirements, and post-employment prohibitions. In addition, certain FHFA employees are prohibited from accepting compensation from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for a two-year period after terminating employment with FHFA. Furthermore, to avoid financial conflicts-of interest or the appearance of conflicts-of-interest, FHFA employees may need to divest or sell certain assets they, their spouse, or minor children own or control, including securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Home Loan Banks. Employees who work on Federal Home Loan Bank issues may need to sell or divest financial interests with any of the Federal Home Loan Bank members, which may include stock in bank holding companies, insurance companies, and other financial services firms. Questions regarding these requirements and prohibitions should be directed to the Office of General Counsel at (202) 649-3088.

• 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.
  
  Review our 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.

Applicants for this position who meet the qualification requirements will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. Candidates with Veteran's preference, who meet the specialized experience, and selective placement factor for this vacancy, will be given priority consideration over non-preference candidates.Candidates will undergo a multi-tiered evaluation process, including a subject-matter-expert (SME) review to determine if you possess the competencies and skills required for the position. Candidates successfully achieving the competency/skill review will be evaluated for eligibilities and minimum qualification requirements by human resources. All applicants will be rated on the following competencies for this announcement:

Competencies:

• Client Engagement
• Customer Service
• Human Capital Management
• Problem Solving
• Recruitment & Placement

We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process. To preview the assessment questionnaire: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12517518

Based on your veteran's status and responses to the job specific questioner you will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category. There will be three quality categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified and Qualified. Generally, only candidates in the top-quality category will be referred to the hiring manager for selection.

Best Qualified - Applicants who have experience that is almost identical to those required by the position. (95)

Well Qualified - Applicants who have experience that is very similar to those required by the position. (85)

Qualified - Applicants who meet minimum qualification requirements, but do not identify any additional qualifying experience or skill. (70)

The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).

All of the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references or through other means, such as the interview process. This verification could occur at any stage of the application process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for rating you ineligible.

In accordance with the Fair Chance Act, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) may not request, in oral or written form, that an applicant for an appointment to (FHFA) disclose criminal history record information before the appointing authority extends a tentative offer to the applicant. Allegations of FHFA violations of this Act may be submitted to fairchanceactcomplaints@fhfa.gov or to Fair Chance Act Complaints, Office of Human Resources Management, Employee Relations Branch, FHFA 400 7th Street, SW Washington DC 20219 within 30 days from the agency employee's alleged non-compliance with the law.

• 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.
  
  Review our 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.
  
  FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:
  
  1. Your Resume: If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorial video on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
  
  
  • Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name of each employer.
  • For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
  • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
  
  2. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
  
  3. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc.).
  
  4. Other Supporting Documents:
  
  
  • Cover letter, optional
  • SF-50, optional
  • Schedule A Letter, optional
  
  Important Notes:
  
  
  • Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
  • Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
  • Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
  • Do not submit encrypted documents.
  • Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USA Jobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF, or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USA Jobs preview feature.
  • If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification.
  
  
  Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
• How to Apply
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
  
  A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/26/2024 to receive consideration.
  
  
  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  
  
  To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
  
  To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
  
  If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Devin Hinkle at devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3777 to obtain an alternative application.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Devin Hinkle
  
  Phone
  
  (202) 649-3777
  
  Email
  
  devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov
  
  Address
  
  FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY
  
  400 7th Street, SW
  
  Washington, DC 20219
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the qualification requirements for the position. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the qualifications on the information provided in their resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the application deadline. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.
  
  There is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s).
  
  FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency. FHFA benefits remain the same.
• 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

FHFA's application process has been specifically developed to ensure that we only ask you for the information we absolutely need to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility. All applicants are required to submit the following supportive documents:

1. Your Resume: If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorial video on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQ on the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.

• Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name of each employer.
• For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that your worked.
• Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).

2. Required, if applicable: CTAP/ICTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)

3. Required, if applicable: Veteran's Preference Documentation (DD-214, Member Copy 4 or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge. Disabled veterans and other applicants eligible for 10-point Veteran's Preference please include: documentation to validate your claim - VA letter, SF-15, etc.).

4. Other Supporting Documents:

• Cover letter, optional
• SF-50, optional
• Schedule A Letter, optional

Important Notes:

• Utilize the preview feature of USA Jobs to view your documents and ensure the formatting remains and all documents are legible.
• Additional materials will not be accepted after the announcement closes (e.g. updated grades, updated resume, etc.).
• Your full name must be clearly visible on all documents.
• Do not submit encrypted documents.
• Tips: Encrypted documents do not transmit properly through USA Jobs. We recommend, you save the document as a new PDF, or Print to PDF to ensure the document comes through properly and is displayed properly using the USA Jobs preview feature.
• If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualification.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/26/2024 to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
• Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Devin Hinkle at devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov or (202) 649-3777 to obtain an alternative application.

Agency contact information

Devin Hinkle

Phone

(202) 649-3777

Email

devin.hinkle@fhfa.gov

Address

FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY

400 7th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20219

US

Next steps

After all application packages have been received, we will review your materials to ensure you meet the qualification requirements for the position. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the qualifications on the information provided in their resume and the completed Occupational Questionnaire. Applicants deemed best qualified may be contacted for an interview. We anticipate making a final job offer for this position within 45 days after the application deadline. All candidates will be notified of the final disposition.

There is currently one vacancy available for this announcement. However, should additional vacancies become available within three months from the closing date of this announcement, eligible applicants for this position may be referred for consideration for the additional position(s).

FHFA may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. This announcement may be used to fill like positions in other organizations within the Federal Housing Finance Agency. FHFA benefits remain the same.

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