Summary
FMCS mediators are full-time employees of the federal government stationed throughout the United States. They are responsible for delivering the core mediation and conflict management, prevention, and resolution services that enable FMCS to fulfill its statutory mission, including: collective bargaining mediation, labor-management cooperation services, full-spectrum Administrative Dispute Resolution Act (ADRA) services to government, negotiated rulemaking, and education, outreach and advocacy.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
US Citizens and Status Candidates
Duties
As an FMCS Mediator, you will be responsible for promoting the development of sound and stable labor-management relationships by advocating for (a) the practice of collective bargaining, mediation, and arbitration, as well as for (b) the use of full-spectrum conflict management, prevention, and resolution services, in the private, public, and federal sectors.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Mediates labor-management disputes involving collective bargaining agreements in situations that range from a moderate degree of difficulty to those which are somewhat more complex due to their economic impact, the number and difficulty of issues involved, the existence of an actual work stoppage or the imminent threat of one, and/or a history of difficult labor-management relations. Performs research necessary to understand the dispute, the industry or field involved, the labor relations history of the parties, and all other pertinent facts or background information. Works with parties to develop an understanding of the issues involved, as well as their interests and positions. Utilizes factual information and analysis of the overall situation, as well as knowledge of the conflict management and prevention techniques, to determine an appropriate action or approach to be taken. Assists parties in dealing with the media on sensitive matters of public concern.
Identifies opportunities and responds to requests to mediate significant grievances arising during the term of a collective bargaining agreement. Helps parties resolve disputes that might otherwise present obstacles in future rounds of collective bargaining. Improves labor-management relationships through the process of resolving significant and/or backlogged grievances.
Provides relationship development training designed to help labor and management jointly improve their working relationship and the overall day-to-day labor-management relations climate. Conducts assessment of existing relationship and works with parties to develop and deliver customized training programs designed to enhance efficiency, productivity and job security. Effectively utilizes both in-person and web-based program delivery methods.
Mediates and/or facilitates discrimination claims, other workplace conflicts, and regulatory compliance cases. Identifies potential clients within their assigned service delivery area and advocates for the use of agency services.
Engages in education, outreach and advocacy activities to increase awareness of agency services and programs. Leverages creative approaches to identify and/or create opportunities to inform the public about agency services.
Provides full spectrum conflict management and prevention services as assessment dictates.
Demonstrates knowledge of current and creative approaches to help parties resolve disputes and manage conflict. Maintains up-to-date knowledge and awareness of major developments in the fields of labor-management relations, alternative dispute resolution, and conflict management and prevention. Stays apprised of developments involving specific industries, occupations, and bargaining issues, as well as new techniques, theories, practices, and technologies applicable to their work.
Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skill across service delivery areas, both in person and using virtual platforms. Embraces the use of new technologies and electronic communications platforms to creatively and efficiently accomplish their work, including, but not limited to, research, scheduling meetings and conferences, training, and service delivery, including mediation, facilitation, and other activities, using virtual problem-solving platforms.
Effectively makes use of technology resources to accomplish the administrative functions of the position. Mediators are responsible for submitting factual and timely reports on any metrics established by the Service, including stakeholder contact information, case details and relevant updates, activity, and other work products, as appropriate.
Provide assistance to experienced mediators and participate in national projects designed to further their knowledge, capacity, and exposure to the programs and trainings offered by the Service.
Accepts and fulfills, or initiates where required, requests to partner and team with other mediators to achieve the highest quality service delivery across the full range of agency services.
Demonstrates an interest in, and an effort to learn and embrace, skills and approaches beyond those required for industrial relations work, thereby enabling agency mediators to provide "full spectrum" assistance to complex workplace engagements. This includes convening, assessment, reporting, mediation, facilitation, coaching (workplace, leadership, and group), training, education, and change management efforts.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation.
- Selectee will be required to successfully complete a probationary (trial) period of up to two (2) years.
- Working a non-standard work schedule.
- Accepting duty station assignments as determined by FMCS and accepting subsequent reassignments made for the good of FMCS.
- You must live within commuting distance of 35 miles of the Hub (selected location). If not already maintaining such a residence, you will have to relocate at your own expense.
- The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (Alt-450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
- Selectee must meet/maintain suitability and security requirements.
- This position is ineligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.
- All mediator positions filled from this vacancy announcement will be at the GS-12 level.
Qualifications
To be found qualified for the GS-12 Mediator position with FMCS, your resume must reflect specialized experience as defined below.
Specialized experience for the GS-12 Mediator position is defined as full-time labor relations or workplace dispute experience gained by having:
Engaged in collective bargaining negotiations and/or workplace disputes with parties in one or more of the following capacities: Negotiator, Representative, Counsel, Mediator, Consultant, Facilitator, or Trainer.
In addition, your specialized experience must be sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS-11 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. This experience may include:
- Participating in the negotiation or mediation of labor agreements or assisting in the resolution of workplace conflict issues;
- Being in an organizational position that involves identifying and solving problems related to workplace relations and conflict resolution, drawing conclusions and recommending appropriate courses of action;
- Working as a representative of labor or management in a corporation, company or labor organization;
- Working for a Federal, state or local government entity in a capacity that involves dealing with labor relations, collective bargaining, human resources, workplace conflict resolution, and/or the interpretation or application of labor laws and regulations;
- Teaching, training, making presentations, facilitating or leading groups on issues relating to labor relations, human resources, alternative dispute resolution, or conflict management;
- Serving as a Lead Negotiator, Second Chair Negotiator, or Negotiating Committee Member of a collective bargaining agreement;and/or
- Serving as Counsel to parties engaged in workplace disputes and/or collective bargaining negotiations; and/or
- Serving as a Facilitator, Mediator, Counsel, or Negotiator of a public policy matter; and/or
- Designing workplace conflict management systems; and/or
- Serving as an Ombuds.
NOTE: When detailing your level of specialized experience, please include years of experience, a detailed description of your specific duties/responsibilities, and any accomplishments. If you have specific collective bargaining experience, include the approximate number and types of contracts negotiated, number and size of bargaining units, and your specific role in each activity. Failure to state the above in your resume may affect the overall rating.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
Please note that if, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited by time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience, you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the number of hours per week spent in such employment.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by 11:59 pm EDT on 10/04/2024, closing date of this announcement.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
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.
Following the closing date, responses to the Occupational Assessment Questionnaire and your application submitted will be reviewed to determine if you meet the qualifications for this position. If you indicate you meet the job qualifications for the announcement, but your resume and/or supporting documentation does not confirm your rating, you may be excluded from further consideration for this job.
Well-qualified candidates are those candidates that possess the required competencies as defined below, and who have submitted applications that clearly depict the specialized experience as required of this position.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics): Conflict Management, Conscientiousness/Initiative/Drive, Human Factors/Emotional Intelligence, Influencing/Negotiating, and Labor Relations.
Required Documents
ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD FURNISH THE FOLLOWING, AS SHOWN BELOW.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY AS FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED FORMS OR INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.
1. A current, complete resume (REQUIRED);
The following information must be contained in your resume:
a. full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers, email address;
b. work experience (job title, duties, employer's name, starting and ending dates, hours per week worked, and current salary);
c. job-related skills (e.g., other language skills, computer software/hardware skills).
2. Occupational Assessment Questionnaire (REQUIRED);
3. A copy of your last or latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which depicts your title, grade/step, salary, work schedule, etc. (If applicable);
4. Veterans Preference Documentation - Mediator positions with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) are in the excepted service, therefore, there is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to mediator appointments. FMCS, however, considers veterans' preference a positive factor in the Mediator hiring process. If you are eligible for veterans' preference in hiring, you are encouraged to include that information in your application along with the supporting documentation, (e.g., SF15, DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other supporting documentation). (If applicable);
5. ICTAP/CTAP documentation - In order to receive special selection priority, ICTAP and CTAP eligibles must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements, be assessed and laced in the "Well Qualified" category, and submit appropriate documentary evidence, e.g., Reduction-In-Force (RIF) Notice, Certification of Expected Separation, SF-50 documenting separation by RIF, or a letter from OPM or your agency documenting your priority consideration (If applicable);
6. Professional References - Provide three (3) references. Include representatives from labor and management, labor neutrals, or others familiar with your work in labor relations or conflict resolution who are not current employees of FMCS. These references will only be contacted if we are prepared to make you a job offer.
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNREQUESTED DOCUMENTATION: Please DO NOT submit examples of work products, writing samples, letters of reference, pictures, or training certificates unless the vacancy announcement specifically asks for them; they will not be forwarded to the interview panel and/or selecting official.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must (1) complete the occupational questionnaire; and (2) submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents Section above.
(1) Complete the occupational questionnaire, click here to preview:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12539513
and
(2) Submit the documentation specified in the Required documents section (Resume).
If experiencing issues while applying via www.usajobs.gov, please contact the USAJOBS Help Center directly at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/forms/#usajobs-contact-form.
Note: Before the designated closing date of the announcement, applicants are encouraged to contact the FMCS Office of Human Resources at (202) 606-5469 or FMCSRecruit@fmcs.gov with any questions or concerns regarding their application. The FMCS Office of Human Resources is unable to accept any additional documentation not submitted through USAJOBS.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses, and appropriate documentation is entered, uploaded (i.e., resume) and submitted before the closing date.
The complete application package must be submitted by 10/04/2024 at 11:59 PM (EDT) pm to receive consideration. Applications submitted after the closing date or via mail/fax/email will not be accepted.
- To begin, click Apply in the vacancy announcement to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account https://www.usajobs.gov/.
- Once logged in, follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package.
- It is your responsibility to ensure your responses, and appropriate documentation is submitted before the closing date.
- To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- To return to a saved application at a later date, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account, or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
- Once your application and online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.
- Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on the announcement.
- Once the review of the candidates has been completed, a list of qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring Field Operations Manager for further consideration. If your name is referred, you may be contacted for a possible interview. FMCS does not arrange for travel or provide reimbursement for any expenses related to Mediator interviews.
NOTE: FMCS hiring Field Operations Managers are prohibited from engaging with applicants once the recruitment process begins. To avoid the perception of preference or advantage during the recruitment process, please refrain from contacting current FMCS employee(s) and direct your questions/concerns to the FMCS Office of Human Resources at (202)606-5469 or FMCSRecruit@fmcs.gov.
Unless responding to a reconsideration of rating that has been reasonably demonstrated, the FMCS Office of Human Resources does not provide any additional information to applicants beyond the system generated notifications sent via USAJobs.gov. Please allow 2-3 business days for a response if requesting reconsideration of rating.
To view the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.
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