What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Resources Specialist (Employee Relations) position at DC Department of Human Resources?
Job Summary
This position is located in the Department of Employment Services (DOES), Office of Human Resources. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities. The agency Human Resources Specialist provides (1) human resource management (HRM) services that strengthen individual and organizational performance, which enables the District government to attract, develop, and retain a well-qualified, diverse workforce; and (2) leadership, strategic planning, direction, and consultation to the agency on human resource issues.
We are seeking a detail‑oriented and collaborative Employee Relations professional to join our team. This role is responsible for conducting thorough and impartial workplace investigations, analyzing findings, and making well‑supported recommendations aligned with the District Personnel Manual (DPM). The ideal candidate will also manage the end‑to‑end processing of FMLA and Paid Family Leave applications, ensure full regulatory compliance, and evaluate and determine appropriate ADA accommodations. Additionally, this position will provide guidance and support on the application of progressive discipline, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to established policies throughout the corrective action process.
Duties And Responsibilities
Reviews Requests for Personnel Actions, Requests for Advance Leave or Advance Leave Without Pay, and Selection Certificates to assure adherence and compliance with the procedural requirements of DCHR, and conformance with the goals and objectives of the agency. Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates problems in an effort to improve organizational structure, which includes developing and presenting recommendations and options to avoid or resolve problems. Participates in studies of organizations to determine immediate and long-range needs and advise on approaches to improve overall effectiveness. Analyzes difficult or specialized problems, advises program managers on proposed solutions and adapts policies and guidelines to the requirements of the organization. Analyzes proposed reorganizations and realignments. Makes recommendations on staffing patterns, functional statements, and organizational charts.
Participates in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, notices, and directives relating to human resources, and recommends changes to regulations, policies, and procedures under review. Develops, analyzes, and evaluates administrative procedures, functions, controls, and systems for the agency. Researches, interprets, and applies various pertinent laws and standards including District and Federal regulations and procedures related to personnel matters and administrative issues/problems. Maintains and utilizes knowledge of the District’s employee benefits program to effectively research, analyze, investigate, resolve, and audit employees’ general and specific inquiries, problems, or discrepancies. Assists employees with understanding their benefit options, associated costs, and other considerations by providing them with materials, information, and analyses warranted by the situation. Develops various forms, statistical reports, and narrative reports requested by agency management and DCHR. Assures that agency managers and supervisors understand them, through training, coaching, and other means which include policies, notices, issuances, etc.
Qualifications And Education
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least one (1) year at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
None.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is in a controlled environment and involves some exposure to moderate risk of accidents. Work requires adherence to basic safety precautions.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Term (Not to exceed 13 months)
Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-0201-13
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation
This position is located in the Department of Employment Services (DOES), Office of Human Resources. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities. The agency Human Resources Specialist provides (1) human resource management (HRM) services that strengthen individual and organizational performance, which enables the District government to attract, develop, and retain a well-qualified, diverse workforce; and (2) leadership, strategic planning, direction, and consultation to the agency on human resource issues.
We are seeking a detail‑oriented and collaborative Employee Relations professional to join our team. This role is responsible for conducting thorough and impartial workplace investigations, analyzing findings, and making well‑supported recommendations aligned with the District Personnel Manual (DPM). The ideal candidate will also manage the end‑to‑end processing of FMLA and Paid Family Leave applications, ensure full regulatory compliance, and evaluate and determine appropriate ADA accommodations. Additionally, this position will provide guidance and support on the application of progressive discipline, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to established policies throughout the corrective action process.
Duties And Responsibilities
Reviews Requests for Personnel Actions, Requests for Advance Leave or Advance Leave Without Pay, and Selection Certificates to assure adherence and compliance with the procedural requirements of DCHR, and conformance with the goals and objectives of the agency. Identifies, analyzes, and evaluates problems in an effort to improve organizational structure, which includes developing and presenting recommendations and options to avoid or resolve problems. Participates in studies of organizations to determine immediate and long-range needs and advise on approaches to improve overall effectiveness. Analyzes difficult or specialized problems, advises program managers on proposed solutions and adapts policies and guidelines to the requirements of the organization. Analyzes proposed reorganizations and realignments. Makes recommendations on staffing patterns, functional statements, and organizational charts.
Participates in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures, notices, and directives relating to human resources, and recommends changes to regulations, policies, and procedures under review. Develops, analyzes, and evaluates administrative procedures, functions, controls, and systems for the agency. Researches, interprets, and applies various pertinent laws and standards including District and Federal regulations and procedures related to personnel matters and administrative issues/problems. Maintains and utilizes knowledge of the District’s employee benefits program to effectively research, analyze, investigate, resolve, and audit employees’ general and specific inquiries, problems, or discrepancies. Assists employees with understanding their benefit options, associated costs, and other considerations by providing them with materials, information, and analyses warranted by the situation. Develops various forms, statistical reports, and narrative reports requested by agency management and DCHR. Assures that agency managers and supervisors understand them, through training, coaching, and other means which include policies, notices, issuances, etc.
Qualifications And Education
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least one (1) year at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.
Licenses and Certifications
None.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is in a controlled environment and involves some exposure to moderate risk of accidents. Work requires adherence to basic safety precautions.
Other Significant Facts
Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Term (Not to exceed 13 months)
Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-0201-13
Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not in a collective bargaining unit.
Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability, and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation