Human Resources Specialist

Summary

You can make a difference in the world with a human resources career at the Department of State! The Department is launching a Skill Enhancement and Employee Development (SEED) Program to build a cadre of professional Human Resources Specialists who are prepared to support a growing and evolving workforce.

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.

Duties

We are hiring entry-level Human Resources (HR) Specialists on two-year term appointments. If selected, you will be emersed in a robust two-year training and development program through SEED. During the second year, and upon successful completion of the program, you may be converted or reappointed to a permanent appointment in one of the various regional or functional Bureaus. Reappointment to a permanent position will depend on a variety of factors including conduct, performance, and availability of positions in the Department.

• Completes skill-building rotations in different areas of Human Resources, including:


• Employee and Annuitant Services- Provides the opportunity to work in the Department's centralized Human Resources Service Center (HRSC) who filters and addresses general HR inquiries from Department of State employees. The HRSC manages and processes a variety of items for employees including employee benefits, personnel actions, employee data changes, beneficiary forms, and actions for retired Foreign Service employees.
• Employee Relations-Provides the opportunity to develop, implement, and promote work-life policies and programs, employee accountability, disciplinary processes, and providing guidance on conduct and performance issues for Department employees.
• Classification-Provides the opportunity to evaluate and apply the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) classification standards to assign the appropriate pay plan, position title, occupational series, and assessing the Fair Labor Standards Act designation for positions descriptions.
• Staffing and Recruitment -Provides the opportunity to engage in the hiring process from the beginning by advising hiring officials, drafting and positing vacancy announcements, and conducting qualifications analysis. To the end by extending job offers, processing pre-employment paperwork, and onboarding new employees.
• Policy Administration -Provides the opportunity to interpret, create and administer policy and program guidance related to the employment life cycle including, career and leadership development, performance management, senior executive service, and political appointments.
• Bureau Executive Office-Provides the opportunity to support employees and managers in the Bureau by assisting with staffing and recruitment, performance management, training request, awards programs, benefits, work-life programs, workforce planning, position management, employee relations, and management resources.


• Completes structured training program including a variety of HR-related courses through internal and external vendors and passes any assessments required for courses.
• Prepare capstone project during the second year of employment to exhibit the learned competencies and present to management as a solution to an issue identified.
• Be assigned a mentor to provide you with valuable guidance on navigating workplace dynamics and offer insights into HR best practices and help you develop essential skills for success in this the field.

Additional Duties:

• Researches and provides guidance to management on all recruitment and placement issues, modes of recruitment, staffing alternatives, and recommends strategies to resolve problems.
• Creates job analyses, develops crediting plans and makes eligibility and qualifications determination. Researches pertinent policies and guidelines to provide consultative advice.
• Extends job offers, verbally and in writing; provides new employees information on eligibility requirements and various benefit options; and tracks the progress of recruitment actions by using electronic HR systems in a timely manner.
• Utilizes automated systems to process personnel actions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Serves as the initial point of contact and source of information on benefits, (including Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, Health Benefit, and Thrift Savings Plan programs, etc.) counseling management, employees, and beneficiaries on program coverage, options, variances in coverage, and advantages and disadvantages of benefits.
• Examines pertinent guidelines relating to compensation and discusses issues with Departmental payroll officials to verify that the existing pay is correct or take the necessary action to correct it and adjust, if appropriate.
• Advises on appropriate procedures and practices involved in developing employee performance plans, conducting appraisal interviews, and submitting and justifying employee award nominations.
• Confers the basis for position classification decisions with management by providing advisory guidance on title, series, and grade as well as position structuring, effective position management, and establishment of career ladders.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.

Applicants applying for the GS-09 grade level must meet one of the following requirements:

A. Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:

1. Experience in at least one of the following HR functional areas listed below:

• Staffing and Recruitment - advises management on recruitment strategies to best attract, hire and retain a skilled, diverse motivated workforce including available flexible hiring authorities, and sources and special programs.
• Position Classification - reviews, prepares, and/or coordinates position classification requests from management officials to assess the accuracy and adequacy of the requests and its supporting documentation.
• Performance Management - conducts technical reviews to ensure performance plans, progress reviews, and summary rating comply with policies and procedures.
• Human Resources Development - promotes internal and external training and reviews training requests for approval.
• Benefits Management - serves as the initial point of contact and source of information on benefits.
• Employee Relations - advises managers on appropriate disciplinary or corrective performance management techniques that are responsive to a range of conduct and performance problems.
• Labor Relations - briefs management on labor relations laws, rules, and decisions.

2. Experience in relaying information to managers/supervisors and employees as necessary and explaining Human Resources actions taken.

OR

B. Have a master's or equivalent graduate degree, OR 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, OR LL.B or J.D. from an accredited college or university. This education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of the position to be filled;

OR

C. Have a combination of graduate level education and specialized experience (as described above), which is equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. This experience and education together meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

Combination of Experience and Education: When an applicant has less than one year of specialized experience as described in the announcement, he or she may combine successfully completed graduate-level education with experience to meet the total qualification requirements. Generally, 18 graduate semester hours is equivalent to 1 full-time year of graduate study (your school and department determine what constitutes 1 full time year of graduate study). The percentage of specialized work experience and the percentage of graduate study must total at least 100%.

Note: All applicants WILL BE required to submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you may lose consideration for this position.

Education

See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements. When an applicant has less than one year of specialized experience as described in the announcement, he or she may combine successfully completed graduate-level education with experience to meet the total qualification requirements. Generally, 18 graduate semester hours is equivalent to 1 full-time year of graduate study (your school and department determine what constitutes 1 full time year of graduate study). The percentage of specialized work experience (for example, 6 months equals 50%) and the percentage of graduate study (for example, 9 graduate hours for a GS-07 equals 50% where 18 graduate hours constitute a full time year) must total at least 100%.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: www.naces.org/members.php.

Additional information

• For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov.
• If eligible, telework may be permitted with supervisory approval.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
• Pay will be set at GS-09 step 1, $68,405 unless you have prior Federal service and are eligible for pay setting under Highest Previous Rate.

• 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.

The FY24 NDAA Section 6202 Special Hiring Authority is being used to fill these positions. Under the provisions of this Special Hiring Authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply. For this announcement, all applicants will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration, and you may be subject to assessments during the selection process (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, structured interview, etc.). If you are selected, we will review your resume and required documents to determine if you meet the qualifications for this position, specifically the education, specialized experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) necessary to perform the work of the position.

Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following KSAs and other characteristics that are relevant to the duties of this position and must be fully supported by information in your resume:

• Ability to evaluate and apply HR business rules to ensure data integrity and accuracy
• Ability to research using Federal regulations
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to work both independently and on teams
• Skill in problem solving
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize to meet business deadlines

Agency and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) candidates must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for selection priority. Candidates are considered well qualified if their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) exceed the minimum qualifications described in the announcement.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• 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.
  
  All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
  
  1. Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must support your answers to the completed online assessment questions.
  
  2. Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education. See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.
  
  3. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy. Any supporting documentation received from veterans will be retained to document veteran's status for appointment purposes, if selected.
  
  
  • To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
  • To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
  • To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15 and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
  • To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
  • For all preference claims:
    
    • DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
  • For more veterans' preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  
  
  4. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable. Visit our agency's ICTAP and CTAP sites for required documentation.
  
  
  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
  
  Prepare your application in USAJOBS
  
  To start your application, click Apply and we'll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents.
  
  During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
  
  STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
  
  STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
  
  STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions.
  
  STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
  
  To learn how to view the status of your submitted supporting documentation and application, visit the Application Instructions section of our agency's Civil Service selection process site.
  
  Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
  
  Alternate Application Procedures
  
  If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Special Projects Unit
  
  Phone
  
  771-205-0664
  
  Fax
  000-000-0000
  Email
  
  SharedCert@state.gov
  
  Address
  
  U.S. Department of State
  
  1999 Dyess Ave
  
  Charleston, South Carolina 29405
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the online application package is received, you will be notified through USAJOBS of receipt of your application and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. If a tentative job offer is made, the Department of State will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.
  
  You will be notified up to three times during the hiring process:
  
  
  1. Upon receipt of your application.
  2. After the List of Applicants is issued.
  3. After final selection is made.
• 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

All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.

1. Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must support your answers to the completed online assessment questions.

2. Transcripts, if applicable and you are qualifying based on education. See the Qualification and Education sections of this announcement for more information. If selected, an official/sealed college transcript(s) will be required to verify education prior to employment.

3. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy. Any supporting documentation received from veterans will be retained to document veteran's status for appointment purposes, if selected.

• To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
• To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
• To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15 and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
• To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
• For all preference claims:
  
  • DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
• For more veterans' preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.

4. ICTAP/CTAP documentation, if applicable. Visit our agency's ICTAP and CTAP sites for required documentation.


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

Prepare your application in USAJOBS

To start your application, click Apply and we'll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents.

During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.

STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.

STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.

STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions.

STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.

To learn how to view the status of your submitted supporting documentation and application, visit the Application Instructions section of our agency's Civil Service selection process site.

Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at mgshelp@monster.com or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET

Alternate Application Procedures

If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.

Agency contact information

Special Projects Unit

Phone

771-205-0664

Fax
000-000-0000
Email

SharedCert@state.gov

Address

U.S. Department of State

1999 Dyess Ave

Charleston, South Carolina 29405

United States

Next steps

Once the online application package is received, you will be notified through USAJOBS of receipt of your application and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. If a tentative job offer is made, the Department of State will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.

You will be notified up to three times during the hiring process:

1. Upon receipt of your application.
2. After the List of Applicants is issued.
3. After final selection is made.

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