HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST Job in Indianapolis, IN

Vacancy No. DFAS-DHA-12591581-25 Department Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Salary $49,474.00 to $95,181.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/28/2024 Close Date 11/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Indianapolis, IN


Summary

DFAS is using the DoD Post Secondary Recent Graduate Direct-Hire Authority(DHA) to recruit/appoint qualified recent graduates into competitive service positions in professional and administrative occupations.

Selections may be made at entry grade of GS-07 or GS-09.

This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, HOW TO APPLY and NEXT STEPS sections below.

Duties

  • Provides advisory services to customers, resolves complex issues regarding HR functional areas to include staffing, classification and position management, benefits, learning and development, information systems or labor/employee relations.
  • Recruitment and Placement: Advises managers on recruitment options and strategies. Work involves recruiting, examining, selecting and placing employees and performing job analysis to develop effective selection tools for specific positions.
  • Position Management and Classification: Advises managers and supervisors regarding position management and the efficient use of civilian positions. Performs position audits and writes position descriptions and evaluation statements.
  • Benefits/Workers' Compensation: Advises management and customers on federal benefits programs to include health, life, retirement, Thrift Savings Program (TSP), and Workers' Compensation Program.
  • Learning and Development: Works with agency customers to assess the training needs of the agency. Participate in the design, development, delivery and evaluation of employee training and development initiatives.
  • Labor and Management Employee Relations: Advises and counsels managers and supervisors regarding employee relations, labor relations, performance management, leave administration and incentive and performance award programs.
  • HR Information Systems: Works with functional end-users to ensure the efficient use of HR Information systems; supports data management and retrieval, and development and implementation of system upgrades to support mission requirements.
  • DUTIES REFLECT WORK ASSIGNED AT THE FULL PERFORMANCE (GS-11) GRADE LEVEL. DUTIES ASSIGNED AT AN ENTRY GRADE OF GS-07 OR GS-09 WILL BE DEVELOPMENTAL IN NATURE.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S Citizen or National
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
  • Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959)
  • Suitable for Federal employment
  • New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov.

Qualifications

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.

TO BE ELIGIBLE: Applicants must meet Post-Secondary Direct Hire Authority status via one of the following:
  • Must be awarded a degree by an institution of higher education from a public or non-profit institution not more than two years before the date of appointment OR
  • expect to be awarded a degree by a public or non-profit institution of higher learning on or before 31-DEC-2024 OR
  • completed a period obligated service in a unformed service of more than four years and was awarded a degree by an institution of higher education from a public or other non-profit institution not more than four years before the date of appointment.
PLEASE NOTE: If an individual cannot be appointed within the timeframes specified above, he/she will not be provided further consideration under this DHA and/or a tentative job offer may be withdrawn.

TO BE QUALIFIED: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience for each grade level is described as follows:
  • GS-07 Specialized experience is defined as: work performed equivalent to a GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-05 if outside the Federal service which includes assisting in the application of Human Resources (HR) laws, regulations, principles, systems, policies, methods, and practices to analyze routine facts; research customer inquiries or problems and support the operation of an HR functional area.
  • GS-09 Specialized experience is defined as: work performed equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-07 if outside the Federal service researching, interpreting and adapting Human Resource regulations, policies and laws to provide substantive recommendations and advice to customers related to at least one functional area of Human Resources (e.g. recruitment and placement, benefits, employee or labor relations, classification, HR information systems, employee development); resolving customer complaints and problems; and providing information to internal and external customers related to HR processes, procedures and systems.

Volunteer Experience: 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, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

This position is developmental and selections may be made at the GS-07 or GS-09 entry grade levels. Once eligibility and qualification requirements are met, selectees will be eligible for promotion at management discretion to the GS-09 and GS-11 grade levels without further competition.

Education

SUBSTITUTION OF EDCUATION FOR GS-07 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: One full year of graduate level education or Superior Academic Achievement (http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/policy/ApplicationOfStds-04.asp) may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GS-9 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: A Master's or equivalent graduate level degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. may be substituted to meet the specialized experience requirement. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).

Additional information

  • DUTY LOCATION OF THESE POSITIONS IS INDIANAPOLIS, IN. They are not remote positions. Local telework availability within the commuting area of Indianapolis will be based upon mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • Moving expenses WILL NOT be paid.
  • If you are unable to apply online, view the following link for information regarding Alternate Application.
  • We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion. For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • A one year probationary or trial period may be required.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.
  • This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act at the GS-07 and 09 levels, Exempt at the GS-11.
  • Travel requirement is occasional.
  • This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
  • This position will be covered by formal training under the DFAS Career Acclimation Program (DCAP). The purpose of this program is to develop well-qualified, well-trained, high potential employees for future positions within DFAS. Promotion is conditional based on performance, successful completion of training, and availability of higher graded work. Participants who do not successfully complete the program may be separated.
  • Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at Step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
  • Veterans' Preference does not apply to the Post-Secondary Direct Hire Authority..
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.
  • Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Please see the HOW TO APPLY section below for instructions.
  • The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
  • Criminal History Inquiries- For some positions, criminal history inquiries may not take place before you receive a conditional job offer. Please see Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2019 (dfas.mil) for more information on The Fair Chance to Compete Act, exceptions, and DFAS contact information.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.

All information included in the resume and Occupational Questionnaire is subject to review and verification. HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be further evaluated based upon information you provided in the Occupational Questionnaire. If a determination is made that the work experience described in your submitted resume does not support your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, your score may be reduced, and you may lose consideration for this position. If you are already a DFAS employee, you may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service, if you are found to have exaggerated, embellished, inflated, mischaracterized, or falsified your resume or qualifications.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Accountability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


The USA Hire 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.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

You can preview the Application Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12591581

Required Documents

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Resume: You are encouraged to choose only ONE method of submitting your resume. (HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the latest one received and this may not be the resume, which best reflects your qualifications for the job and may result in an ineligible rating.) You may submit your resume by: attaching in your USAJOBS account; or uploading in your Application Manger account. For assistance in preparing your resume, take a look at the DFAS Resume Tools.
2. Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire and Additional On-line Assessments: Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating.
3. Other Supporting Documents.
4. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here.

The following supporting documents are ONLY required if applicable to your personal qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
1. Transcripts and/or Certifications: You must submit documentation if you are substituting education for experience. For additional information on acceptable documents or to see if you must submit documentation click here Transcripts and Certifications. You must also document your education and/or certifications in your resume.
2. SF-50: With the exception of current permanent DFAS employees, current or former federal employees must submit a Notification of Personnel Action reflecting the highest grade held on a permanent basis, tenure and appointment type.
3. Veterans Documentation: Click to review these authorities and documents verifying eligibility for a VEOA, VRA and/or 30% or more disabled veterans hiring authorities.
4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
5. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
7. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: Retained Grade PPP applicants, must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
8. ICTAP Eligibles: A copy of the RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available.
9. Other Special Hiring Authorities: Click here to review these authorities and the documentation you are required to submit.
10. You may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility.

WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) 11/18/2024, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

The following link will help you determine if you meet the eligibility to apply for this position:
http://www.dfas.mil/careers/howtoapply/vacancyannouncement/appointment-eligibility.html

PLEASE NOTE: You will be considered only for those appointment eligibilities for which you select, attach supporting documentation and are found eligible.

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. Click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
  8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
For more general information, system requirements, reasonable accommodation information, and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Address
DFAS - HUMAN RESOURCES
8899 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

To be considered for the position, you must meet all qualifications, including meeting or exceeding the cut score on the required assessments.The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.