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Position Title
Human Resources Specialist (ER/Performance Management)
Agency
Patent and Trademark Office
Announcement Number
TMCO - HRMS-24-12531950-MP Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 to Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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:
To verify your eligibility, you must 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. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
(limit characters)
3. 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; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a former federal employee who held a career appointment in the competitive service OR who held a career-conditional appointment (and is within 3 years of the date of separation or is a preference eligible) and who has never held the full performance level of this position?

OR

Are you a current federal employee in the competitive service who has never held the full performance level of this position?

To verify your eligibility as a current or former federal employee, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
  • career or career-conditional (Block #24 Tenure 1 or 2); AND, status in the competitive service (Block #34 Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
5. 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; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
6. Are you eligible for appointment under an Interchange agreement or other similar authority?

For more information on interchange agreements and similar authorities, click here.
(limit characters)
7. Are you a spouse of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who has orders specifying a permanent change of station (not for training), OR a spouse of a 100% disabled service member injured while on active duty, OR an un-remarried widow/widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty? (limit characters)
8. 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 are 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?

To verify your eligibility, you must 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)
9. Are you a current or former Federal employee who holds or has previously held a career or career-conditional position in the competitive service at the same or higher grade level with the same or higher promotion potential as the position being announced?

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)
10. 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)
11. 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? For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. USAJOBS Veterans resources

To verify your eligibility, you must 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 service which includes character of service.
(limit characters)
12. 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? For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.  

To verify your eligibility, you must 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, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. How did you hear about this USPTO job opportunity? (No Choice Limit) (limit characters)
3. Have you held a political appointment within the previous five-year period? (limit characters)
4. If you are a current or former Federal civilian employee, by what agency/office or Department of Commerce bureau are you employed? (limit characters)
5. If you answered "Other" to the above question, please enter the agency and organization. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Human Resources Specialist ER/Performance Management position with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Your resume and the responses you provide will be used 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 your application. (limit characters)
1. At the GS-11 grade level, select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of Human Resources Specialist (ER/Performance Management). (limit characters)
2. At the GS-12 grade level, select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of Human Resources Specialist (ER/Performance Management). (limit characters)
INSTRUCTIONS: For each of the following items, select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided below. (limit characters)
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. (limit characters)
3. Assisting and providing guidance on problems not susceptible to established methods; recommendations and/or decisions characterized by breadth and importance. (limit characters)
4. Serves as the focal point for technical guidance to management officials providing advice on matters relating to employee productivity, motivation, morale, discipline and workplace climate / environment issues. (limit characters)
5. Provides advice to management on performance management to include how to navigate HR solutions and review performance appraisal plans. (limit characters)
6. Provides advice and responses that address the full range of matters pertinent to employee relations and/or performance management issues or problems. (limit characters)
7. Conducts in-depth assessments and analyses of issues and problems; identifies most appropriate course(s) of action or approaches for resolution. (limit characters)
8. Prepares and presents reports, briefings on case status; provides guidance to management and employees. (limit characters)
9. Provides insight into authoritative employee relations and/or performance management statutory and regulatory guidance in relation to policies and procedures. (limit characters)
10. Provides assistance with employee relations and/or performance issues related to the establishment of strategic planning, workforce goals, objectives and implementation plans. (limit characters)
11. Interprets legislative, regulatory and agency policies, providing advice on various human resources issues such as hours of work, changes in working conditions, leave administration and performance management. (limit characters)
12. Keeps abreast of new developments and regulatory guidance from higher authorities and provides interpretative guidance to managers and supervisors. (limit characters)
13. Works with business process owners to assist developing, analyzing and evaluating human resources programs, services and provides recommendations to maximize effectiveness. (limit characters)
14. Assists managers and/or supervisors to identify employee relations issues. Develop specific focused courses of action and/or substantive solutions to address and resolve identified issues. (limit characters)
15.
Responds to request for information and/or assistance in accordance with agency guidelines within a timely manner. 
(limit characters)
16.
Conducts research and ensures that all customers receive accurate responses to their inquiries.
(limit characters)
17.
Ensures that regular and clear lines of communication are maintained between the Office of Human Resources and customer(s).
(limit characters)
18. Verbally addresses issues with managers or prepares written responses to address analytical findings; that support, identify, and/or delineate the applicable guidelines, policies, or procedures. (limit characters)