Equal Employment Specialist
: Job Details :

SummaryServe as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist in the Office of the Director and assist the EEO Manager in planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring the affirmative action and EEO programs in the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care System (STVHCS). Because of the broad scope, depth, critical, and sensitive nature of EO activities, careful attention to details and confidentiality are essential elements in this position.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates11/25/2024 to 12/04/2024This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more* Salary$60,823 - $95,665 per year* Pay scale & gradeGS 9 - 11* HelpLocation1 vacancy in the following location:* San Antonio, TX 1 vacancy* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleYes-as determined by the agency policy.* Travel Required25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceCompetitive* Promotion potential11* Job family (Series)* 0260 Equal Employment Opportunity* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceOther* Drug testNo* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk* Trust determination process* Credentialing* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusNo* Announcement numberCAZM-12623576-25-GC* Control number820909900HelpThis job is open to* Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.Clarification from the agencyThis vacancy job announcement is open Only to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees and CTAP eligible candidates.VideosHelpDutiesProvide recommendations to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program Manager on the management of the assigned organizations of the EEO Program requirements and established goals. Advise management in assigned organizations of routine requirements and of the goals established to enhance the employment opportunities of minorities and women. Assist in the direction/management of one or more special emphasis programs and the EEO Advisory Committee. Provide routine advice. Assist in the fact-finding and analysis of discrimination complaints, to include finalizing resolutions of complaints/disputes. Develop draft policies for the EEO Program and evaluate equal employment activities and functions.Review new or proposed personnel policies, procedures and guidelines and make recommendations to management on the need for changes in existing policies. Review new or proposed personnel policies, procedures, and guidelines for impact on organizational practices. Make recommendations and identify conflicts or deviations from acceptable and/or current policies and practices. Analyze changes to regulations, policies, etc., for impact on EEO Programs, Plans, and implements actions, under the supervision of the EEO Program Manager, to correct deficiencies identified by reviews. Assist the EEO Program Manager in analyzing and evaluation the EEO Program by identifying problems or deficiencies, and typically proving workable solutions, and implementing improvement plans to meet established program goals and objectives.Develop and/or monitor proposals or plans related to the implementation of EEO Programs. Monitor progress and success of EEO projects and programs. Develop and maintain EEO related databases and reports. Secure research, organize and present background briefing materials as requested and required. Assist the EEO Program Manager in directing an EEO Advisory Committee, and of the EEO Special Emphasis Program Committees or developmental projects. Keep abreast of equal employment opportunity events occurring within and outside of the agency to anticipate the need for initiating same action. Represent the facility before Affirmative Employment, Equal Employment and Special Emphasis groups in the community.Responsible for Complaint Processing, Work force Analysis (MD 715) & Affirmative Action Employment; EEO and Diversity Training; Recruitment Outreach; and Special Emphasis Programs. In the absence of the EEO Manager, you will present training and monthly EEO presentations and serves as the backup advisor to the Equal Employment Manager in the area of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Employment, and Diversity Management for the Medical Center Director, Quad-level Executives, Care Line Managers, Service Chiefs, Supervisors and Employees. Responsible to the EEO Program Manager for supporting program development, administration, evaluation, and advisory functions.Support the Affirmative Action Program, retrieve information from automated databases to provide assessments in various program areas to assists EEO Officer in program evaluations. Review, analyze, and compile statistics and other data for use in the development and tracking of program objectives. Compile data related to affirmative action and complaints tracking, training, and other compliance reports. Identify areas of deficiencies, determine factors contributing to identify barriers and complaint trends. Develop input to recommendations for corrective action. Provide input into various surveys, studies, and special projects conducted by the EEO staff to analyze demographic data and other information related to underrepresentation, barriers, and trends affecting program compliance.Conduct mandatory and related EEO training for the workforce on such topics as Prevention of Sexual Harassment, NO Fear, Reasonable Accommodation, Mediation, and Diversity. Monitor career development opportunities for underrepresented groups. Provide advice and guidance to management and employees on new or revised policies and procedures in EEO. Brief senior leaders, managers, and supervisors on EEO mission, goals, and accomplishments.Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:00am to 04:30pmTelework: Ad-hocVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Position Description/PD#: Equal Employment Specialist/PD03748ORelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorizedHelpRequirementsConditions of Employment* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959* Must have a valid current state drivers license* You may be required to serve a probationary period* Subject to background/security investigation* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/04/2024.Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:GS-09:* Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to Knowledge of the principles, concepts, legal requirements, and methodology of the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and skill in applying this knowledge to perform assignments independently for which there are precedents. Practical knowledge and skill in interpreting, explaining, and applying a body of laws, regulations, and procedures. Skill in applying conventional fact-finding, analytical and problem-solving methods. Knowledge of the common policies, practices and operations of the Federal personnel system, the structure and function of Federal agencies including the Veterans Administration, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). Knowledge and skill to analyze facts identify problems, report findings, make conclusions and recommendations of corrective action or other appropriate action. Knowledge and skill to deal effectively with people in various settings (meetings, committees, panels, mediations, etc.) and to identify and make recommendations for programs or solutions to problems. Ability to plan, develop, implement, evaluate, and monitor programs, complete cycle of fact-finding, problem definition and identification, determining cause and effect relationships, making conclusions, and recommending a decision or proposing action, solve complex problems, attention to detail. OR,* Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree OR two (2) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education major field of study related to the work of the position which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). OR,* Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Only graduate education in excess of the first year of graduate level education is creditable. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)GS-11:* Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to knowledge of Federal Equal Employment Opportunity principles, concepts, laws, regulations and policies, and relevant precedent decisions to recognize and solve difficult EEO problems, and to make technical recommendations for decisions in complaint cases; Knowledge of statistical techniques and other analytical tools used to evaluate organizational behavior and identify patterns of practices of discrimination; conduct special projects and analysis; broad general knowledge of Federal personnel administration policies and practices including appeals and grievances, Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Position Classification, Recruitment and Selection; Oral communication and writing skills to make presentations, conduct training sessions/seminars, negotiate settlements, write recommendations for decisions in complaint cases, and to effectively work with supervisors, managers, and employees to provide advisory services in analyzing and recommending solutions to problems that adversely affect equal employment opportunity. OR,* Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED). OR,* Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education as described above. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)A current, state issued driver's license is required for this position.You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:* Communication* Organizational Awareness* Technical Competence* Administration and ManagementExperience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds. A valid state driver's license is required.For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: informationThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.Read more* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.For more information on the Who may apply eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.* BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.* Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:* Resume* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.* Cover Letter* DD-214/ Statement of Service* Disability Letter (Schedule A)* Disability Letter (VA)* License* Other (1)* Performance Appraisal* Resume* Separation Notice (RIF)* SF-15* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action* TranscriptSF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):* Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee* An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade* Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.* Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:* Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or* Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or* SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.* How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/04/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.Agency contact informationVISN 17 SSU USAS GroupEmail ...@va.govAddress Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital7400 Merton Minter BoulevardSan Antonio, TX 78229USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.* Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.* Criminal history inquiries* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy* Financial suitability* New employee probationary period* Privacy Act* Reasonable accommodation policy* Selective Service* Signature and false statements* Social security number requestHelpRequired DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:* Resume* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionThe following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.* Cover Letter* DD-214/ Statement of Service* Disability Letter (Schedule A)* Disability Letter (VA)* License* Other (1)* Performance Appraisal* Resume* Separation Notice (RIF)* SF-15* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action* TranscriptSF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):* Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee* An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade* Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.* Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:* Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or* Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or* SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.HelpHow to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/04/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the q