Employee Relations & Awards SME

Title:

Employee Relations & Awards SME Location:

Remote Company Overview At APV, we're more than a technology company — we're a mission-driven powerhouse transforming organizations through advanced technology and human ingenuity. Our expertise spans AI/ML, data architecture, low-code/no-code development, Agile DevSecOps, and cloud services, delivering scalable and meaningful solutions. In our Emerging Technology Lab, innovation drives progress. Our teams create intelligent chatbots, AI-powered assistants, robotic process automation (RPA), essay graders, and data analytics platforms. If you're passionate about solving complex challenges and shaping the future, APV is the place for you. Since 2007, we've partnered with federal and state agencies to deliver IT, training, and consulting solutions that achieve mission-critical outcomes. Built on accountability, integrity, and quality, we go beyond expectations. With 70+ prime contracts and a proven record of client success, APV continues to grow — and we're looking for exceptional talent to grow with us. At APV, we Always Provide Value ? Position Summary APV is seeking an Employee Relations & Awards Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as the senior technical authority on the full range of federal employee relations, conduct, performance, and recognition matters for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) and component HR offices. The SME advises senior DHS leadership, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), HR directors, and component ER teams on the most complex, precedent-setting, and high-visibility cases. The role drives policy, leads enterprise program design for incentive and recognition programs, supports MSPB and EEOC litigation, and produces defensible work products that withstand third-party review. The SME is the final internal authority on Douglas Factors application, adverse action sufficiency, performance-based actions under Chapter 43, and enterprise awards strategy.

Duties:

Expert Advisory on Conduct, Performance & Discipline

• Serve as the senior advisor to DHS leadership and OGC on the most complex misconduct, performance, leave, and reasonable accommodation matters, including SES, political appointee, and high-visibility cases.
• Provide expert application of Douglas Factors and apply Chapter 75 adverse action standards, Chapter 43 performance standards, and DHS Management Directives to drive sound, defensible decisions.
• Review and approve proposal notices, decision letters, Last Chance Agreements, settlement agreements, Letters of Counseling, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for legal sufficiency and policy compliance.
• Advise the intersection of conduct, performance, suitability, EEO, whistleblower, Hatch Act, and labor-management matters; coordinate referrals to OIG, OSC, OGC, and EEO as appropriate.
• Lead the analysis of novel or precedent-setting cases and produce written guidance that establishes enterprise positions and standards. Litigation Support, MSPB & Third-Party Proceedings
• Provide expert support to OGC and component counsel on MSPB appeals, EEOC complaints, FLRA matters, arbitration, and federal court litigation arising from DHS personnel actions.
• Develop case theory, evidentiary strategy, witness preparation guidance, and exhibit packages for adverse and performance-based actions.
• Provide expert testimony, written declarations, and post-hearing analysis as required.
• Conduct after-action reviews of MSPB and EEOC decisions and translate findings into policy, training, and SOP updates that strengthen future case posture.
• Advise senior leaders on settlement strategy, mitigation analysis, and the operational implications of proposed remedies. Enterprise Awards & Recognition Program Leadership
• Lead the design, governance, and continuous improvement of DHS enterprise awards and recognition programs under 5 USC 4501-4509 and 5 CFR Part 451, including monetary, time-off, honorary, and group awards.
• Advise senior leadership on Quality Step Increases (QSIs), performance awards, special act awards, on-the-spot recognition, length-of-service awards, retirement recognition, and Presidential Rank Award nominations.
• Provide expert guidance on awards budget strategy, equity analysis, distribution patterns, and alignment with DHS performance management policy.
• Establish enterprise standards for award justification of quality, supervisory documentation, and approval of governance.
• Advise integration of recognition with performance management, succession planning, and workforce engagement strategy. Policy Development & Enterprise Governance
• Draft, review, and update DHS employee relations and awards policies, management directives, instructions, implementation guidance, SOPs, and adjudicative desk references.
• Interpret 5 USC Chapters 43, 75, 23, and 45; 5 CFR Parts 351, 432, 451, 752, 771, and 1201; relevant case law; OPM guidance; and DHS-specific authorities.
• Lead enterprise gap analyses, policy harmonization across components, and response strategies to GAO, OIG, OSC, and congressional findings.
• Represent DHS at

OPM, CHCO

Council, and interagency forums on employee relations, performance management, and recognition matters.

• Advise the personnel implications of new authorities, executive orders, regulatory changes, and collective bargaining outcomes. Executive Briefing, Mentorship & Quality Leadership
• Prepare executive-level decision papers, briefing memos, talking points, congressional response materials, and risk assessments for DHS senior leadership.
• Mentor senior and journeyman ER specialists, lead case calibration sessions, and conduct quality reviews of disciplinary, performance, and awards work products.
• Build and maintain enterprise training, certification, and continuing education curricula for the DHS ER and awards workforce.
• Lead audit responses, IG inquiries, and program self-assessments related to discipline, performance, and recognition.
• Drive process modernization, automation, and data-driven decision-making in support of OCHCO priorities.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Public Administration, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, Law, or related field; master's degree or J.

D. is strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 12-15 years of progressive federal employee relations experience, including substantial time as a senior advisor, branch chief, or program lead.
• Demonstrated mastery of 5 USC Chapters 43 and 75; 5 CFR Parts 432, 451, 752, and 771; the Douglas Factors; and MSPB and EEOC case law.
• Documented experience producing complex proposal and decision letters, performance-based actions, settlement agreements, and Last Chance Agreements that have withstood third-party review.
• Expert knowledge of federal awards authorities under 5 USC 4501-4509, 5 CFR Part 451, and OPM awards guidance.
• Demonstrated experience advising executives, OGC, and interagency partners on sensitive personnel matters.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce defensible documentation and persuasive executive products.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in a fully remote environment with frequent senior-level coordination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior service as a DHS, DoD, or other federal agency senior Employee Relations advisor, branch chief, or division chief.
• J.D. or paralegal credential with federal employment law experience.
• Experience providing expert testimony or written declarations in MSPB, EEOC, FLRA, or federal court proceedings.
• Experience designing or governing enterprise awards programs, including Presidential Rank Award nominations.
• Experience with negotiated grievance procedures, arbitration, and labor-management forums under 5 USC Chapter 71.
• SHRM-SCP, IPMA-SCP, or federal HR certification.

About APV APV is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status.