Career Opportunity: HR Specialist (ER/LR) at the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a seasoned Human Resources professional with a deep understanding of labor relations and conflict resolution? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly motivated HR Specialist to serve on the Executive Support Team. This role offers an incredible opportunity to influence major policy decisions and support the backbone of the VA workforce.
Job Responsibilities
As an HR Specialist (ER/LR), you will act as a subject matter expert (SME) advising leadership on complex Employee and Labor Relations issues. Key duties include:
- Developing and evaluating agency-wide labor relations programs.
- Serving as a technical advisor during collective bargaining negotiations.
- Resolving sensitive issues that impact organizational mission goals.
- Drafting responses to third-party inquiries from the FLRA, MSPB, and OPM.
- Reviewing medical center policies for bargaining unit impact.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-13 position, applicants must demonstrate:
- Current Federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements at the GS-12 level.
- Possession of a graduate degree OR one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-13 |
| Education | Graduate degree (Criteria 1) |
| Experience | 1+ year at GS-12 level (Criteria 2) |
| Telework | Eligible |
| Location | Linthicum Heights, MD |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $106,437 to $138,370 per year, commensurate with federal pay schedules.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package:
- Full health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Generous paid leave accrual based on years of service.
Application Tips
Since the implementation of the two-page resume limit, it is crucial that you prioritize your most relevant, recent experience. Use the USAJOBS resume builder and ensure you convert your document to a PDF before uploading. Double-check that your SF-50s are clear and prove your time-in-grade eligibility.
This role is a career-defining opportunity for a dedicated HR professional. If you have the expertise to navigate complex labor relations and the desire to support Veterans, we encourage you to apply by the closing date.
Why This Visn (Er/Lr) Exec Support Hr Specialist (Temporary Promotion-Nte 1 Year) Job Matters
Advance your HR career by joining the Veterans Health Administration in a high-impact, expert-level Employee and Labor Relations role.
Visn (Er/Lr) Exec Support Hr Specialist (Temporary Promotion-Nte 1 Year) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly skilled HR Specialist (ER/LR) to join the Executive Support Team within the Shared Services Unit in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. This temporary promotion (not to exceed one year) provides a unique opportunity to shape organizational culture, resolve complex labor relations disputes, and provide expert advisory services to Network and field facility leadership. As a subject matter expert, you will develop strategies to improve labor-management partnerships and ensure compliance with federal regulations, directly supporting the mission of providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Visn (Er/Lr) Exec Support Hr Specialist (Temporary Promotion-Nte 1 Year)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-12 level)
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Must be able to provide REAL ID compliant identification
Preferred Qualifications for Visn (Er/Lr) Exec Support Hr Specialist (Temporary Promotion-Nte 1 Year)
- Graduate degree in a relevant field such as HR, business, or labor relations
- Three years of progressive specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level
- Mastery of Employee Relations, Labor Relations, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) principles
- Expertise in national collective bargaining agreements and third-party proceedings
- Proven ability to provide advisory services to executive leadership on sensitive personnel issues
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment)
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
💡 How to Apply Visn (Er/Lr) Exec Support Hr Specialist (Temporary Promotion-Nte 1 Year) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Visn (Er/Lr) Exec Support Hr Specialist (Temporary Promotion-Nte 1 Year) Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS and build a federal resume (maximum 2 pages)
- Review the job announcement and questionnaire requirements
- Prepare required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and academic transcripts
- Submit your online application through the USA Staffing platform by the closing date
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to remain eligible.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week; full-time is 35-40 hours.
- Upload documents in PDF format to maintain formatting and page limits.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format meets federal standards.
- Clearly highlight your experience with collective bargaining and labor law in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
No, this is a temporary promotion with a duration not to exceed one year.
What is the education requirement for this role?
While you may qualify via specialized experience alone, a graduate degree can be part of the qualification criteria under Criteria 1. All applicants must provide transcripts if relying on education.
Is telework allowed?
Yes, telework may be authorized for this position, and the specific arrangement will be discussed during the interview process.
Can I apply without a federal background?
This position requires current federal employees to meet time-in-grade requirements at the GS-12 level; please review the announcement details for specific eligibility paths.
Is this role fully remote?
No, this is not a virtual position; however, telework may be authorized.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military." The VHA, as part of this mission, operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Working here means contributing to the well-being of our nation's heroes while operating in a professional environment that values innovation, equity, and service.