Human Resources Specialist (Compensation)

This position is established in VHA Workforce Management and Consulting's Human Resources Operations Office. HROO is the exclusive operational HR service provider for VHA's Central Office's (VHACO) Compensation/Compensation & Technical Review Team. Major duties: The Human Resources Specialist (Compensation) supports the Compensation Team by analyzing, interpreting, developing, and implementing laws, regulations, and policies in compensation administration, including pay and leave in addition to advising management on using compensation flexibilities to recruit, manage, and retain employees across the Veterans Health Administration. The duties of the job include, but are not limited to, the following: Research and develop solutions to recruitment and retention challenges by combining multiple pay and incentive flexibilities. Advise managers on justifications for special salary rates, recruitment bonuses, retention allowances, and critical skills incentives. Resolve complex compensation issues involving basic pay setting, locality pay, special rates, back pay, and pay limitations. Advise on premium pay, grade and pay retention, severance pay, and cost-of-living allowances (COLA). Perform preliminary analyses of hiring-trend survey data and develop preliminary workforce projections. Carry out Title 38 boarding procedures for physicians and nurses, including Market Pay Reviews. Identify and analyze workforce data, such as cost-per-hire, demographics, and attrition, to support workforce planning. Interpret recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive regulations and develop standard operating procedures for the organization. Advise on pay setting for new and continuing employees, including Above Minimum Entrance Rates (AMERs), Above Minimum Rates (AMRs), and Highest Previous Rates (HPRs). Advise on General Schedule, Federal Wage System, locality, and other geographic pay adjustments, including preparing special salary rate and locality pay table requests for VA Central Office (VACO). Advise on FLSA overtime, alternative work schedules, hours of duty, differentials, and allowances. Resolve back pay claims and advise on compliance with pay laws, court decisions, Comptroller General opinions, and VA Handbooks 5007 and 5017. Develop compensation program guidance and policy that applies across organizational lines, with potential agency-wide impact. Assess the effectiveness of compensation programs and recommend new methods, procedures, and processes. Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday Compressed/Flexible: Available at supervisor's discretion Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Ad hoc is defined as occasional, non-recurring telework. Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual Work. Virtual Work eligibility is for current VA employees that are already subject to the return to in person work mandate in their current position. Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space. Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandates are in effect and selectees will be required to report to in person work unless they have an approved exception or an exemption. Any approval for an RTO exception, exemption, or extension will happen after a tentative job offer, but before a final job offer. Position Description/PD#: Human Resources Specialist (Compensation)/PD20338A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Applicant Count: This job announcement will remain open until 11/03/2026. Completed applications (USA Hire Assessment Complete) received up to 11:59pm EST on the date in which 50 applications is reached will receive first consideration (initial cutoff). Applications received after 11:59pm EST on the date in which 50 applications are received may not receive consideration unless otherwise requested by management. Requirements: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: No special physical exertion is required. The work is primarily performed while sitting, though some work may require periods of standing. The regular and recurring work of the position involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc., and occasional visits to activity work sites. Occasional use of automobile and public conveyances may be required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will 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: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.