Human Resources Specialist (Classification) (Senior Classification Specialist)

Bureau of Prisons / Federal Prison System; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bureau of Prisons is seeking a corrections classification specialist to conduct complex classification evaluations and produce defensible determinations. You will lead audits, advise on exemptions and retirement criteria, and help refine classification tools while supporting senior officials.

You will also deliver advanced training, work with HR and management, and represent the agency in oversight discussions. This role requires deep knowledge of OPM standards and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in complex classification evaluations and title/grade determinations.
• Ability to analyze statutory criteria and agency rules to advise on exemptions and retirement coverage.
• Development, validation, and refinement of classification tools and templates for consistency.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership during classification audits and appeals.
• Advise managers and HR on advanced classification principles and standards.
• Develop and deliver advanced classification training for workforce proficiency.
• Represent the organization before oversight entities and multi-agency work groups.

Skills

Classification expertise

HR policy knowledge

Training delivery

Executive advisory

Tools

OPM classification standards

Agency supplements

Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements:

Education

There is no substitution of education for specialized experience for this position.

Experience

You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level. To be creditable, this experience must have equipped the applicant with the qualifications to perform successfully the duties of the position, and must typically be in or related to the position to be filled.

• Conducted complex and sensitive classification evaluations, including cases without precedent or involving statutory/interpretive ambiguity, by performing high-impact desk audits, analyzing mission functions and organizational documents, and producing authoritative, defensible title, series, and grade determinations.
• Made expert FLSA exemption decisions and determined eligibility for primary/secondary law enforcement retirement coverage, drug-test designations, and/or SES classification by analyzing statutory criteria, mission functions, and operational assignments, and prepared formal recommendations for senior officials.
• Led the development, validation, and refinement of organization-wide classification tools, including standardized classification templates, agency supplements to classification standards, and/or position description dashboards, to strengthen consistency and defensibility in the agency-wide application of OPM classification criteria.
• Advised managers, executives, and HR personnel on advanced classification principles and the interpretation of OPM standards, Comptroller General decisions, and/or FLRA rulings; developed and delivered advanced classification and position description training to ensure workforce proficiency.
• Provided senior technical leadership during classification audits and compliance reviews, delivered expert testimony in appeals and adjudicatory proceedings, and/or represented the organization as a classification authority before Department oversight entities, OPM, and/or multi-agency work groups.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**