Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations)

About the role

Located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Human Capital, with positions in Irving, Texas and Washington, District of Columbia. These are not bargaining unit positions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principle advisor to servicing area managers in identifying and addressing employee relations issues such as employee misconduct, performance management, administrative grievances, performance and medical issues, leave administration, procedural questions, and legal-regulatory issues related to personnel.
• Recommend appropriate action (including alternative methods), by which employees are counseled, reprimanded, suspended, demoted or removed for conduct or performance problems, serving as a technical representative in third party appeals, as appropriate.
• Analyze reports of investigation, and develop factual information from affidavits, exhibits, and other documentary evidence; develop supportable conclusions and effectively communicate findings orally and in writing, using a variety of methods.
• Modify, adapt or refine established guidelines to resolve complex, precedent-setting employee relations issues.
• Conduct extensive research into employee relations cases to identify trends, patterns, or aggravating/mitigating circumstances of a precedent-setting nature.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.
• Must successfully pass a drug screen.
• Males born after 12/31/59 must certify registration with Selective Service.
• Upon appointment, may be required to serve a one-year probationary period (full-time permanent Career/Career-Conditional appointment).
• All requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

To qualify for the GS-13 grade level, you must possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent performing 2 out of 4 of the following duties:

• Providing senior level technical advice and guidance to managers regarding a full range of conduct and performance matters, which are often sensitive and controversial in nature.
• Modifying, adapting or refining established guidelines to resolve complex, precedent-setting employee relations issues.
• Proposing new policies or practices in the employee relations arena.
• Conducting extensive research into employee relations cases to identify trends and patterns.

National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer 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