Human Resources Assistant Job

Vacancy No. 20250612-74770- BMM-MP Department U.S. Coast Guard
Salary $57,164.00 to $82,305.00 Grade 7 to 8
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/1/2025 Close Date 7/11/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Washington, DCGlen Burnie, MD


Summary

This vacancy is for a GS-0203-7/8, Human Resources Assistant located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICE CENTER WEST. Duty location will be determined upon selection.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Status Candidates, Merit Promotion, Current Federal Employees, Former Federal Employees, Overseas Employees, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA , VEOA, 30% Disabled, Schedule A, Individuals with Disabilities, Military Spouses, Land and Base Management, Peace Corps, Americorps, Vista For definitions of common terms found in this announcement: http://dhsconnect.dhs.gov/org/comp/mgmt/dhshr/hr/Documents/JOA_Common_Definitions.pdf

Duties

These positions are located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Deputy Commandant for Mission Support (DCMS), Assistant Commandant for Human Resources/SADI (CG-1C), Office of Civilian Human Resources Operations (CG-1C3), located in Washington, DC and Glen Burnie, MD respectively. As a Lead Human Resources Assistant, you will be responsible for providing a full range of administrative and technical support to Branch Human Resources Specialist and Assistants on complex and difficult personnel systems errors and problems associated with actions.

Being a Coast Guard civilian makes you a valuable member of the Coast Guard team. Your major duties and responsibilities include:

  • Providing technical guidance, information, and expertise on standardized procedures, policies and directives.
  • Reviewing and analyzing technical and work-related problems or issues that arise and developing or recommending alternative solutions.
  • Coaching the team in the selection and application of appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques; providing advice on work methods, practices and procedures; and assisting in identifying the parameters of a viable solution.
  • Processing a full range of personnel actions that include promotions, reassignments, separations, accessions and correction packages consistent with regulations and policies, applying rules, regulations, policies and procedures to daily human resources operations.
  • Researching the National Finance Center (NFC) payroll/personnel processing manuals, training materials, and directives for information regarding issues that HR Assistants have been unable to reconcile.
  • Serving as troubleshooter and resource person for a variety of unique processing situations that may be resistant to traditional approaches to include personnel action Suspense Inquiry System (SINQ) errors from automated systems, determining where the error exists and taking appropriate action to ensure accuracy of the system data and correction of the problem, making recommendations to the supervisor for changes in procedures.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Do NOT include the following types of information in your resume:

  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Date of Birth (DOB)
  • Photos of yourself (if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position)
  • Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Key Requirements: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Public Trust as a condition of placement into this position. This may include e.g. a credit check after initial job qualifications are determined, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs".
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Must be registered or exempt from the Selective Service. See www.sss.gov
  • A one-year probationary period may be required.
  • This not a Bargaining Unit position.
  • Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by the closing date of the vacancy.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
To qualify for this position, you MUST meet all of the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

MINIMUM QUALIFYING SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCEis experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, an applicant's one full year of specialized experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful job performance.

GS-07: In order to qualify for this position at the GS-07 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year of the minimum qualifying specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-06 level in the federal service.

Examples of the minimum qualifying specialized experience equal to the GS-06 level include performing the following types of tasks on a regular and recurring basis:
  • Providing clerical and technical support for processing a limited range of staffing and personnel actions; Explaining basic features of employee personnel and benefit programs and ensuring timely and accurate processing of subsequent actions; Assisting in computing creditable service; Communicating personnel information to employees and managers.
GS-08: In order to qualify for this position at the GS-08 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year of the minimum qualifying specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-07 level in the federal service.

Examples of the minimum qualifying specialized experience equal to the GS-07 level include performing the following types of tasks on a regular and recurring basis:
  • Providing administrative and technical support for processing a full range of staffing, personnel and payroll actions; Researching applicable laws and regulations to assist in the resolution of personnel and pay issues; Utilizing automated personnel/payroll related processing systems such as NFC, EPIC, Empowhr, and eOPF to code, input, or correct data.
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; community; student; social). If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.

Applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate the required minimum qualifying specialized experience will be evaluated based on the occupational assessment competencies listed below. A COMPETENCY is defined as a measurable pattern of knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and other characteristics that an individual needs to perform work roles or occupational functions.

Personnel Action Processing - Accurately processes a variety of complex personnel and payroll actions (e.g., appointments, separations, pay changes) in accordance with applicable federal HR laws, regulations (e.g., OPM, Title 5), agency-specific policies, and procedural guides (e.g., Guide to Processing Personnel Actions). Reviews and interprets documentation and ensures completeness, consistency, and compliance prior to entry into HR systems.

HR Information Systems and Automation- Utilizes automated HR systems such as EmpowHR, NFC, HRIS, or equivalent to enter, retrieve, validate, and correct technical personnel/ payroll data. Navigates multiple interconnected databases to ensure data integrity across systems, troubleshoot errors, and coordinate data correction with relevant stakeholders or system owners. Maintains awareness of system interfaces and transaction timing.

Customer Service- Serves as a point of contact for internal customers (e.g., HR Specialists, Timekeepers, Managers) on personnel action status, processing timelines, and documentation requirements. Provides clear, courteous, and timely assistance; anticipates questions and communicates proactively to prevent processing delays.

Attention to Detail- Reviews HR documentation and data entries for accuracy and completeness; identifies inconsistencies or omissions and takes corrective action. Applies knowledge of codes, legal authorities, pay plans, and nature-of-action procedures to prevent processing errors. Maintains meticulous records and audit trails for personnel transactions.

National Service Experience (i.e., 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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.


Current status candidates must meet Time-in-Grade (TIG) by the closing date of this announcement. To allow us to verify that you meet TIG requirements, provide any of the following SF-50s:

Please Note: Current year pay adjustments are not acceptable for verifying TIG (ex. 2025 general increases cannot be used to verify TIG).
  • Competitive or Career-ladder promotion to your highest grade (this does not include 120 day temporary promotions)
  • Regular Within Range Increase (WRI) or With In Grade (WGI) increase at your highest grade (this does not include quality step increases (QSIs).
  • SF-50 at your highest grade held, that is at least one year older than the announcement closing date

Promotion Potential: If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s).

Education

NOTE: This position does not have a positive education requirement. Education cannot be substituted for experience at these grade levels.

Additional information

Any Offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Due Weight: Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

E-Verify: DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Fair Chance Act: The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to bre'anna.m.miles@uscg.mil.

Suitability Statement: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Shared Certificates Statement: Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Special Employment Consideration: The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s).

If you need a reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please contact bre'anna.m.miles@uscg.mil.

Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Visit Reasonable Accommodation

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.

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.

Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions). Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or you may be rated ineligible . The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

The assessment questionnaire is designed to measure your ability in the following competencies:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • HR Information Systems and Automation
  • Personnel Action Processing


To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12750270

Shared Certificates Statement
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must be 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation.

CTAP and ICTAP Eligibles: CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position. If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. Individuals must be well-qualified by attaining at least a rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ctap_guideline.pdf

CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your RIF separation notice, a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating, a copy of your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.

ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: A copy of your RIF separation notice, and/or a copy of your most recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" noting your current position, grade level, and duty location, a copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating, any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential. View information about ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

Required Documents

Resume showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education, and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/date/year to month/date/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered. What to include in my resume

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

  • In order to determine eligibility, you must submit SF-50(s) that verify eligibility to apply.
In addition, your SF-50 must verify your highest competitive grade, time-in-grade, or full performance level.

DO NOT submit an award SF-50 or pay adjustment SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility.

For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. Recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50.

Veterans' preference documentation (Member Copy 4 of DD-214, Revised October 2013 SF-15 https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf and VA letter, if applicable. NOTE: The revised October 2013 SF-15 is the latest copy and all others are not usable. Please see Feds Hire Vets for detail.

  • Veterans claiming 5 point veterans' preference must submit legible Member 4 Copy DD214(s) indicating Character of Service.
  • 30% Disabled Veterans must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and VA Disability Letter with percentage of disability OR documentation of disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces which reflects a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
  • Other 10 point Preference Eligibles must submit applicable Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and provide documentation of 10 point preference described on the back of the SF-15.
  • If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD214 and is claiming eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating you will be discharged/released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date you submit your certification as part of your application for this announcement. See the "How to Apply" section of this announcement for information on specific requirements for VOW certifications.

Schedule A documentation, if applicable. Note: Coast Guard welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities. Qualified applicants with disabilities may be eligible for special hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A eligibility.

Military Spouses (if applicable) - You MUST submit verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage) AND: (1) a copy of your spouse's active military orders; OR (2) verification of your spouse's 100% service-connected disability (VA Letter and/or DD-214); OR (3) verification of the service member's death while on active duty (DD-1300/Death Certificate). You are not eligible if you were not married to the veteran at the time of death or have since remarried.

Interchange Agreement with Other Merit Systems Eligible: Documentation of eligibility as listed in each individual interchange agreement.

Other noncompetitive or special appointing authorities (e.g., Peace Corps, VISTA, Public Land Corp, Military Spouse, VRA, 30% Disabled Veterans, Certain Former Overseas Employees, Foreign Service, etc.) must provide substantiating documentation as required.

Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

Political Appointees: OPM must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information. Submit proof of your former or current status, such as your SF-50. Please see here.

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

To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on 07/11/2025.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If claiming eligibility under the VOW Act: The VOW Act requires Federal agencies to treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligibles, when they submit, at the time they apply for a Federal job, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD214. In order to be considered under the VOW Act, the certification must specify that the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package for this job announcement. The certification must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters. Agencies are required to verify a qualifying separation from military service prior to appointment, through the DD214 or other appropriate documentation. Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment.

If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact Bre'anna Miles at bre'anna.m.miles@uscg.mil to obtain an alternative application.

Agency contact information

Bre'anna Miles

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.


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


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