Human Resources Specialist
3 days ago
Washington
Job Description:\n\nNumber of vacancies: 01 Who may apply: U.S. Citizens and those authorized to work in the United States. Starting Salary: $82,764 - $137,624 salary range Position Grade: AD-11/12/13 (equivalent to GS-11/12/13) Promotion Potential: AD-13 (equivalent to GS-13) Position Details: Full-time/Excepted Service Supervisory Position: No Relocation Authorized: No Security Clearance Required: None Division Description: This position is located in PDS’s Office of Human Resources (OHR). The Office of Human Resources is responsible for developing, organizing, administering, and evaluating the agency’s comprehensive human resources management program designed to ensure optimum efficiency and effectiveness in the use of human resources to achieve agency goals and objectives. To support PDS's holistic approach to public defense, OHR provides talent acquisition, position classification, compensation and benefits administration, employee relations, organizational and employee development, payroll, HR information management, and regulatory compliance services for the purpose of inspiring excellence in people. Major Duties: The Human Resources Specialist supports the Director of Human Resources in the daily operations of human resources, contributing to strategic human capital management and organizational effectiveness. Key responsibilities include:Monitors legislative and regulatory changes in the benefit, retirement, and work-life program areas in order to identify required changes in PDS policy regulations or procedures, coordinate with affected employees and other stakeholders in the development, issuance, and implementation of required changes.Reviews all retirement applications and ensures timely processing to OPM. Serves as the liaison with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in monitoring the status of retirement applications.Assists employees with special retirement situations such as those initiating disability retirements, early-out retirement, etc.Research employment records for applicability to federal career, e.g., adjustment in service computation dates. Provide individual retirement counseling. Analyzes information to establish the length and type of creditable service and prepare retirement annuity estimates for employees..Determine the amount of retirement contributions, refunds of contributions, payments, and repayments needed for service credit to include military deposits, and whether all special requirements and conditions applicable to the type of case have been met; and whether the requirements for payment of a survivor annuity or lump sum are satisfied.Assist employees in the preparation of retirement applications and related documents.Oversees and conducts off boarding of employees whether as terminations, separations or transfers. Ensure employees are apprised of what happens to their benefits upon their separation from PDS (or if they transfer to a Federal agency). Processes all necessary separations paperwork. Conducts exit interviews with employees and ensures off-boarding processes and procedures are followed.Oversees the processing and completion of benefits related personnel actions in the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS) and Workforce Transformation and Tracking System (WTTS). Serves as administrator in the e-OPF system and other systems related to employees’ records and benefits (Employee Express, Employers’ Edge (unemployment), GRB, DPRW/NFC, etc.)Manages and monitors Office of Worker’s Compensation (OWCP) Program and develop programs and processes to help reduce OWCP costs by coordinating with employees, DOL, medical professionals, and supervisors to return employees to work as soon as medically possible. Use the e-Comp system as an Agency Maintenance User (AMU) to maintain administrative function of the system.Develops, modifies, and conducts presentations of basic and/or refresher training in employee benefits programs such as workers’ compensation, retirement, Thrift Savings Program, Employee Assistance Program, etc.Provides information on PDS’s available employee benefits, retirement, and leave programs. Utilize web-based personnel, timekeeping, and data retrieval systems to identify, document, and affect required actions.Administers PDS’s leave program including Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Paid Parental Leave, Leave Share/Voluntary Leave Transfer, Bereavement Leave, etc.Plans health and wellness programs, open season health fairs, for all employees. Coordinates with FOH and FEHB account representatives to secure health and wellness program events and speakers. Responsible for event logistics including all communications to FOH, FEHB account representatives, and employees.Makes recommendations for individual employee training and provides guidance to managers in support of supervisors who are undergoing Employee Relations issues with subordinates. Assists supervisors with identifying employee training needs, researches and makes suggestions on training options.Audits employees’ eOPF and analyzes information to establish creditable service, calculates service computation dates for leave and retirement, and updates service computation dates in FPPS. Advises employees on the buyback of creditable time for retirement.Provides technical expertise on complex retirement coverage issues, determines correct retirement coverage code and contributions, provides estimates for civilian and military deposits, redeposits, and survivor benefits. The incumbent also assists employees with completing and submitting deposit forms to OPM.The incumbent also performs other related duties to support the OHR office and mission not limited to verifying employment, processing direct deposit, and tax forms, completes character and fitness forms for bar requests, student loan forgiveness program employment forms, etc. and backing up other HR employees. Required Qualifications: For the PDS-11 (GS-11 equivalent): Candidates must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service or equivalent, which must include:Experience assisting with the administration of federal employee benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience providing guidance to employees on routine to moderately complex federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience supporting or assisting in the development and/or delivery of information sessions, briefings, or orientation programs related to federal benefits, retirement, leave, and awards programs;Applying human resources laws, regulations, principles, and practices to support HR program operations and services;Working knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and practices related to position management, staffing and recruitment and/or human resources management;Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders;Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;Experience utilizing HR information systems (e.g., FPPS, OBIEE, QuickTime, WTTS, or similar systems) to input, track, or retrieve personnel and benefits data;Ability to provide guidance and support to employees and supervisors on assigned human resources programs and processes. For the PDS-12 (GS-12 equivalent): Your resume and work experiences must show that you have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or equivalent and it must include:Experience with federal employee benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience providing guidance to employees on federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience developing and conducting information or orientation programs for management and employees on federal benefits, retirement, leave, and awards programsInterpreting and applying human resources laws, regulations, principles, practices, policies, methods, and techniques related to strategic human capital management and competency modeling.Specialized experience, knowledge, and skill in applying federal laws, regulations, and practices governing federal position classification.Proven ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with individuals and organizations across the agency and with external relevant organizations.Demonstrated excellence in both verbal and written communication.Experience with user access management (adding, removing, modifying) in FPPS, OBIEE, QuickTime, and WTTS information systems.Demonstrated ability to provide comprehensive advice and counsel on all aspects of assigned human resources programs and operations to executives, managers, and employees. For the PDS-13 (GS-13 equivalent): Your resume and work experiences must show that you have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal service or equivalent and it must include:Experience providing authoritative advice and guidance on federal employee benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience explaining the features of various federal employee benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience developing and conducting information or orientation programs for management and employees on federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience researching regulations and other pertinent directives to make recommendations to improve federal employee benefits, leave, retirement and awards programs;Experience with complex regulations and other pertinent laws that affect employees that are/were enrolled in the District of Columbia Government and/or under the DC Defined Contribution Plan; determines creditable service and corresponding effects on Federal benefits. Highly Desirable Qualifications: The following achievements and/or experiences are strongly preferred:In-depth knowledge of and skill in applying a wide range of human resources concepts, principles, laws, regulations, and practices. Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in applying federal laws, regulations, and practices governing health and life insurance, retirements, leave administration, awards, and other benefits entitlements.Demonstrated ability to provide advice and counsel concerning all aspects of employee benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs to executives, managers, and employees.Demonstrated ability to develop professional working relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the agency and with other relevant organizations. Demonstrated ability to communicate successfully verbally and in writing.Ability to work with a team, including the ability to plan and schedule work, define and streamline processes, produce results, and direct and develop team members.Demonstrated ability to communicate successfully verbally and in writing in order to provide authoritative advice and guidance on federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs.Knowledge of recruitment and retention processes Educational Requirements: There are no formal education requirements for this position. Promotion Eligibility Requirements: This position is advertised at the PDS grade AD-12/13 (equivalent to a GS-12/13), with a full performance level at the PDS grade AD-14 (equivalent to a GS-14).Promotion from AD grade 09 to AD grade 11: Requires at least 1 year of exemplary performance at the grade 09 level.Promotion from AD grade 11 to AD grade 12: Requires completion of at least 1 year of exemplary performance at the AD grade 11 level.Promotion from AD grade 12 to AD grade 13: Requires completion of at least 1 year of exemplary performance at the AD grade 12 level. Note: Promotion to subsequent grade levels may occur without further competition, subject to final approval by the PDS Director. How you will be evaluated: Your application package includes your cover letter, resume and requested supporting documentation. Please ensure your application package includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position. Failure to provide sufficient evidence in your application package and requested supporting documents can result in a rejection of your application package. Rating: Your application package will be rated and ranked among other applicants, based on your experience, education, training, and awards relevant to the duties of this position. Your rating can be lowered if your application package is not supported by the requested documents. Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application package will be referred to a hiring manager for consideration at which time you may be invited to participate in a selection interview. Interview Structure: Those who are selected for interviews will be required to interview via Web- X, Skype, or some other communications platform. Note: PDS reserves the right to interview prior to the closing date. Benefits: PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and employees are entitled to participate in federal benefits plans, federal retirement systems, and the workers compensation program. Transferring federal employees will receive recognition of creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement (if applicable) purposes. Benefits include:Federal Employees Retirement Systems (retirement annuity)Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K program)Federal Employees Health Benefits (health insurance)Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (life insurance)Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance ProgramFlexible Spending Accounts (for health care and dependent care)Employee Assistance ProgramParking Space LotteryFederal Occupational Health (access to health clinic and services) Telework: This position is eligible for telework in accordance with the organization’s policy, and at the supervisor's discretion. How to Apply: For consideration applicants must submit the required documents listed below. Failure to submit will result in an incomplete application. Please upload the required documents as one PDF attachment; multiple transcripts should also be uploaded to one PDF document as well. Please ensure your application package includes detailed information to support your qualifications for this position. Failure to provide sufficient evidence in your application package and requested supporting documents can result in a rejection of your application package. Your application package should include the following: A cover letter A résumé with an email address, with current and previous employers, dates of employment, position status as full- or part-time, and position title and scope of duties. A list of three professional references with brief description on how each reference is able to attest to your skills/experience. Please include the name, email and telephone number and the relationship (i.e. Direct Supervisor, Indirect Supervisor, Mentor etc.) For applicants with disabilities, this organization prThis is a great opportunity! The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation for indigent individuals who are charged with criminal offenses in the District of Columbia and face a loss of liberty. The PDS staff consists of approximately 275 attorneys, social workers, investigative specialists, administrative, and technical employees who collaborate to advance the mission of the organization. By statue, PDS employees are entitled to participate in federal health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans, to include the Thrift Savings Plan. Employees with prior tenure at federal agencies will receive recognition of creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes.\r\n\r\nDivision Description: The Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD) provide the clinical component of the defense in the representation of adult and/or juvenile clients. ORD assists staff attorneys and, at times, attorneys practicing under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) develop least restrictive, individualized sentencing and rehabilitation plans for clients, in-depth mitigation reports, case-based counseling, case management, and collaboration with legal and/or juvenile justice agencies and other parties working with our clients..\r\n