ARKILUS HINES, MBA-HRM
Rossville ,GA
Summary
Well-qualified Human Resources Specialist with proven success in improving operations and solving problems. Highly proficient in building lasting relationships with key decision makers, customers and team members to further the VA Mission Ready to leverage training and experience to take on new professional challenges.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Reasonable Accommodations)
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2023 - Current
- Provide supervisory follow-ups regarding data to our customers and their employees and serve as the subject matter expert for reasonable accommodations
- Ensure that employees, applicants, and management are informed regarding the latest laws, policies, and accommodation guidance
- Utilize form 0857a (Request for Accommodation) to initiate and notify supervisors or Designated Management Officials of all requests as expeditiously as possible
- Warrant the RACS to work with the employee and Designated Management Officials to provide interim accommodations if accommodations are not readily available
- Provides triage to customer concerns utilizing RAMS (Reasonable Accommodations Management Systems) and YourHR while administering supervisory support to Worklife Benefits RA Coordinators
- Assist Managers, Service Chiefs, and Hiring Managers in determining essential job duties and overcoming complex barriers
- Provide individualized assessments to the employee’s manager to implement or modify accommodations
- Work with Employee Labor and Relations (ERLR) on cases related to disability retirements, removal, or medical inability to perform requests
- Launched and implemented the Reasonable Accommodations Management System (RAMS)
- Advised and offered intensive support and training to internal and external staff
- Streamlined workload within RAMS system while moderating case retention, case irregularity, and drastic increases in departmental requests
- Served a 120-day detail, which was extended to serve as the subject matter expert, approving/denying employee timecards in GOVTA, exercising conflict resolution, and providing expert guidance to our customers and internal staff
- Utilized managerial controls, data-reporting through LEAF, RAMS, HR Smart, and sharepoint data to support vital national reasonable accommodation initiatives, such as "Future of Work".
- Facilitated open communication channels between management and staff members by organizing regular team meetings and feedback sessions.
- Championed change management efforts during periods of organizational transition, providing support resources for affected employees.
- Created a positive work environment by enforcing the utilization wellness programs that promoted mental health awareness and encouraged self-care practices among employees.
- Acted as resource during the annual performance appraisal process/mid-years, providing constructive feedback and coaching for employees'' professional growth.
- Enhanced employee satisfaction by encourging training programs and career development opportunities among staff.
- Implemented effective performance management strategies for continuous improvement, leading to higher productivity levels across teams.
- Submitted SF-52’s in Management Self Service (MSS) to backfill necessary vacancies, promotions, and other vital supervisory duties
- Increased morale with nearly zero retention
- Serve and participate on the Process Improvement Team with upper management and other subject matter experts/ Chiefs of section to analysis equability, processes, standard operating procedures, and data reporting for position justification
- Consolidated historical data files to ensure efficiency reaching existing files for Equal Employment Opportunity claims
- Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
- Resolved employee complaints and grievances successfully through mediation and collaboration.
- Partnered with senior leadership to establish and develop RA policy, guides, and procedures.
- Remain on the cusp of the latest RA policies such as EEOC guidance and regulatory laws such as; Pregnancy Worker’s Fairness Acts and additional enforcement guidance to mitigate liability for the agency
- Counsel other subordinates whether positive or negative regarding policies, timeliness, attendance, and other facets of supervisory duties as necessary
- Ensure local policy and master agreements are discussed with employee labor and relations and potential outcomes for the employee, supervisor, and agency
- Establishes communication with EEO (Equal Employee Opportunity) offices, Office of Information Technology JAN (Job Accommodations Network), Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Office of General Counsel (OGC) to aid management in the ability to determine undue hardships and or alternative accommodations for employees with disabilities
- Coordinate with agency officials to alter job duties for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their current position, including assisting purchase cardholders in utilizing GSA Advantage for equipment purchases and OIT for device software such as Dragon, Fusion, and JAWS
- Adhere to VA Handbook 5975.1 regarding processes, timeliness, and policy to strategize highly complex cases
- Generate quantitative and qualitative statistical data for accommodation requests and submit annual reports timely to remain compliant
- As the subject matter expert, initiate and conduct training
- Research the latest policies and procedures to produce staff reporting, case law, and interpretations to determine the best outcomes
- Attend morning meetings and collaborate with upper leadership regarding hot topics, e.g., intercept or interject involvement with cases that require escalation and mitigation
- Provide ongoing training and guidance to team members regularly
- Assign tasks to staff, monitor productivity and caseload, and ensure that long-standing and short-standing grievances and disciplinary issues are handled timely and efficiently
- Create standard operating procedures, job aids, and flow charts to expedite the effectiveness of employee reasonable accommodation requests
- Inform staff to complete TMS training, both upcoming and overdue
- Create mid-year goals and conduct performance plans to verify and validate individual and team expectations for entirely successful, excellent, and outstanding reviews
- Work to correct pay-impacting issues with current team members and escalate to staffing and position management
- Manage and Approve leave requests for staff while managing ongoing workload during peak, vacation, or holiday periods
- Considered a technical authority in the RA program, work with our stakeholders, Workforce Management, and other departments to facilitate the effectiveness of the RA program
- Perform job interviews, grade, and use scoring to identify potential candidates
- Embrace goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by avoiding all nondiscriminatory practices regarding race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability
- Track nondiscriminatory practices to use action against (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills
- Inform staff latest challenges during morning meetings and provide guidance and education
- Support staff by utilizing various human resources expertise in areas such as leave Workers' Compensation, Benefits, and performance to resolve highly sensitive complex issues.
Human Resources Specialist (Reasonable Accommodations Specialist)
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2021 - Current
- Adhere to the Americans of Disability Act of (1990), Amendments Act of (2008) ADAA, The Rehabilitations Act of 1973 and 29 C.F.R
- Part 1614
- Specifically, Section 203 addresses employment of individuals with disabilities
- The policy clarifies providing personal assistance services
- Appendix A of this handbook designates and clarifies roles and standardizes RA processing timelines
- Processing VA0867a-VA0857q within a timely manner and adhering to a twenty (20) business day timeline for Reasonable Accommodations requests
- Provide interim accommodations using the 0857c to prevent hardship to the employee and liability to the agency
- Collaborating with Designated Management Officials (DMO) to discuss the Interactive Discussions and complete 0857F for determinations
- Communicate with the Office of General Counsel to determine escalated RA cases outcomes and alternative resolutions
- Work with Designated Management Officials to discuss alternative resolution management to include telework, equipment, leave, and other tools to resolve requests efficiently
- Reassign employees as a last resort effort after limitations have been reviewed and essential functions are analyzed
- Encourage teamwork, analysis, and risk management to resolve complex cases
- Address Reconsiderations and work with the RDMO for alternative accommodations in a timely manner
- Reduce liability to the VA by addressing direct threats whether to self or Veterans
- Provide outstanding customer service to employees, Service Chiefs, Supervisors, and DMO’s
- Provide RA training to newly appointed Supervisors quarterly regarding RA policy and timelines.
Human Resource Specialist (Employee Benefits and Workers Compensation)
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2020 - 09.2021
- Oversee the Readjustment Adjustment Counseling telework program and the processing of teleworks
- Aide other Workforce Management and Consulting employees to process Awards in a timely matter and on budget
- Provide Readjustment Counseling employees excellence in Family Medical Leave, Voluntary Leave, Military Leave, Restored Leave, and many other facets of expertise in the leave program
- Created charting/tracking/ and other resources for Leave Without Pay and the impact on employees' benefits and managing other staff
- Serve as the Human Resources Specialist on the Workers' Compensation Specialist Advisory team, providing collaboration, change, and advising to other staff
- Challenge OWCP cases and handled complex conflicts with Division of Federal Employees Compensation (DFEC), Claims Examiners, Reasonable Accommodation, Employee Labor and Relations and other Supervisors to effectively locate suitable positions
- Resolve difficult leave and OWCP cases while collaborating with Vet Center Managers, Directors, and Deputy District Directors related to leave and pay impacting claims
- Budgeted resources and cost analysis associated with injury claims, including scheduled awards and medical expenditures that result in high impact costs to the agency
- Maintained 97% CA-1 and CA-2 claims submission to Department of Labor timely
- Assist with an employee’s Employee Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) appeal claim and Reconsiderations based on denial statuses and Claims
- Adhere to VHA Workers Compensation Claims timeliness reporting and attend regular OWCP, Benefits, and Leave trainings
- Tracked CA-7 compensation pay along with Continuation of Pay worksheet and Leave Buy Back calculations
- Utilize the VA-Handbook 1609, Workers’ Compensation Guide, Cyberfeds, and Department of Labor for resources and up to date policies
- Advise and resolve complex issues regarding service computation dates, veterans' preferences, leave statuses, Workers Compensation Pay, legal authorities, hiring actions, military statutes while using Remedy, HR Smart, and Paid systems
- Generate reporting to track processing from HR Smart and the processing of several personnel actions timely and accurately
- Work intensely with Employee Labor and Relations to fast track leave accountability, whether written counseling, suspensions, AWOL, or removals
- Follow and adhere to the Office of Personnel Management guidelines to ensure up-to-date policy and resources
- Adhere and research guidance on The Office of Human Resource Management policies, guides, and resources to effectively assist the employee or manager
- Collaborate with technical advisers and quality management to correct actions in HR Smart while balancing multiple duties simultaneously
- Act as the subject matter expert (SME) in all regulatory policies related to employee leave, Workers-Compensation, Awards, Staffing, onboarding, and all facets of benefits
- Established recent Paid Parental leave training to Staff, Supervisors, and facility Directors
- Provided excellent customer service and acted as the subject matter expert in EPSLA (Employee Paid Sick Leave Act) and extended Leave during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Human Resource Specialist (Employee Benefits)
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Assisted employees with completing (Family Medical Leave) FMLA requests and packets timely
- Provided follow-up with employees adhering to 15-30-day deadlines for sufficient documentation
- Tracked request for (Leave without Pay) according to facility and Office of Personnel Management guidelines
- Utilize root-cause analysis and data to resolve time-sensitive issues
- Routed and submitted Advanced Annual Leave, Advanced Sick Leave, and LWOP inquires for Leave according to the OPM Leave Handbook 5011
- Performed Military Leave coding, tracking, and submission to our local payroll offices upon leaving for active duty and returning from active-duty service
- Counseled military personnel/employees on requirements for Military Leave such as; Leave Policy and Accrual, Promotions, RIF, Health Insurance, Retirements, and other vital information needed while on Active Duty
- ADAA policy and utilized JAN, CAPS, and other resources to accommodate employees
- Performed necessary Leave and coding for Disabled Veterans Leave requirements under the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015 (Public Law 114-75, November 5, 2015)
- Worked with current Human Resource Specialist of Recruitment and Placement to perform necessary actions benefits and hiring actions in HR Smart
- Provided entitlement of veteran employees Disabled Veterans Leave (104) hours for conditions or injuries related to active duty under 2105 of Title 5, United States Code
- Performed Military Service Deposits per employee request to purchase active duty time for civilian retirement purposes using the GRB system
- Counseled employees on Retirement options and service computation dates according to creditable time, and computation earned
- Correlated strongly with our local payroll offices to submit remedies for Military Service Deposits
- Utilized VSSC and Pyramid Reporting Systems to draft data and reporting
- Pioneered a course of action (COA) based on problematic issues and data reporting
- Utilized Microsoft Excel for reporting and presentation
- Utilized REMEDY to resolve issues about pay, leave, and benefits
- Performed necessary clearance-related duties such as; sending Temporary Continuation of Coverage letters to qualified employees departing the agency
- Providing Conversion Life Insurance options etc
- Performed Employee Benefits New Employee Orientations and provide benefit briefings to qualified employees
- Assisted VALOR Recipients, Residents, Pathways, GHAT (Recently Graduated Health Administration Trainees), and other positions compensated from The Office of Academic Affiliations
- Created pamphlets and attend regular training on OWCP (Workers Compensation) claims and the effect on employees who receive employee benefits and retirement
- Performed regular audits on Thrift Savings, Health Insurance, and FEGLI coding to ensure the deletion of errors
- Communicated with facility managers regularly to discuss leave options, benefits, and pay grievances
- Implemented Standard Operating Procedures for over a dozen programs within our local department.
Human Resource Assistant (Recruitment and Placement/Benefits)
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2016 - 08.2019
- (Federal Employment) Delegated job duties based on individual expertise to ensure maximum output to meet organizational deadlines
- Organized training and process improvement for Human Resource Management staff to operate and maintain newly implemented systems
- Received the Department of Veterans Affairs prestigious award 'Lead Institute Award,' and completed Lean Six Sigma's A3 process improvement and project guidelines certification
- Collaborated with leadership, PENTAD members, media, and facility finance office for project approvals and recommendations
- Completed problem statements, mission statements, supporting tasks, current state reorganizations, and end state to deliver and create project timelines
- Completed civilian and military buybacks for participating employees and work closely with payroll to resolve issues
- Successfully executed a dozen in-depth projects on time and with a budget, provide world-class system re-design and invention with the Department of Veteran Affairs
- Played a crucial role in directing projects to facilitate significant facility renovations, client retention and currently participate on the Strategic Management Team
- Educated and advised employees on group health plans, voluntary benefits, and 401(k) retirement plans
- Developed company personnel policies, standard operating procedures, and employee handbooks
- Developed and facilitated new hire orientations
- Conducted employment verifications and office of personnel investigations
- Built a comprehensive employee recruiting strategy
- Developed and enforced company policy and procedures relating to all phases of human resources activity
- Sat on the Diversity Committee Team to enhance an equal and diverse workforce
- Expert in Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and coding, troubleshooting, and reconciliation with OPM
- Knowledgeable in TSP, Benefits (Dental and Vision), FSA (Federal Savings Accounts), and Health Savings accounts
- Facilitated the criminal background check process for new hires through the EQIP database
- Worked with several subject matter experts to complete veteran delivery projects on time and a budget until completion
- Managed all aspects of leave administration, including employee notifications and vendor management, disability programs, and health benefits
- Established and monitored employee pay scales
- Offered fair and equitable compensation by comparing current salaries with market pay
- Conducted job analysis and job evaluations, resulting in quality job specifications
- Conducted salary survey research for both exempt and non-exempt positions
- Utilized VSSC Pyramid to pull reports for human resource management and manipulate position data
- Acted as liaison between employees and insurance carriers to resolve problems and clarify benefit options to employees
- Performed Reasonable Accommodation duties and working with disabilities
- Served as the Selective Placement Coordinator for the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Created pivot tables for unique salary tables for positions requiring reclassification
- Served more than 3,000 employees Electronic Operations File (EOPF) and served as the EOPF Administrator
- Updated key human resource metrics, including turnover and terminations, using reporting tools on the Human Resource Management Server HRMS database.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources and Leadership
Strayer University
01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Health Administration and Business Administration, Public Health and Finance
Lee University
01.2012
Skills
- Business Systems Analysis
- Change Management
- New hire onboarding
- Federal Supervisory Leadership
- Reasonable Accommodations
- ADA Regulation
- Talent assessments
- Interviewing recipients
- EPerformance Management Systems
- HR Smart
- Electronic Official Personnel File
- Union Grievance Resolution
- Records maintenance
- Reasonable Accommodations Management System
- Title 38/Title 5/Hybrid T38
- VRA/VEOA/Schedule A/B
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Paid Parental Leave
- Workers Compensation
- Civilian Retirement
- Case Management SAP
- Supervisory Management Counseling
- OPM Regulations and Hiring Authorities
- VA Handbooks
- Project Management
- Cost and Appropriation Controls
- Federal Mandates and Guidance
- Recruitment/Staffing
- Benefits Administration
- Human Resources Information System
- LEAF System Management
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Mediation Advocacy
- Employment Law
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- FERS (Federal Retirement System)
- CSRS and CSRS (Civilian Service Retirement System)
- Salary Determination Boards
- GOVTA
- Audit preparation and reporting
- HR Metrics and Analytics
- Decision-Making Competence
- Effective Communication Techniques
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Employment law compliance
- Employee Relations Management
- Performance Evaluation Expertise
- Employee Engagement Initiatives
- Strategic Workforce Planning
- Workplace Diversity Promotion
- Emotional Intelligence Mastery
- Training and mentoring
- Staff Management
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Organizational Development
- Confidential Document Control
- Risk Management
- Employee Retention
- Performance Management
- Job Analysis
Personal Cell
423-599-5704
Work
843-597-9248
External Accolades
- Recipient of the Charles D. Staple Scholarship
- Emory University Public Health Symposium Recipient
- Morehouse College Symposium and Health Publication Recipient
Internal Accolades
- VAMC (Project) Lead Institute November 2017
- Ralph H. Johnson VAMC ICARE Recipient Award
- Human Resources Employee of the Month (Staffing and Benefits)
Performance Ratings
- 2018-2019 – Outstanding
- 2019-2020 – Outstanding
- 2020-2021 – Outstanding
- 2021-2022 – Excellent
- 2022-2023 - Outstanding
Personal Information
Status: Civilian Non-Veteran (Career)
References
- Julie Schafer, Julie.Schafer@va.gov, 843-214-3921
- Annette Mckelvey, Annette.McKelvey@va.gov, 843-810-8104
- Rick Serrano, Ricky.Serrano@va.gov, 404-502-1537
- Cara Lowry, 843-302-2295
Timeline
Acting Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Reasonable Accommodations)
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2023 - Current
Human Resources Specialist (Reasonable Accommodations Specialist)
Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2021 - Current
Human Resource Specialist (Employee Benefits and Workers Compensation)
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2020 - 09.2021
Human Resource Specialist (Employee Benefits)
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2019 - 04.2020
Human Resource Assistant (Recruitment and Placement/Benefits)
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2016 - 08.2019
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources and Leadership
Strayer University
Bachelor of Arts - Health Administration and Business Administration, Public Health and Finance
Lee University
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