Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations)

Department Of Defense Education Activity - Alexandria, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Alexandria, VA

About the position

This position is located at the Mark Center Building in Alexandria, VA, which serves as the headquarters for the Washington Headquarters Services of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and several other DoD agencies. The role falls under the Labor Management and Employee Relations Division, specifically within the Headquarters Employee Relations Branch. The primary focus of this position is to implement and manage the Employee Relations program, which encompasses a variety of complex and challenging tasks related to employee management and support. The responsibilities include handling adverse actions, disciplinary measures, employee assistance programs, performance-based actions, absence and leave management, administrative grievances, and ensuring a drug-free workplace. It is crucial that all program actions comply with applicable laws, government-wide regulations, and the overarching policies of the DoD and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). The position also involves applying performance management concepts to provide guidance on recognizing and rewarding employee performance, as well as managing the awards program for DoDEA. In addition to these responsibilities, the role requires conducting independent and thorough research into complex operational questions, producing detailed reports and studies on program performance, and preparing operational guidance for specialists and managers to keep them informed about new procedures, case decisions, and legislative or regulatory changes that may impact their responsibilities. Effective communication is essential, as the position involves presenting management's position through written correspondence and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the program's objectives.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex and difficult work related to Employee Relations program implementation.
• Handle adverse actions, discipline, employee assistance, performance-based actions, absence and leave, administrative grievances, and drug-free workplace initiatives.
• Ensure program actions conform to law, Government-wide regulations, and DoD and DoDEA policies.
• Apply performance management concepts to advise on rewarding employee performance.
• Manage the awards program for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).
• Conduct independent, in-depth research into complex questions of program operations and produce reports and studies on its performance.
• Prepare assorted operating guidance for specialists and managers in the field regarding new procedures, case decisions, and legislative and regulatory changes.
• Present management's position through written correspondence.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience providing Employee Relations guidance to management officials on actions such as leave programs, telework programs, employee assistance programs (EAP), Work-Life programs, grievance procedures, discipline and adverse actions, and performance management.
• Experience researching and reviewing legislation, regulations, and directives for their impact on Employee Relations programs.
• Experience representing management in third-party procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in managing employee assistance programs.
• Knowledge of federal employment laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with performance management systems.

Benefits

• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) for eligible employees.