Human Resources Specialist
Company: The Public Defender Service for the District of Co
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 3, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description: Number of vacancies: 01 Who may
apply: U.S. Citizens and those authorized to work in the United
States. Starting Salary: $82,764 - $137,624 salary range Position
Grade: AD-11/12/13 (equivalent to GS-11/12/13) Promotion Potential:
AD-13 (equivalent to GS-13) Position Details: Full-time/Excepted
Service Supervisory Position: No Relocation Authorized: No Security
Clearance Required: None Division Description: This position is
located in PDS’s Office of Human Resources (OHR). The Office of
Human Resources is responsible for developing, organizing,
administering, and evaluating the agency’s comprehensive human
resources management program designed to ensure optimum efficiency
and effectiveness in the use of human resources to achieve agency
goals and objectives. To support PDS's holistic approach to public
defense, OHR provides talent acquisition, position classification,
compensation and benefits administration, employee relations,
organizational and employee development, payroll, HR information
management, and regulatory compliance services for the purpose of
inspiring excellence in people. Major Duties: The Human Resources
Specialist supports the Director of Human Resources in the daily
operations of human resources, contributing to strategic human
capital management and organizational effectiveness. Key
responsibilities include:Monitors legislative and regulatory
changes in the benefit, retirement, and work-life program areas in
order to identify required changes in PDS policy regulations or
procedures, coordinate with affected employees and other
stakeholders in the development, issuance, and implementation of
required changes.Reviews all retirement applications and ensures
timely processing to OPM. Serves as the liaison with the Office of
Personnel Management (OPM) in monitoring the status of retirement
applications.Assists employees with special retirement situations
such as those initiating disability retirements, early-out
retirement, etc.Research employment records for applicability to
federal career, e.g., adjustment in service computation dates.
Provide individual retirement counseling. Analyzes information to
establish the length and type of creditable service and prepare
retirement annuity estimates for employeesDetermine the amount of
retirement contributions, refunds of contributions, payments, and
repayments needed for service credit to include military deposits,
and whether all special requirements and conditions applicable to
the type of case have been met; and whether the requirements for
payment of a survivor annuity or lump sum are satisfied.Assist
employees in the preparation of retirement applications and related
documents.Oversees and conducts off boarding of employees whether
as terminations, separations or transfers. Ensure employees are
apprised of what happens to their benefits upon their separation
from PDS (or if they transfer to a Federal agency). Processes all
necessary separations paperwork. Conducts exit interviews with
employees and ensures off-boarding processes and procedures are
followed.Oversees the processing and completion of benefits related
personnel actions in the Federal Personnel and Payroll System
(FPPS) and Workforce Transformation and Tracking System (WTTS).
Serves as administrator in the e-OPF system and other systems
related to employees’ records and benefits (Employee Express,
Employers’ Edge (unemployment), GRB, DPRW/NFC, etc.)Manages and
monitors Office of Worker’s Compensation (OWCP) Program and develop
programs and processes to help reduce OWCP costs by coordinating
with employees, DOL, medical professionals, and supervisors to
return employees to work as soon as medically possible. Use the
e-Comp system as an Agency Maintenance User (AMU) to maintain
administrative function of the system.Develops, modifies, and
conducts presentations of basic and/or refresher training in
employee benefits programs such as workers’ compensation,
retirement, Thrift Savings Program, Employee Assistance Program,
etc.Provides information on PDS’s available employee benefits,
retirement, and leave programs. Utilize web-based personnel,
timekeeping, and data retrieval systems to identify, document, and
affect required actions.Administers PDS’s leave program including
Family Medical Leave (FMLA), Paid Parental Leave, Leave
Share/Voluntary Leave Transfer, Bereavement Leave, etc.Plans health
and wellness programs, open season health fairs, for all employees.
Coordinates with FOH and FEHB account representatives to secure
health and wellness program events and speakers. Responsible for
event logistics including all communications to FOH, FEHB account
representatives, and employees.Makes recommendations for individual
employee training and provides guidance to managers in support of
supervisors who are undergoing Employee Relations issues with
subordinates. Assists supervisors with identifying employee
training needs, researches and makes suggestions on training
options.Audits employees’ eOPF and analyzes information to
establish creditable service, calculates service computation dates
for leave and retirement, and updates service computation dates in
FPPS. Advises employees on the buyback of creditable time for
retirement.Provides technical expertise on complex retirement
coverage issues, determines correct retirement coverage code and
contributions, provides estimates for civilian and military
deposits, redeposits, and survivor benefits. The incumbent also
assists employees with completing and submitting deposit forms to
OPM.The incumbent also performs other related duties to support the
OHR office and mission not limited to verifying employment,
processing direct deposit, and tax forms, completes character and
fitness forms for bar requests, student loan forgiveness program
employment forms, etc. and backing up other HR employees. Required
Qualifications: For the PDS-11 (GS-11 equivalent): Candidates must
demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience
equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service or equivalent,
which must include:Experience assisting with the administration of
federal employee benefits, leave, retirement, and awards
programs;Experience providing guidance to employees on routine to
moderately complex federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards
programs;Experience supporting or assisting in the development
and/or delivery of information sessions, briefings, or orientation
programs related to federal benefits, retirement, leave, and awards
programs;Applying human resources laws, regulations, principles,
and practices to support HR program operations and services;Working
knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and practices related to
position management, staffing and recruitment and/or human
resources management;Ability to establish and maintain effective
working relationships with internal staff and external
stakeholders;Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both
orally and in writing;Experience utilizing HR information systems
(e.g., FPPS, OBIEE, QuickTime, WTTS, or similar systems) to input,
track, or retrieve personnel and benefits data;Ability to provide
guidance and support to employees and supervisors on assigned human
resources programs and processes. For the PDS-12 (GS-12
equivalent): Your resume and work experiences must show that you
have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or equivalent and
it must include:Experience with federal employee benefits, leave,
retirement, and awards programs;Experience providing guidance to
employees on federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards
programs;Experience developing and conducting information or
orientation programs for management and employees on federal
benefits, retirement, leave, and awards programsInterpreting and
applying human resources laws, regulations, principles, practices,
policies, methods, and techniques related to strategic human
capital management and competency modeling.Specialized experience,
knowledge, and skill in applying federal laws, regulations, and
practices governing federal position classification.Proven ability
to establish and maintain professional working relationships with
individuals and organizations across the agency and with external
relevant organizations.Demonstrated excellence in both verbal and
written communication.Experience with user access management
(adding, removing, modifying) in FPPS, OBIEE, QuickTime, and WTTS
information systems.Demonstrated ability to provide comprehensive
advice and counsel on all aspects of assigned human resources
programs and operations to executives, managers, and employees. For
the PDS-13 (GS-13 equivalent): Your resume and work experiences
must show that you have at least one (1) year of specialized
experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal
service or equivalent and it must include:Experience providing
authoritative advice and guidance on federal employee benefits,
leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience explaining the
features of various federal employee benefits, leave, retirement,
and awards programs;Experience developing and conducting
information or orientation programs for management and employees on
federal benefits, leave, retirement, and awards programs;Experience
researching regulations and other pertinent directives to make
recommendations to improve federal employee benefits, leave,
retirement and awards programs;Experience with complex regulations
and other pertinent laws that affect employees that are/were
enrolled in the District of Columbia Government and/or under the DC
Defined Contribution Plan; determines creditable service and
corresponding effects on Federal benefits. Highly Desirable
Qualifications: The following achievements and/or experiences are
strongly preferred:In-depth knowledge of and skill in applying a
wide range of human resources concepts, principles, laws,
regulations, and practices. Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in
applying federal laws, regulations, and practices governing health
and life insurance, retirements, leave administration, awards, and
other benefits entitlements.Demonstrated ability to provide advice
and counsel concerning all aspects of employee benefits, leave,
retirement, and awards programs to executives, managers, and
employees.Demonstrated ability to develop professional working
relationships with individuals and organizations throughout the
agency and with other relevant organizations. Demonstrated ability
to communicate successfully verbally and in writing.Ability to work
with a team, including the ability to plan and schedule work,
define and streamline processes, produce results, and direct and
develop team members.Demonstrated ability to communicate
successfully verbally and in writing in order to provide
authoritative advice and guidance on federal benefits, leave,
retirement, and awards programs.Knowledge of recruitment and
retention processes Educational Requirements: There are no formal
education requirements for this position. Promotion Eligibility
Requirements: This position is advertised at the PDS grade AD-12/13
(equivalent to a GS-12/13), with a full performance level at the
PDS grade AD-14 (equivalent to a GS-14).Promotion from AD grade 09
to AD grade 11: Requires at least 1 year of exemplary performance
at the grade 09 level.Promotion from AD grade 11 to AD grade 12:
Requires completion of at least 1 year of exemplary performance at
the AD grade 11 level.Promotion from AD grade 12 to AD grade 13:
Requires completion of at least 1 year of exemplary performance at
the AD grade 12 level. Note: Promotion to subsequent grade levels
may occur without further competition, subject to final approval by
the PDS Director. How you will be evaluated: Your application
package includes your cover letter, resume and requested supporting
documentation. Please ensure your application package includes
detailed information to support your qualifications for this
position. Failure to provide sufficient evidence in your
application package and requested supporting documents can result
in a rejection of your application package. Rating: Your
application package will be rated and ranked among other
applicants, based on your experience, education, training, and
awards relevant to the duties of this position. Your rating can be
lowered if your application package is not supported by the
requested documents. Referral: If you are among the top qualified
candidates, your application package will be referred to a hiring
manager for consideration at which time you may be invited to
participate in a selection interview. Interview Structure: Those
who are selected for interviews will be required to interview via
Web- X, Skype, or some other communications platform. Note: PDS
reserves the right to interview prior to the closing date.
Benefits: PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and employees
are entitled to participate in federal benefits plans, federal
retirement systems, and the workers compensation program.
Transferring federal employees will receive recognition of
creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement (if
applicable) purposes. Benefits include:Federal Employees Retirement
Systems (retirement annuity)Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K
program)Federal Employees Health Benefits (health insurance)Federal
Employees Group Life Insurance (life insurance)Federal Employees
Dental and Vision Insurance ProgramFlexible Spending Accounts (for
health care and dependent care)Employee Assistance ProgramParking
Space LotteryFederal Occupational Health (access to health clinic
and services) Telework: This position is eligible for telework in
accordance with the organization’s policy, and at the supervisor's
discretion. How to Apply: For consideration applicants must submit
the required documents listed below. Failure to submit will result
in an incomplete application. Please upload the required documents
as one PDF attachment; multiple transcripts should also be uploaded
to one PDF document as well. Please ensure your application package
includes detailed information to support your qualifications for
this position. Failure to provide sufficient evidence in your
application package and requested supporting documents can result
in a rejection of your application package. Your application
package should include the following: ? A cover letter ? A résumé
with an email address, with current and previous employers, dates
of employment, position status as full- or part-time, and position
title and scope of duties. ? A list of three professional
references with brief description on how each reference is able to
attest to your skills/experience. Please include the name, email
and telephone number and the relationship (i.e. Direct Supervisor,
Indirect Supervisor, Mentor etc.) For applicants with disabilities,
this organization pr Company Description This is a great
opportunity! The Public Defender Service for the District of
Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization
governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal
representation for indigent individuals who are charged with
criminal offenses in the District of Columbia and face a loss of
liberty. The PDS staff consists of approximately 275 attorneys,
social workers, investigative specialists, administrative, and
technical employees who collaborate to advance the mission of the
organization. By statue, PDS employees are entitled to participate
in federal health insurance, life insurance and retirement plans,
to include the Thrift Savings Plan. Employees with prior tenure at
federal agencies will receive recognition of creditable federal
service for leave accrual and retirement purposes. Division
Description: The Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD)
provide the clinical component of the defense in the representation
of adult and/or juvenile clients. ORD assists staff attorneys and,
at times, attorneys practicing under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA)
develop least restrictive, individualized sentencing and
rehabilitation plans for clients, in-depth mitigation reports,
case-based counseling, case management, and collaboration with
legal and/or juvenile justice agencies and other parties working
with our clients
Keywords: The Public Defender Service for the District of Co, Harrisburg , Human Resources Specialist, Human Resources , Washington, Pennsylvania
