Serves as a staffing specialist in providing the full range of employment advisory and operational services to enhance and facilitate the functions of the teams in order to improve service to field organizations.

Supports the talent acquisition process through recruitment and employee onboarding activities. Provides a wide variety of services that include preparing job opportunity announcements using USA Staffing; screen and rate applicants against minimum qualification standards; reviewing and preparing SF52 actions, answering employment questions, conducting employee onboarding through USA Staffing system for new hires; responds to telephone inquiries via email and over the phone transferring requests to appropriate Human Resources Specialist, as necessary; assists applicants with new hire onboarding, clarification of job offer text; provides assistance to multiple programs and Supervisors by answering procedural questions and helping to resolve any human resources issues or problems. Enters employee data into the USA Staffing and E-Tracker; extracts information from e-OPF and National Finance Center databases on applicants assigned to USDA/APHIS. Creates and distributes tentative selection notices, final offer letters and other employment documents. Codes a variety of SF-52’s/personnel actions for promotion, conversion, change to lower grade, reassignment, new appointments etc. Extends tentative offer/official offers to applicants once legal selections have been verified; requests SF75 information and establishes reporting/release dates via communication with outside agencies as well as internal programs. Frequently consults and applies OPM rules and regulations in adjudicating veterans’ preference, the Operating Manual of Qualification Standards for GS and WG positions, the Delegated Examining Operations Handbook, the Department and Agency Merit Promotion Plan, the Vet Guide and other reference materials for guidance.

Supports center leadership with the talent acquisition process through employee recruiting, hiring, and onboarding activities, pre-screening resumes, scheduling interviews, performing on-site drug screening, creating requisitions in ADP Recruiting Manager, completing I9 and E-Verify requirements and maintaining and conducting the Welcoming program. Ensures all new employees are trained in time clock procedures and initiates employee badge photo. Open enrollment liaison, ensuring all benefit information is communicated and administered according to deadlines. Directs employees to appropriate resources in response to employee needs (i.e. 401K, payroll, ESS to update personal information or to access benefit or W-2 information). Manages FMLA/LOA process in accordance with company policy. Ensures employees are up-to-date with company compliance requirements. Participates in employee appreciation and engagement activities. Maintains employee personnel and medical files. Tracks employee incidents/injury and reports to Workers Compensation Manager and Third-Party Administrator. Maintains all Workers Compensation documentation and maintains and updates OSHA 300 Log. Serve as back-up to Center Scheduling Manager and communicates regularly with employees and management to assist with any HR related issues or concerns.

Responsible for FMLA and Leave of Absence (LOA) program management for over 600+ employees, developing and maintaining processes and administering program initiatives. I updated the internal FMLA database and prepared associated FMLA forms. I tracked all participating employees and presented key updates and risk mitigation strategies to HR Manager. I was a key player in employee recruiting, hiring, and onboarding activities, pre-screening resumes, scheduling interviews, assisting with online employee applications, performing oral drug screening and background checks, and executing New Hire Orientation. I also assisted current employees with Employee Self-Service (ESS)/Direct2Hr portals and benefits during open enrollment. I was recognized as an employee advocate and liaison, building strong internal relationships.

Managed the Worker's Compensation program for 5 states, assessing accident investigation documents to recommend claim dispositions to supervisors. I created and submitted wage statements on lost-time claims, coordinated employee return to duty and medical treatments with claims adjusters for full duty releases. I worked cross-functionally via bi-weekly claim calls to ensure case resolution. Conducted medical provider site visits and prepared and distributed Quarterly Workers Compensation Leave Reports. I communicated with Third Party Administrators routinely on assigning nurse case managers, investigative services and coordinated transitional modified duties. I was the trusted advisor to claimants, providing answers on billing, prescriptions, diagnostic procedures and coordinating transportation services. I also worked as the Health Unit Nurse from November 2005 to December 2008.