Human Resources Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations)
What you'd do
Protect your homeland and defend your culture. Join USCIS, America's frontline defense against illegal foreign infiltration and fraud. As a Human Resources Specialist (Employee and Labor Relations), you will serve as a technical specialist in Labor and Employee Relations, providing advice and guidance to agency managers in a wide variety of matters, and contributing to the development of agency policy in labor and employee relations.
Major duties
The responsibilities described are for the full performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope performed with less independence, and limited complexity. Serves as a senior advisor to leadership on complex and sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievances, personnel actions, third-party proceedings, discipline and adverse actions and appeals before bodies such as MSPB and OPM. Supports the agency as technical expert in third-party proceedings in Merit Systems Protection Board, OPM, EEOC and Unemployment claims. Interprets and applies Federal labor and employee relations laws, regulations, and case law to provide authoritative guidance and policy direction. Analyzes and resolves highly complex labor and employee relations issues involving conflicting regulatory, statutory and case law requirements, policy implications, and agency-wide impact. Develops, implements, and evaluates labor and employee relations policies, programs, and strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals. Provides expert guidance and training to management officials on disciplinary and adverse actions, unacceptable performance, grievances, management rights, employee rights, and dispute resolution processes. Develops and reviews written management correspondence related to all phases of discipline and adverse actions, unacceptable performance and grievances and appeals. Monitors legislative and regulatory developments and supports and recommends policy or procedural changes to ensure compliance and program effectiveness.
What you need to qualify
The qualifications for this position must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 07/30/2026. Current Federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the lower grade or equivalent grade band in the Federal service. The Time-in-Grade requirement must be met by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on 07/30/2026. GS-13: You qualify at the GS-13 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties: Advising management on labor and employee relations matters, including grievances, personnel actions, third-party proceedings, and discipline and adverse actions. Interpreting and applying Federal labor and employee relations laws, regulations, and policies to address workplace issues. Preparing clear and concise written communications for management about grievances, appeals, disciplinary actions, and other personnel matters. Assisting in the development of labor employee relations policies, procedures, or training programs. GS-14: You qualify at the GS-14 level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, which is equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the federal government, that equipped you with the skills needed to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have experience performing the majority of the following duties: Providing expert-level advisory services to senior leadership on complex and sensitive labor and employee relations matters, including grievances, personnel actions, third-party proceedings, discipline, and adverse actions and appeals before bodies such as MSPB and OPM; Interpreting and applying Federal labor and employee relations laws, regulations, and case law to develop policy guidance or resolve high-impact issues; Analyzing and resolving highly complex labor and employee relations issues with agency-wide implications and developing strategic recommendations; and Developing, implementing, or evaluating labor and employee relations policies, programs, or initiatives to support organizational objectives. Please read the following important information to ensure you submit everything we need to consider your application: It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit your responses and appropriate documentation prior to 07/30/2026. You must upload your resume under the "Resume" category. Resumes submitted under the "Other Documents" category will not be considered. Your most recently submitted resume will be used to determine your qualifications for the position advertised in this announcement. Therefore, your resume must highlight your most relevant, significant experience related to the requirements found in the qualification section of this announcement, as well as any applicable education. Limit your resume to no more than two pages. The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages. To help ensure your resume remains clear and easy to read, we recommend using margins of at least 0.8 inches and a font size of at least 11 point. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since Human Resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. Your application will be rated and ranked based on your responses to the online questions. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) Duties (be specific in describing your duties) Employer's name and address Supervisor name and phone number Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) Start and end dates for each grade/pay level if you've held a federal position. Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Salary Determining length of General or Specialized Experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide the above information may result in a finding of ineligible. Note: Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Federal Experience: If you are using current or prior federal experience as a basis for qualifying for this position, the grade levels and length of employment (mm/dd/year) at each grade level must be listed in your work history. This information will be further validated if selected for this position. 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 criteria 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 service.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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