Job Posting: Recent Graduate (Human Resources Specialist)

Summary

This is an excepted service appointment under the NIH Pathways Recent Graduate Program. NIH Recent Graduates receive on-the-job training for one year and complete at least 40 hours of formal interactive training while in the program. Assignments are aimed at developing the employee's skills and knowledge to progressively perform more difficult duties.

Duties

Serves as an entry-level professional within the agency's Human Resources Division. Under general supervision, the incumbent provides HR support across one or more functional areas, applying federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to support agency workforce needs. Recent Graduates may be placed in any one of the functional areas listed below based on agency need. Classification Assists in evaluating and classifying federal positions using the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Classification Standards and the Factor Evaluation System (FES). Reviews and drafts position descriptions (PDs) to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with organizational mission and function. Maintains an up-to-date repository of approved position descriptions in the HR information system. Recruitment & Staffing Assists with the full lifecycle of federal recruitment activities under Title 5, Title 38, or excepted service authorities, as applicable. Drafts and posts vacancy announcements in USAJOBS in compliance with OPM and agency policy, ensuring accurate qualification standards, assessment criteria, and job opportunity content. Reviews applications for minimum qualifications, applies appropriate rating and ranking criteria, and prepares certificates of eligible candidates for selecting officials. Compensation & Policy Provides advice and guidance relative to application of HR rules and regulations for complex technical problems and issues. Disseminates new or emerging guidance explaining rationale for new policy or interpretation. Training & Employee Development Supports the development and maintenance of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) in coordination with supervisors and employees. Assists in the coordination, scheduling, and tracking of agency-wide training programs and mandatory learning requirements. Employee Relations Provides advice and guidance to managers and supervisors on employee conduct, performance management, and disciplinary procedures in accordance with agency policy and applicable law. Assists in preparing proposed disciplinary and adverse action documents (e.g., letters of warning, proposals to suspend, removal actions) for review by senior HR staff or legal counsel. Researches applicable case law, Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) decisions, and agency precedents to inform recommendations. Benefits Administration Processes benefits enrollments, changes, and terminations in a timely and accurate manner within HR systems. Responds to employee inquiries regarding eligibility, open season, qualifying life events, and retirement estimates. HR Information Systems Assists in system testing, training end users, and documenting standard operating procedures related to HR information systems. Validates data integrity by cross-referencing system records against source documents and identifying and correcting discrepancies.

Who Can Apply