HR Specialist (REMOTE)

About the Organization

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the United States, is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services to Veterans through innovation, operational excellence, and a highly skilled workforce. Supporting this mission, the VISN 15 Shared Service Unit provides strategic Human Resources leadership across multiple healthcare facilities, ensuring effective workforce management, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance.

About the Role

The Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations/Labor Relations) serves as the Shared Service Unit Chief for Employee Relations and Labor Relations within VISN 15. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing complex Human Resources programs, advising executive leadership on employee and labor relations matters, developing HR policies, and leading a team that supports multiple medical centers and healthcare facilities. The position plays a critical role in strengthening workforce effectiveness while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and organizational policies.

Location: Multiple Locations (Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Missouri)

Key Responsibilities

• Human Resources Leadership
  • Lead the Employee Relations and Labor Relations functions for the VISN Shared Service Unit.
  • Supervise HR professionals and subordinate supervisors across multiple healthcare facilities.
  • Develop strategic HR initiatives that align with organizational objectives.
  • Ensure compliance with federal HR policies, regulations, and agency guidelines.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Employee & Labor Relations
  • Provide expert guidance to leadership on employee relations, labor relations, and workplace policies.
  • Advise management on disciplinary actions, adverse actions, grievances, settlement agreements, and workplace investigations.
  • Support labor-management partnerships and collective bargaining initiatives.
  • Represent HR during hearings, investigations, grievance proceedings, and third-party actions.
  • Resolve complex employee relations issues while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
• Performance Management & Workforce Development
  • Oversee employee performance management programs and related initiatives.
  • Support workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development.
  • Guide managers on employee coaching, corrective actions, and performance improvement strategies.
  • Evaluate training and professional development programs to improve workforce capability.
  • Recommend innovative workforce solutions that enhance employee engagement and retention.
• Policy Development & Compliance
  • Research federal HR laws, regulations, directives, and policies.
  • Develop and implement Human Resources policies, procedures, and operational guidance.
  • Interpret complex federal regulations and recommend appropriate courses of action.
  • Ensure all HR activities comply with applicable federal employment laws and agency requirements.
  • Promote consistent application of HR policies across supported facilities.
• Strategic HR Planning
  • Lead short-term and long-term Human Resources projects and organizational initiatives.
  • Analyze workforce data, HR trends, and operational challenges.
  • Prepare executive reports, recommendations, and strategic business analyses.
  • Identify opportunities to improve HR operations, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness.
  • Support executive leadership in achieving workforce and organizational goals.
• Operational Excellence
  • Identify process inefficiencies and implement operational improvements.
  • Resolve conflicts involving staff, customers, and stakeholders.
  • Ensure the accuracy and integrity of HR actions and documentation.
  • Promote best practices that improve productivity and customer service.
  • Support special programs including reasonable accommodations, workers' compensation, work-life initiatives, suitability determinations, and workplace safety programs.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent qualifying education and experience.
• At least one year of specialized Human Resources experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
• Extensive knowledge of Employee Relations, Labor Relations, and federal Human Resources regulations.
• Experience advising senior leadership on complex HR matters.
• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience managing HR teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal employment laws and regulations.

Preferred

• Experience within the Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal agency.
• Experience managing employee relations, labor relations, and grievance processes.
• Knowledge of workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Experience supporting performance management and employee development initiatives.
• Experience developing HR policies and leading strategic HR projects.
• Familiarity with federal labor law, collective bargaining, and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Long-term care insurance.
• Federal retirement programs.
• Paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Telework opportunities based on organizational policy and eligibility.

Ideal Candidate

This opportunity is ideal for professionals who:

• Have extensive experience in Employee Relations and Labor Relations within complex organizations.
• Excel at leading HR teams and influencing organizational strategy.
• Possess deep knowledge of federal Human Resources regulations and employment law.
• Thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments requiring strong leadership and sound judgment.
• Are passionate about improving workforce effectiveness, employee engagement, and organizational performance.
• Can effectively balance strategic planning with operational execution while supporting multiple stakeholders.