Indian Health Service Logo
Position Title
Human Resources Specialist
Agency
Indian Health Service
Announcement Number
IHS-21-CA-11239482-ESEP/MP Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, February 24, 2022 to Tuesday, March 15, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans' Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
  • retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
3. Are you currently employed by the agency hiring for this position? (limit characters)
4. Are you the parent of an individual who lost his or her life under honorable conditions while serving in the Armed Forces?  If yes,
  • the spouse of that parent is totally and permanently disabled OR
  • the parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or, if married, legally separated from his or her spouse
-OR-
Are you the parent of a service-connected permanently and totally disabled veteran? If yes, confirm
  • the spouse of that parent is totally and permanently disabled OR
  • the parent, when preference is claimed, is unmarried or, if married, legally separated from his or her spouse
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans)
(limit characters)
5. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who has been issued orders for a permanent change of station (PCS)? If yes, confirm that you are indicated on the PCS orders; and you
  • have been married to the military member on or prior to the date of your spouse's PCS orders AND
  • have not previously been appointed using this authority under these orders.
-OR-

Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating at the time of retirement of 100 percent or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

-OR-

Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources..
(limit characters)
6. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
7. Are you an American Indian/Alaska Native who is enrolled in a federally recognized tribe as defined by the Secretary of Interior? The Indian Health Service gives qualified American Indian/Alaska Natives preference when filling vacancies in accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472), with approved exceptions.

If eligible, submit a copy of your Bureau of Indian Affairs Form 4432, "Verification of Indian preference for employment in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service," that has been completed by authorized tribal or BIA Officials. For more information, review the IHS Indian Preference guidelines: http://www.ihs.gov/jobs/permanentDocs/indianpreference.pdf.
(limit characters)
8. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
9. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.
(limit characters)
10. Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
  • Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
11. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
  • Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
12. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
  • are entitled to veterans' preference
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
13. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?

-OR-

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?

-OR-

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?

If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.

If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
(limit characters)
14. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years)
  • are a disabled veteran
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition OR
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Which hiring plan applies to you and how do you want to be considered for employment? If you are not sure, visit the IHS Jobs Board Which Plan Should I Select.
You will only be considered for those that you select. (Select all that apply)
(limit characters)
2. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been arrested for or charged with certain crimes involving a child. Responding yes to this question can make you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been arrested for or charged with a crime involving a child? (limit characters)
3. This position is covered by Public Law 101-630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (25 United States Code Chapter 34) requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this law, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes against persons or offenses committed against children. Responding yes to this question makes you ineligible for employment in this position. You will be contacted if additional information is required. Have you ever been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) or guilty to, any felonious offense, or any two or more misdemeanor offenses under federal, state, or tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; or crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children? (limit characters)
4. I certify that (1) my responses to questions one and two are made under penalty of perjury, which is punishable by fine under title 18 of the United States Code, or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both; and (2) I have received notice that a criminal check will be conducted. I understand my right to obtain a copy of any criminal history report made available to the Indian Health Service and my right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of any information contained in the report. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in this Human Resources Specialist position with the Indian Health Service. We will evaluate your resume and your responses to this Assessment Questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit this questionnaire. (limit characters)
1. Minimum Qualification, GS-11, Human Resources Specialist
From the descriptions below, select the response that best describes your experience which demonstrates your ability to perform the work of this position at the GS-11. Select only one response and do not leave blank.
(limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Assist customers within an organization to assess their benefits, pay, and payroll and leave requirements and provide information or assistance to resolve their problems. (limit characters)
3. Communicate with customers on system issues using Human Resources Information Systems i.e. Personnel Processing systems, Benefit systems, Onboarding systems, etc. (limit characters)
4. Advise managers and supervisors on Human Resources policy (such as Recruitment and placement strategies, and other Human Resources matters) in order for them to make an informed decision. (limit characters)
5. Collaborate with servicing Human Resources and/or payroll offices to correct coding, establish payroll changes, or take other actions related to employee benefits actions to ensure accurate changes are made. (limit characters)
6. Communicate with customers regarding policies and procedures in the hiring process for better clarification or to provide information. (limit characters)
7. Consult with management on hiring strategies to ensure an appropriate group of applicants are identified (i.e., Merit Promotion vs. Delegated Examining) to fill positions. (limit characters)
8. Administer and support one or more of the Human Resources Information Systems which include but are not limited to USA Staffing or other online application technology, Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), Oracle Discoverer, Payroll and Personnel processing system(s), Microsoft Suite (Access Database), etc. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
9. I have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and/or policies of recruitment and selection under delegated examining authority. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
10. Administer Human Resources hiring plans (e.g., the Merit Promotion Plan (MPP), Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP), Delegated Examining Unit (DEU), and/or Direct Hire Authority (DHA)) in order to provide authoritative advisory service to management. (limit characters)
11. Apply comprehensive knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and/or policies of recruitment and selections for positions in the competitive service. (limit characters)
12. Determine qualifications of applicants, using fundamental Human Resources methods, principles, and practices to obtain the best candidate(s). (limit characters)
13. Have you had any work experience where you advise managers and timekeeping personnel in keeping payroll related records and methods to avoid administrative and/or preventive errors with the understanding of compensation entitlements? (limit characters)
14. Perform payroll and timekeeping administration. (limit characters)
15. Conduct detailed planning to gather or interpret information and data for assessing complicated payroll and/or employee benefits issues and unusual circumstances. (limit characters)
16. Administer Federal Employee Benefits regulations and processes. (limit characters)
17. Advise employees on Federal benefits, such as: Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), Office of Worker's Compensation Program (OWCP), and/or Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make informative decisions. (limit characters)
18. Advise on employee benefits to assist in resolving benefits issues or misunderstandings.  (limit characters)
19. Assist customers within an organization to assess their benefits, pay, and payroll and leave requirements and provide information or assistance to resolve their problems. (limit characters)
20. Counsel employees on the advantages and disadvantages of retirement options and benefits including federal health, dental, vision, and/or life insurance benefit program coverage. (limit characters)
As previously explained, your responses in this Assessment Questionnaire are subject to evaluation and verification. Later steps in the selection process are specifically designed to verify your responses. Deliberate attempts to falsify information will be grounds for disqualifying you or for dismissing you from employment following acceptance. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. If you fail to answer this question, you will be disqualified from consideration for this position. (limit characters)
21. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled, I may be denied an appointment, or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated. I understand that responding "No" to this item will result in my not being considered for this position. (limit characters)