The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has adopted the HR Modernization and Shared Services Implementation, which is a new model of organizing and consolidating essential Human Resource (HR) functions and services to the VISN level. This streamlined and focused approach moves VHA forward in its continuum of providing comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated care to Veterans. ***A recruitment/relocation incentive may be authorized for this position.***

Duties

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. SLRP: This occupational series is eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Participants must sign a service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Duties include, but are not limited to the following. -Controls and responds to incoming and outgoing correspondence: determining priority, establishing suspense dates as required, referring to a supervisor or appropriate co- worker, and following-up to ensure suspense dates are met. -Responds to a variety of inquiries regarding program policy and procedures. -Takes a proactive approach to helping customers with problems and inquiries. -Screens questions or complaints from employees and union inquiries by determining the nature and scope of the problem. -Informally resolve issues that can be satisfied by an explanation of personnel policies, such as the difference between absences without leave and leave without pay, and refers significant problems with potential for formal grievances, appeals and/or other third- party complaints to the appropriate HR Specialists in these program areas. -Provides information and assistance to employees and supervisors based on interpretation of regulations and rules. -Provides administrative support by responding to questions, complaints, problems or situations, and providing explanations of HR policy in Employee and Labor Relations. -Identifies relevant facts and issues, analyzes individual circumstances, interprets data to determine facts surrounding required actions, determines relevant guidance and procedures, prepares reports and recommends appropriate corrective actions commensurate with assignment. -Assists HR Specialists on special projects by gathering and organizing data, identifying issues and discrepancies, formatting material, and recommending improvements and solutions.-Develops presentations, reports and analyses, as needed. -Assembles evidence files and obtains information from relevant sources necessary for the HR Specialist to determine appropriate guidance/advice to management. -Prepares correspondence, reports, forms, and other documents required to complete actions. Work Schedule: Administrative Days, Monday - Friday Telework: ADHOC-May be authorized (Employees who Telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement). Virtual: This position is not virtual. Remote: This position is not remote. Position Description Title/PD#: Human Resources Assistant (Employee Relations/Labor Relations)/PD99978S Physical Requirements: No special physical exertion is required. The work is primarily performed while sitting, although some work may require periods of standing. The regular and recurring work of the position involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc., and occasional visits to activity work sites. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level, GS-7, without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: May be authorized. Critical Skills Incentive: This occupation is currently approved for a Critical Skills Incentive (CSI) through October 7, 2023. Candidate may be eligible for a pro-rated CSI amount if onboarded prior to the CSI expiration date.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-5 grade level: One full year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-4 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Basic knowledge of and skill in applying, basic principles and practices of the HR specialization(s) sufficient to: perform structured, entry-level work designed to develop broader and more in-depth knowledge and skill to perform higher-level assignments; communicate factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing; and gather and analyze basic facts and draw conclusions. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have four (4) years of education above high school. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One (1) full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to six (6) months of specialized experience. GS-6 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Experience gained working in an office setting where the duties may involve, obtain missing data from HR files or the appropriate office; assisting employees in preparing paperwork involving ER/LR issues; reviewing finished forms for completeness and adequacy; contacting individual employees or supervisors by telephone to resolve questions; providing information on ER/LR issues, processes and/or procedures. NOTE: Evidence of specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Please provide such documentation on resume. GS-7 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-6 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Assists in the development and implementation of ER/LR policies, procedures, and methods, for identifying and protecting information, personnel, property, facilities, operations, and materials; Controls and responds to incoming and outgoing correspondence: determining priority, establishing suspense dates as required, referring to a supervisor or appropriate coworker, and following up to ensure suspense dates are met; responds to a variety of inquiries regarding ER/LR policy and procedures.; provides administrative support by responding to questions, complaints, problems or situations, and providing explanations of HR policy in Employee and Labor Relations; responds to inquiries on procedures for disciplinary actions, grievances, and appeals concerning timeliness, documentation, and signature requirements; and screens questions or complaints to accurately determine the nature or scope of the problem, resolving issues that can be satisfied by an explanation of HR policies. NOTE: Evidence of specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Please provide such documentation on resume. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 or GS-07 grade levels. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Analysis and Problem SolvingCommunicationEmployee Relations Preferred Experience: Human Resources experience in private or government sector and Human Resources degree. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

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.

Contacts

• Address VISN 23 VA Midwest Health Care Network 2805 DODD ROAD SUITE 250 EAGAN, MN 55121-2123 US
• Name: Nola Mattson
• Phone: 320-252-1670 X6621
• Email: [email protected]