Why This Program Specialist (Hr Liaison) Job Matters
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Program Specialist (Hr Liaison) Job Overview
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement: 09/08/2026. Time-In-Grade: Applicants who are current federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at or above the GS-7 grade level. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at or above the GS-9 grade level. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at or above the GS-11 grade level. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information. GRADE REQUIREMENT: To receive CTAP selection priority, your grade level upon Reduction in Force must be at least 9/11/12. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Minimum Qualifications: You must also qualify based on your experience and as described below: To qualify at the GS-9 grade level: Specialized experience: To qualify, applicants must have one (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience applying and providing guidance on multiple fields of Human Resources rules, regulations, and procedures including Personnel Management, Recruitment and Staffing, Classification, Employee Benefits (OWCP, retirements, and insurance programs), and/or Labor Relations. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assist employees with advice on a variety of rules, regulations, and practices pertaining to human resources Provide guidance and explanations of the organization's policies, procedures, and guidelines to leaders and employees Provide advice regarding appropriate levels on personnel actions. Education: A master's or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D., if related) from an accredited college or university, or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, may be substituted for experience at the GS-09 level. This graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform he duties of the position. Note: A transcript must be submitted with the application if all or part of the qualifications is based on education. To qualify at the GS-11 grade level: Specialized experience: To qualify, applicants must have one (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience applying and providing guidance on multiple fields of Human Resources rules, regulations, and procedures including Personnel Management, Recruitment and Staffing, Classification, Employee Benefits (OWCP, retirements, and insurance programs), and/or Labor Relations. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Provide advisory services to leaders and employees on a range of human resources concepts, laws, and policies; Assist leadership in solving a range of complex problems and issues; Participate in policy development groups or projects based on broad organizational requirements. Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (such as an LL.M., if related) from an accredited college or university, or completion of three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, may be substituted for the required experience. The graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position. Note: A transcript must be submitted with the application if all or part of the qualification is based on education. To qualify at the GS-12 grade level: Specialized Experience: To qualify, applicants must have one (1) year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level or higher in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as experience providing advisory services, quality review services, or experience drafting and approving standard operating procedures and/or other forms of regulatory guidance covering multiple fields of Human Resources rules, regulations, and procedures including Personnel Management, Recruitment and Staffing, Classification, Employee Benefits (OWCP, retirements, and insurance programs), and/or Employee and Labor Relations. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Provide advice and guidance in the areas of classification and staffing and recruitment; Defending agency actions in front of a 3rd party hearing (FLRA, MSPB); Experience as the chief negotiator in labor negotiations. Note: There is no educational substitution for the GS-12 level. Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. 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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical 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 experience. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require walking in offices and similar areas for meetings and to conduct HR work. Work may also require walking and standing in conjunction with travel to and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the worksite. The work does not require any special physical effort. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/