Employee Relations Specialist

About the role

As an Employee Relations Specialist (Trainee), you will assist higher-graded HR Specialist in providing employee relations services. Location of position: This position is located within the General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM), Washington, DC. We are currently filling one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled as needed.

What you will do

• This Notice is issued under the Expedited Hiring Authority for College Graduates which allows federal agencies to use strategic recruiting to hire college graduates into professional and administrative positions.
• THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT WILL CLOSE WHEN WE HAVE RECIEVED 100 APPLICATIONS WHICH MAY BE SOONER THAN THE CLOSING DATE.
• LEARN MORE A few key facts about this notice: Recent Graduates: If you completed a qualifying degree within the previous two years, you may apply.
• If you are a veteran who was prevented from applying during the 2-year period due to your military service, you may apply if your degree was completed within the last 6 years.
• Enrolled students: If you will complete your degree requirements within 30 DAYS of the closing date of the announcement, you may apply.
• This is an entry-level developmental position that provides training and hands-on experience in employee relations, labor relations, and performance management.
• The role involves structured assignments under close supervision to develop knowledge and skills in applying HR principles, processes, practices, and procedures.
• As an Employee Relations Specialist (Trainee), you will perform the following duties: Completes developmental assignments in the application of employee relations guidelines, principles, and practices.
• Under close supervision and assistance as required, analyzes the issues in an assignment, then selects and applies accepted HR principles, processes, and practices to determine the most effective methodology needed to meet program objectives for the resolution of employee relations issues.
• Performs analytical and evaluative work selected by the supervisor to enhance developing skills and experience base.
• Gathers and analyzes data and information on select employee relations issues and presents recommendations for resolution to higher-graded specialists or supervisors.
• Assists higher-graded specialists in preparing briefings to management and/or senior staff employees on a variety of employee relations issues.
• Provides assistance to higher grade specialists in conducting New Employee Orientation (NEO) and/or Supervisory Toolbox training presentations.
• Identifies and develops information required for use by higher-graded specialists in the management and direction of employee relations programs.
• Prepares and presents recommendations to higher-graded specialists or supervisors regarding employee relations issues.
• Performs tasks that support learning the scope and foundation of agency human resources employees relations activities; agency missions; policies, objectives; and management principles and processes.
• Interprets or adapts available guidelines to specific HR employee relations issues or subjects studied regarding the attainment of the goals of limited projects.

Requirements

• The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.
• If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non­Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.
• Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
• Register with the Selective Service, if you are a male born after 12/31/1959.
• Serve a one-year probationary period, if required.
• Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level).
• Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee.
• We will use the Department of Homeland Security's e-Verify system for this.
• Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.

Education

Note: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: ***

How you will be evaluated

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), and responses you provide on the application questionnaire. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

You will not be considered for the position if you fail to complete the assessment. You will be assessed on the following competencies: Oral Communication, Writing, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Customer Service, Attention to Detail, Self-Management.

Additional hurdle assessments, such as narrative responses or other assessments, may be administered to applicants who meet the requirements of the first hurdle. If additional assessments are used, you will be provided with further instructions. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date.
• Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
• Resume: Your resume should not exceed 2 pages and must demonstrate the specialized experience related to the position for which you are applying.
• Your resume must contain the following information: Name, address, telephone number, email address; Job Title (if Federal Service, provide series and grade; if not in GS plan, provide GS equivalent grade); Relevant work experience—should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.
• Education, certifications or licensures—If the job announcement requires any education, certifications or licensures, make sure to include the required information and any required documents like transcripts.
• Your resume should contain enough information to make a valid determination that you fully meet experience requirements for each grade level you are applying to.
• If you do not provide enough information for us to determine your qualifications, you may be rated ineligible.
• If you are claiming veterans preference: (a) DD-214 that shows your type of discharge, character of service and the dates of your active duty service.
• (b) If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), you must submit documentation that establishes your entitlement in addition to the DD-214: VA disability rating letter or other official documentation (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
• SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference Note: If sufficient documentation is provided to establish 10-point preference, preference may be granted based on the supporting documentation even if the SF-15 is not submitted.
• If selected, a completed SF-15 will be required prior to appointment.
• Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit SF-50.
• College transcripts: If you are using some or all of your college education to meet qualification requirements for this position, you must submit a copy of your college transcript(s).
• Transcripts MUST show: name of the institution, student's name, course work/degree(s) completed/conferred and dates.
• If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment.
• If you are currently pursuing a graduate degree, but you are claiming Recent Graduate eligibility based on a previous degree, you must also include transcripts.
• For education completed outside the United States, also submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education.
• Superior Academic Achievement: Submit transcripts as described above.
• If you qualify based on your class rank or honor society membership, submit documentation of it.

Benefits

You will have access to many benefits including: Health insurance (choose from a wide range of plans) Life insurance coverage with several options Sick leave and vacation time, including 11 paid holidays per year Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k) plan) Transit and child care subsidies Flexible spending accounts Long-term care insurance Training and development

What to expect next

After the closing date/deadline: ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements. REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.

SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.

FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status.

You may also check your application status by logging into USAJOBS and clicking “Track this Application” on the Applicant Dashboard. Thank you for your interest in working for the U.S. General Services Administration!

Additional information

Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants are encouraged to make their resume searchable in their USAJOBS.gov profile. This will allow Federal hiring specialists and hiring managers across agencies to find their resume as part of agency recruitment campaigns or staffing searches.

If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit GSA's webpage.

If you are selected at a grade lower than the full performance level, you may be promoted up to that grade level without having to re-apply or compete against other applicants. Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.

Additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area as needed; through other means; or not at all.