Human Resources Specialist (Strategic Business Unit) - Veterans Health Administration
(2024-06)
Administered human resources functions including recruitment, employee relations, benefits management, and performance management for a large healthcare organization serving veterans.
- Coordinated staffing processes, including the development and posting of job announcements, screening applicants, and conducting interviews to support workforce needs.
- Provided guidance and support to VHA leadership and staff on HR policies, procedures, and compliance with federal regulations such as Title 5 and the Veterans' Preference Act.
- Managed onboarding and orientation for new employees, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with VA-specific protocols.
- Assisted in the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, and leave benefits, ensuring accuracy and timely enrollment.
- Conducted employee training and development programs to enhance workforce capabilities and maintain a high level of employee engagement and satisfaction.
- Ensured adherence to union contracts and federal employment laws in all HR activities and employee relations matters.
- Analyzed HR metrics and generated reports to support workforce planning and organizational effectiveness.
- Managed comprehensive recruitment and placement activities for diverse positions, including Title 5 General Schedule, Title 5 Wage Grade, Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF), Hybrid Title 38, and Title 38 within the competitive and excepted Federal service. Collaborated with a team to deliver staffing and recruitment services to a large segment of medical care and administrative services at MVAHC.
- Conducted in-depth research, interpretation, analysis, and application of federal HR regulations, laws, and policies, such as the CFR, USC, Collective Bargaining Agreement, and VA Handbook, ensuring compliance with OPM and VA rules.
- Consulted with management on recruitment strategies, advising on appropriate sources and special hiring authorities. Provided guidance to employees and applicants on employment opportunities, eligibility, and qualification requirements.
- Developed and published vacancy announcements and recruitment materials using advanced technology. Implemented a job analysis process to identify and assess necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Determined applicant eligibility under various appointment authorities, including VEOA, VRA, reinstatement, Schedule A, and interchange agreements. Utilized OPM and VA standards to rate applicants and prepare certificates of qualified candidates.
- Performed internal placement duties, including special placement activities and providing assistance on the agency Merit Promotion program, addressing complex organizational challenges and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Integrated new recruiting authorities and laws into recruitment efforts, suggesting incentives to attract applicants.
- Reviewed selection process results for regulatory compliance and utilized the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions, VA Handbook, CFR, and USC to process various transactions on SF-52s, including accessions, pay changes, LWOP, RTD, and separations.
- Applied pay setting and adjusting techniques for Title 5 and Title 38 employees, including special rates, locality pay, grade and pay retention, and premium pay.
- Utilized pay administration regulations to create and modify special salary rate (SSR) and Locality Pay System (LPS) pay tables based on market data.
- Reviewed draft regulations and standards for organizational impact and coordinated plans to maintain a visible recruitment program.
- Provided advisory services on position management, ensuring documentation and consistency with similar positions. Analyzed organizational programs for efficiency and productivity impact.
- Proficient in using software programs such as USAStaffing for vacancy announcements, assessment questionnaires, applicant rating, certificate issuance, and auditing; WebHR for SF-52 processing and vacancy tracking; and eOPF for personnel file document viewing and issue investigation.
Human Resources Specialist (Trainee) - Veterans Health Administration
(2023-04 - 2024-06)
- Assisted in the recruitment and staffing process, including screening, interviewing, and onboarding new hires for various departments within the Veterans Health Administration.
- Support HR specialists in administering and enforcing personnel policies, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and maintaining accurate employee records.
- Collaborate with HR team members to assist in employee benefit enrollment, addressing employee inquiries, and providing information on policies related to health insurance, retirement, and leave.
- Conduct new employee orientations, ensuring smooth integration into the VHA workforce and providing them with essential information on workplace procedures and benefits.
- Help with performance management processes, including preparing performance evaluations, tracking employee progress, and providing support during performance reviews.
- Contribute to the preparation and analysis of HR reports related to recruitment, staffing, and employee retention.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee information and adhere to ethical standards while performing HR functions.
- Trained is using software programs such as USAStaffing for vacancy announcements, assessment questionnaires, applicant rating, certificate issuance, and auditing; WebHR for SF-52 processing and vacancy tracking; and eOPF for personnel file document viewing and issue investigation.
- Reviewed draft regulations and standards for organizational impact and coordinated plans to maintain a visible recruitment program.
- Reviewed selection process results for regulatory compliance and utilized the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions, VA Handbook, CFR, and USC to process various transactions on SF-52s, including accessions, pay changes, LWOP, RTD, and separations.
- Under supervision determined applicant eligibility under various appointment authorities, including VEOA, VRA, reinstatement, Schedule A, and interchange agreements. Utilized OPM and VA standards to rate applicants and prepare certificates of qualified candidates.
- Developed and published vacancy announcements and recruitment materials using advanced technology. Implemented a job analysis process to identify and assess necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- With limited supervision managed onboarding and orientation for new employees, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with VA-specific protocols.
- Conducted in-depth research, interpretation, analysis, and application of federal HR regulations, laws, and policies, such as the CFR, USC, Collective Bargaining Agreement, and VA Handbook, ensuring compliance with OPM and VA rules.
Owner/Operator - Shanda's Daycare
(2015-01 - 2018-12)
- Managed inventory control and maintained accurate records, ensuring daily interaction with parents and children.
- Negotiated and finalized contracts in compliance with ACCESS Child Care and Education Services, selecting appropriate clauses such as terminations for convenience or default of country compliance. Analyzed individual costs and added services as per ACCESS Contracting procedures and regulations.
- Oversaw daily operations including financial management, property management, maintenance, and check-in/check-out procedures. Filed necessary paperwork and contracts in accordance with ACCESS program requirements.
- Provided daily care for multiple children, offering educational materials and engaging them in art, music, reading, science, and math activities. Prepared meals under the guidance of the Nutrition Supplement program and ACCESS.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive curriculum to foster early childhood development, integrating educational best practices.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on child safety and development practices, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.
- Engaged with local community resources and organized events to enhance children's learning experiences and build community relationships.
- Managed social media and marketing strategies to increase enrollment and community engagement.
Customer Service Representative - Central Park Antiques
(2008-02 - 2008-08)
- Managed daily operations, including opening and closing, cleaning, cashiering, rent collection from vendors, and inventory stocking.
- Provided customer service by opening product displays, liaising with vendors, negotiating prices on behalf of customers, assisting customers with inquiries, resolving complaints, and ensuring a positive shopping experience.
Service Writer Customer Service - Comp USA
(2007-03 - 2008-02)
Daily duties included providing customer service, computer diagnostics, and computer maintenance for clients.
- Duties also consisted of processing payments, checking in and out of computers, inventory requests, parts acquisition, and cleaning.
- Provided exceptional customer support via phone, email, and live chat, achieving a customer satisfaction score of 95%.
- Assisted customers with technical support for computer hardware and software issues, reducing average resolution time by 20%.
- Trained new team members on customer service protocols and company products, enhancing team efficiency by 15%.
- Developed and maintained a knowledge base for common customer inquiries, improving first-call resolution rates.
- Collaborated with the technical and sales teams to ensure seamless customer experience and satisfaction.
- Recognized as "Employee of the Month" three times for outstanding customer service and problem-solving skills.
