Human Resources Specialist (Human Resource Development)

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to current, permanent (career/career conditional) employees of VBA Baltimore Human Resources Center (HRC) and CTAP eligibles only.

Specific duties include:

• Designs and manages HR training programs with Title 5 recruitment and placement activities.
• Reviews and analyzes new policies, directives, and decisions that affect HR training and leader development programs.
• Identifies competency requirements based on regulation and policy changes to develop and/or revise current and future training for HR professionals.
• Collaborate with HR staff, support services, payroll offices, supervisors, Defense Finance Accounting System and VA Central Office Human Resources Information Systems to deliver training.
• Audit recruitment case files for compliance and prepare report of findings to initiate corrective action that may result in establishment of agency policy.
• Plan, develop, and implement new or modified trainings and development for HR program requirements as a result of new laws and initiatives.
• Analyzes personnel data to evaluate current and future workforce training and development needs.
• Designs trainings and development surveys to assist in determining training and development needs and analysis of effectiveness for HR personnel.
• Partners with the other HR staff, government agencies, civilian educational institutions, and industrial firms to locate and utilize resources to meet identified training needs.
• Communicates in writing to develop HR training materials in different formats and respond to various inquiries.
• Delivers training presentations and briefings
• Utilizes various automated HR systems and office products to deliver trainings.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level 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. The grade progression for this position is GS-13.

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6am and 6pm
Compressed/Flexible: Available
Telework: Available
Virtual: Current HRC Baltimore staff with an out-based duty location will continue to report to their current approved duty location upon selection.
Position Description/PD#: Human Resources Specialist (Human Resource Development); GS-0343-12 PD#41035-A; GS-0343-13 PD#40312-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Conditions of employment

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Probationary period if not previously completed in a Federal position.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements I-9 Acceptable Documents.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:06/16/2026.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.

• For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 level.
• For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level.

The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

AND

BASIC REQUIREMENT: To qualify for the HR Specialist position, candidates must meet the following basic requirements as described in one of the following methods:
Method 1: Merit-Based Method. The Merit-Based Method allows for a candidate to meet the basic requirement by possession of one year of specialized experience requiring knowledge of and/or skill in applying basic HR concepts, laws, principles, policies, methods, practices and/or HR systems. Such experience may be gained in administrative, professional, technical or other responsible work positions in the public (i.e., Government or military) or private sector. This experience must be equivalent to at least the GS-4 level of the Federal Government. OR Method 2: Education-Based Method. The Education-Based Method allows for a candidate to meet the basic requirement by possession of the following: Successful completion of bachelor's degree (or higher).OR Method 3: Training-Based Method.

• Training 1: Successful completion of at least 12 credit hours of college-level (associate degree or higher level) course work in any of the following types of fields, majors or programs or those closely related as evidenced by the course or programs: HR (general), HR development, HR management, business, business management/administration, industrial relations, labor relations, industrial psychology, organizational psychology, organizational development, management, organizational behavior, pre-law/law, legal studies, health care management/administration, public administration, public policy, human services, leadership and humanities.
• Training 2: Successful completion of at least four formal training courses in HR. The focus of these HR courses will be in areas or those closely related to general HR, Federal HR, private sector/corporate HR or HR management. These courses must be offered through VA (i.e., Talent Management System courses), Federal agencies/departments (i.e., OPM Federal Human Resources Institute) or through external organizations (i.e., HR Certification Institute (HRCI®) Learning, HR University or Management Concepts). For the purpose of this standard, formal means interactive (online or in-person) training that includes communication between the participants and/or the instructor. Successful completion is evidenced by documentation of successful completion by the training organization.
• Training 3: Successful completion of a formal certificate program in any of the areas (or related areas) listed in Training 1 (above) or those closely related as evidenced by the course or programs. A formal certificate program for the purposes of this standard means a series or set of courses that provide a foundational or advanced knowledge. The courses must have been provided by an accredited college, university, organization or company and must have required assignments and/or other course work. Examples of providers include, but are not limited to, Purdue University, Global Cornell University (i.e., eCornell) or Wharton School. Successful completion is evidenced by documentation of completion by the training organization.
• Training 4: Current professional HR certification through the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), HRCI®, International Public Management Association (IPMA) (or Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA)), American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) or an organization or company that has a formal structure and is nationally recognized by the profession.

AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You may qualify based on experience and/or education. In addition to meeting basic requirements, you must possess either Criteria 1 or Criteria 2.

GS-12 Grade Level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-11. Specialized experience is defined as applying principles, practices and techniques of education to assess, define and meet individual learning needs in an operating HR office that provides Title 5 or other Federal civilian human resources (HR) personnel system recruitment and placement services. Ability to apply analytical methods and techniques to identify HRD and non-HRD needs to address complex and routine HR problems and issues. Experience using oral communication techniques to present findings and recommendations and experience applying written communication techniques to draft and/or prepare in final form project papers, and training material. OR Graduate level degree or higher and three years of progressive specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level.

• Criteria 1: Graduate degree or higher and three years of progressive specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level, OR
• Criteria 2: Specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-11 grade level

GS-13- One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-12. Specialized experience is defined as providing authoritative management advisory services related to the full spectrum of Title 5 or other Federal civilian human resources (HR) personnel system. Experience must demonstrate knowledge of HR development principles, practices, laws, regulations in the area of recruitment and staffing to develop and oversee professional and developmental training plans for HR staff in various roles at all grade levels. Ability to communicate in writing to prepare materials for employee training, make formal and informal presentations, and the ability to adjust the material to meet the needs of the targeted audience. Ability to provide comprehensive and authoritative guidance, process evaluation and quality oversight, and problems solving for a variety of complex Title 5 Federal civilian personnel programs and systems. OR Graduate level degree or higher and three years of progressive specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.

• Criteria 1: Graduate degree or higher and three years of progressive specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level, OR
• Criteria 2: Specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-12 grade level

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; 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.
Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week.
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How you will be evaluated

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

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview.

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
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

• Technical Competence - Knowledge of OPM, agency and administration regulations, policies and practices, executive orders, union agreements and case law, which relate to Human Resources recruitment and placement issues to determine and develop training of the agency gap analysis of the required workforce.
• Written Communication - Expresses information utilizing correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling to individuals or groups effectively considering the audience and nature of the information.
• Oral Communication - Expresses ideas and facts to individuals or groups effectively; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others; facilitates an open exchange of ideas.
• Critical Thinking - Objectively analyzes and evaluates an issue to form an opinion/judgement/conclusion; uses logic and reasoning to research, interpret, and apply information such as regulatory and/or procedural guidance; identifies the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; integrates information into development of a resolution.
• Customer Service - Works and communicates with clients and customers (HR Staff, Payroll Staff, DFAS, HRIS staff, and other stakeholders) to negotiate solutions that are satisfactory and demonstrate commitment to quality services.

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package to include the documents detailed below. Resumes may not exceed two pages and must be legible for review of eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.

• Resume:
  • Contact Information:
    • Name and how best to contact you, including email address and phone number
  • Relevant Work Experience:
    • For each relevant work experience, make sure you include:
      • Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal positions)
      • Start and end dates with month/year (e.g., 05/2019 - 08/2022)
      • The number of hours you worked per week
    • Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement
  • Education/Certification/ Licensure:
    • When relevant or required for the position, include your possession of education/ certification/license and provide any required documentation such as transcripts, and/or details (type and date) of certifications and/or licenses
      • Education information should include:
        • Name of school/institution
        • Completion date
        • Degree type
        • Cumulative Grade point average (GPA)
  • Optional Details:
    • When relevant, include:
      • Current Security Clearance
      • Job-related training
      • Language skills
      • Organizations and affiliations
      • Professional publications
      • Eligibility for special programs (e.g., military spouses, individuals with disabilities, etc.)
• A copy of your most recent NON-award SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
• Your SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade To verify you meet Time-in-Grade requirements, also submit a SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade held (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.).
• Current VBA Employees seeking a reassignment/change to lower grade: you must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (non-award) AND the SF-50 placing you into your current position.

Additional Documents accepted:

• Most recent Performance Appraisal (VA Form 0750)
• Award SF-50s
• Documentation to be considered under non-competitive eligibility (if applicable) such as a member-4 DD-214, civil service preference letter, or Schedule A letter.
• CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal

Next steps