Human Resources Specialist

Summary

This position serves as a Human Resources Specialist located in Office of Human Capital, Human Capital Management and Accountability, Talent Management & Workforce Services.

Before applying, you're encouraged to learn more about federal human resources careers by visiting the HR Career Compass at:

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Duties

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This position serves as a Human Resources Specialist within HCMA, supporting the Workforce Strategy, Talent Management, and Accountability, Audit & Compliance divisions. The role operates within a rotational model, contributing to enterprise-wide HR programs while developing progressively advanced HR expertise aligned with federal laws, regulations, and merit system principles. The incumbent functions as an independent HR specialist, performing full lifecycle human resources work.

A GS-11 HR Specialist will perform duties such as:

• Independently advising customer representatives on staffing related matters.
• Independently researching and applying applicable regulations to their own work.
• Drafting applicable job analysis documents.Reviewing application packages for eligibility and qualification.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period. See "Additional Information" for specific details.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Human Resources Specialist, at GS-0201-5/7/9/11, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.

GS-05 Specialized Experience Statement

To qualify for the GS-05 HR Specialist position applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience obtained in the private sector, military, state, local, or other non-Federal organizations, that demonstrates the ability to perform developmental human capital support work. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Assisting with the review and processing of personnel, staffing, or administrative documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Collecting, entering, maintaining, or updating personnel, workforce, or organizational data using automated systems, databases, or spreadsheets.
• Providing customer service by responding to routine inquiries regarding personnel procedures, application processes, or organizational policies.
• Assisting in the preparation of reports, summaries, or analyses by gathering information from multiple sources and organizing data for review.
• Supporting management functions by performing administrative and technical support tasks under established procedures.
• Reviewing records and documentation to identify missing information and ensure compliance with established requirements and guidelines.

This experience demonstrates attention to detail, ability to analyze and organize information, skill in using automated systems, and the ability to communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders while supporting human capital programs and operations.

GS-07 Specialized Experience Statement

To qualify for the GS-07 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience obtained in the private sector, military, state, local, or other non-Federal organizations.

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Assisting with personnel administration, or compliance-related activities.
• Utilizing automated human resources systems, databases, and spreadsheets to maintain records and retrieve information.
• Gathering, compiling, and organizing workforce, staffing, or personnel data for reports, studies, or management review.
• Assisting with workforce planning, staffing analyses, and organizational assessments by identifying basic trends and workforce information.
• Responding to routine inquiries from employees, and managers regarding human capital procedures, policies, and processes.
• Reviewing records and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established requirements.
• Supporting audit, accountability, delegated examining, or internal control activities by assembling documentation and conducting preliminary reviews.

This experience must demonstrate knowledge of fundamental human capital principles and practices; the ability to apply established procedures and guidelines; skill in reviewing and analyzing information; proficiency in using automated systems; and the ability to communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders while performing developmental human resources assignments.

GS-09 Specialized Experience Statement

To qualify for the GS-09 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience obtained in the private sector, military, state, local, or other non-Federal organizations.

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Applying human capital policies, procedures, and regulations to support recruitment, staffing, classification, workforce planning, or personnel management activities.
• Reviewing documentation for accuracy, completeness, and proper coding.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting workforce or personnel data and assisting in the preparation of reports, metrics, dashboards, or workforce analyses.
• Supporting workforce planning initiatives by identifying staffing trends, workforce gaps, and organizational requirements.
• Reviewing records and case files to support audits, delegated examining reviews, compliance assessments, and internal control activities.
• Providing guidance and assistance to managers, employees, and applicants regarding human capital processes, policies, and procedures.

This experience must demonstrate the ability to independently perform developmental human capital assignments, analyze and evaluate personnel information, apply established HR regulations and procedures, communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders, and support a variety of human capital programs and operational functions.

GS-11 Specialized Experience Statement

To qualify for the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience obtained in the private sector, military, state, local, or other non-Federal organizations.

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Providing advisory and technical services to managers and employees on position management, classification, workforce planning, special employment programs, and related human capital functions.
• Reviewing and processing personnel actions and related documentation to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting workforce, staffing, and organizational data to identify workforce trends, staffing requirements, and potential workforce gaps.
• Preparing reports, dashboards, studies, and recommendations to support workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and management decision-making.
• Providing guidance to managers, supervisors, employees, and applicants regarding human resources policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Supporting audits, delegated examining reviews, accountability assessments, and internal control activities by reviewing documentation, evaluating compliance, and identifying corrective actions when appropriate.
• Conducting briefings, presentations, or training sessions on human resources programs, processes, and requirements.

This experience must demonstrate the ability to independently perform a full range of human capital assignments; analyze and resolve complex personnel issues; interpret and apply human resources laws, regulations, and policies; provide authoritative guidance to management officials; evaluate workforce data and organizational requirements; and support staffing, classification, workforce planning, and compliance programs.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 08/21/2026 of this announcement.

Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit this application, you will receive an e-mail informing you that a USA Hire assessment is required of you. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 08/21/2026 to complete the assessment as this assessment is part of your application.

Education

In lieu of specialized experience, you may qualify with the following education or combination of both education and experience:

GS-5

• 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree OR
• A combination of education and experience

GS-7

• 1 full year of graduate level education OR
• Superior academic achievement OR
• A combination of education and experience

GS-9

• A master's or equivalent graduate degree OR
• 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR
• A LL.B. or J.D., if related OR
• A combination of education and experience

GS-11

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR
• 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR
• LL.M., if related OR
• A combination of education and experience

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

This position is located in Washington D.C.

• New employees to the Justice Management Division of the Department of Justice will be required to work on site in our D.C offices.
• Current employees of the Justice Management Division may be allowed to remain in their duty station.
• Location is negotiable for Military Spouses consistent with OPM's consistent with OPM's Guidance on Exempting Military Spouses and Foreign Service Spouses from Agency Return to Office Plans.

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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:

1. Your performance and conduct;
2. The needs and interests of the agency;
3. Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; AND
4. whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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

EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here:

DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here:

Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to Weston Sperbeck. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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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.

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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.