Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations)

Summary

This role is located in the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which provides federal leadership, funding and resources to support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect children, assist crime victims, and address public safety challenges such as human trafficking and the opioid crisis. This position is also being announced to All U.S. Citizens under JP-26-017.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities for a GS- 0201-13/14 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Serves as a HR Specialist (Employee Relations) with responsibility for planning and administering OJP's employee relations programs, conducting complex human resources research and analysis, and providing expert alternative dispute resolution and human resources advisory services Provides case and Employee Relations (ER) program management, administering ER programs and evaluating activities and operational procedures in alignment with governing regulations and organizational objectives Implements highly technical and complex ER programs, strategies, and initiatives, partnering with managers to address human capital challenges and resolve sensitive employee relations issues affecting major program or mission areas Provides authoritative interpretation of statutory and regulatory guidance (e.g., OPM regulations, executive orders, Comptroller General decisions, MSPB case law) and delivers expert consultation to officials and technical staff on complex ER matters Performs HR studies requiring extensive research, documentation, and expert interpretation of laws, regulations, and policy frameworks that form the basis for major agency-wide decisions Provides expert policy interpretations on sensitive, high-visibility HR issues that cross specialty areas and impact multiple OJP individuals and offices Serves as a technical expert in handling highly sensitive cases involving multiple HR issues with agency-wide impact; advises senior leadership on reports, studies, position papers, and formal actions Serves as OJP's technical authority for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), coordinating ADR activities, identifying systemic barriers, and advising leaders on short- and long-term improvements. Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations), at GS-0201-13/14, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below. GS-13 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include: Supports Employee Relations (ER) activities by performing case management tasks with guidance, assisting with policy development, and helping assess ER program needs. Assists in administering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) activities, reviewing ADR cases, identifying issues or barriers, and/or recommending improvements to strengthen dispute resolution processes. Performs case-related analyses and provides informed recommendations on sensitive ER matters that influence program operations and HR practices. GS-14 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include: Manages complex Employee Relations (ER) programs, including case management, policy development, and/or evaluation of ER operations. Advises on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs, evaluates ADR functions, identifies systemic barriers, and/or recommends improvements. Provides authoritative analysis and expert recommendations on complex and/or sensitive Employee Relations cases that impact program operations and Human Resources policy. Online Assessment: This position requires an online assessment. After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 09/21/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Accountability Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Influencing/Negotiating Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Decision Making Reading Comprehension Reasoning You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the closing date of this announcement, 09/21/2026. Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating. See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

Education

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone. No substitution of education for experience is permitted. How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation, online questionnaire, and USA Hire Competency Based Assessment) will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Your USAHIRE assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments. If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13054614 If you are basically qualified for this job and are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. For Non-Competitive applicants: If you are basically qualified for this job, as described above, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. For Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) applicants: If you have CTAP/ICTAP eligibility and are found well-qualified for this vacancy, you will receive selection priority over other candidates. To be found well qualified, you must meet and exceed all qualification requirements and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. Technical Qualifications: Applicants identified for interview, will be further evaluated on the following technical qualifications: Employee Relations Program Planning and Management Research and Analysis of Human Resources Issues Alternative Dispute Resolution and HR Advisory Services Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials, application questionnaire, or during an interview may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Other Information

OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules. Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin Probationary Period: You may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period to evaluate your fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: 1) performance and conduct; 2) agency needs and interests; 3) advancement of agency/Government organizational goals; and 4) Federal service efficiency. Upon completion, employment terminates unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to [email protected]. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.