Jennifer Nyberg
Gladstone,MI
Summary
Dynamic HR professional with a proven track record at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, specializing in policy development and regulatory compliance management. Expert in enhancing workplace relations and performance assessment strategies. Known for an enthusiastic approach to employee mentorship and administrative coordination. Achieved significant improvements in employee relations management and training efficacy.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employee/Labor Relations Specialist - Performance Management
US Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2023 - Current
- Delivers training for management and employees on a variety of Employee and Labor Relations topics
- Provides services to an integrated healthcare network, ensuring strict adherence to all contractual and regulatory timeframes
- Resolves disputes and evaluates events and/or identifies aggravating or mitigating factors relevant to the case
- Assists managers and supervisors with performance management processes, including planning, monitoring, developing, rating, and rewarding performance
- Conducts extensive analysis to identify obscure or underlying causes of misconduct or poor performance
- Advises managers on appropriate disciplinary/other corrective techniques in response to a range of conduct and performance problems; explains rules and procedures to employees and helps them understand their rights and obligations
- Prepares a variety of correspondence on behalf of the agency to address complex Employee and Labor matters including, disciplinary and adverse actions, settlement agreements, and congressional correspondence
- Provides consultation on associated program areas, such as Performance Management and leave management, etc
- Advises management officials at all levels of the network about appropriate disciplinary or other corrective techniques in response to a range of conduct and performance problems
- Provides professional advice to other Network HR Specialists presenting cases in similar venues (may serve as a SME representative or key witness in third-party proceedings as necessary; may be selected to chair or participate in administrative Investigative Boards (AIBs) or may coordinate with and/or represent the agency at arbitrations and in situations involving proceedings pending litigation in addition to other third parties as appropriate.)
- Provides staff level management advisory service to Network and field facilities on a full range of ER and LR issues
- Determines appropriate FLSA and BUS codes for all positions
- Conducts/advises on ER/LR matters, all proposed disciplinary adverse actions, coordination, and oversight, including OAWP, DAB, AIB, fact findings, grievance examiner, state licensure reviews, suitability, Drug Free Workplace, Workplace Violence Prevention Program, and third-party hearing representation
- Provides technical guidance, information and assistance to management and senior leadership officials on sensitive, serious, and controversial Employee and Labor Relations issues regarding employees in a wide variety of administrative and clinical occupations with substantial differences in working conditions, entitlement, and occupational practices and policies
- Reviews requests and submits justification for those ER/LR actions requiring approval by Network Director, VHA, VA, or higher authority, then takes appropriate action, and prepares necessary correspondence
- Provides technical and consultative guidance, including actions of a disciplinary or adverse nature, grievances, demands to bargain, impasse proceedings, local bargaining, unfair labor practices, performance management and recognition, employee counseling, appeals, complaints, drug testing and related functions
- Researches and interprets legal and regulatory guidance, including case law, United States Code, Code of Federal Regulations, and VA/VHA Handbooks and Directives
- Provides management with interpretation of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
- Serves as subject matter expert regarding policies and procedures pertaining to Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) and Federal Services Impasses Panel (FSIP)
- Analyzes changes to regulations and policies to determine the impact on the Employee and Labor Relations program; determines need for impact and implementation or full bargaining at the appropriate level (local, network, or national bargaining)
- Reviews third-party involvement in negotiations and represents the network in appropriate cases, serves as a point of contact on third party proceedings arising from the labor management programs, such as unfair labor practice charges
- Monitors performance plans for a Tier 1 level facility as the sole Performance specialist
- Engages with leadership to support VHA designated performance metric efforts
- Processes any applicable performance awards designated within local policy guidance
Human Resources Assistant - Technical Review
US Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2022 - Current
- Customer Service: Consistently communicates and treats Supervisors, Team members, and others both within and outside of Human Resources (HR) courteously, tactful, professionally, and respectfully
- Follows the VA's ICARE values (Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence) in supporting the VA's mission
- Be courteous and cooperative even in the face of unprofessional or discourteous conduct by others
- Display a positive attitude and support the operations of the Human Resources Office, the Facility, and the Network operations
- Provides advice that is legally, ethically, and morally sound based by Executive Orders, Federal HR Laws, and Regulations, OPM Police, VA Directives, Human Resources Management Letters, Handbooks, Instructions, Policy statements, and Government wide directives, etc
- To meet the customer needs
- Establish strong collaborative relationships with working groups by applying technical knowledge and/or experience to develop, change, implement standard processes/practices to meet customer needs
- Ensures the following actions: 317 - Terminations, 352 - Terminations Appt In, 355 - Termination Appt NTE, 790 - Realignment, 800 - Data Element, BUS Code, FLSA changes, 893 - Within Grade Increase (WGI), (Not automatically processed), 894 - Pay Adjustment (Not automatically processed), 920 - Change in Position Title, 921 - Change in Position Number (Description), 922 - Change in Cost Center, and 999 - MRU (Reports to changes and Education updates) Personnel Action Requests (PAR) in HR Smart are initiated and reviewed for appropriateness, accuracy, and inclusion of supporting documents
- Ensures actions are initiated with the correct Nature of Action (NOA), Legal authority, and effective date is reviewed in accordance with the applicable OPM Guide to Processing Personnel Actions (GPPA) chapter, HR Smart bulletins, and the Technical Reviewer job aide site
- Run reports and upload into the Share point as directed
- Update the NEO accessions tracker throughout each pay period to ensure I-9s and SF61s are completed and track each status
- Defense Civilian Payroll System (DCPS) (Critical): Ensure each action that is processed/applied in HR Smart has properly flowed and updated properly in DCPS
- Remedy (Critical): Properly submit Remedy tickets within 24 hours from receiving the request
- EOPF: Reviews eOPF records to ensure the processed HR Smart action SF50 has updated in each employee's eOPF, upload supporting documentation for personnel actions that do not automatically flow to eOPF, process the transfer action in eOPF to the appropriate agency or the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
- Ensures eOPF records that are transferring and separating contain the correct documents in accordance with the Guide to Personnel Record Keeping
- Assists in internal and external audits
- Ensures all documents uploaded are indexed properly
- Training/Self Development/: Complete all mandatory training no later than the due date
- Actively participates in recurring meetings (TR weekly meeting, VISN 6 Lunch and Learn, etc.)
- Seek self-development by reviewing TMS training, Blackboard training and WMC training events (email invites) to seek increased knowledge and modernization in Human Resources
- Management Support (Non-Critical): Assist in projects/all other assigned tasks that are instructed by the Supervisor or Lead
- Keeps Supervisor and Lead informed on timely basis of incidents affecting operations
- Supports and administers management policies and decisions
- Notifies Supervisor and Lead of changing deadlines if applicable
- Security, Confidentiality, Compliance: Has regular access to electronic files and electronic processed data and is responsible for protecting data from unauthorized release or from loss, and alteration or unauthorized deletion
- Follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, and release of access codes
- Computer access is protected from unauthorized release or use always
- Maintain OI&T security (particularly using remote access)
- Accepts full responsibility for any transactions under his/hers access codes, and protection of equipment, hardware, software, and personal information
- Uses access security codes only in performance of official duties
- Accepts full responsibility for protecting electronic and printed files containing sensitive regulations and instructions in the computer access agreement
- Responsible for reviewing the MSS request with 2 business days to determine the validity of the request and if all appropriate documents are attached
- Valid requests must be initiated in the pay period in which they are effective
- Responsible for determining the nature of action, legal authority, and/or pay setting must initiate the SF-52 in HR∙Smart
- For SF-52s generated from a recruitment action, the person who has direct knowledge of the recruitment that was conducted, how the employee was qualified and selected, and the pay setting process must initiate the SF-52
- Nature of Action and Legal Authorities should be determined based on both OPM and VA regulations
- The VA regulations for appointments under 38 U.S.C
- Are outlined in the VA Handbooks Refer to Appendix C for a summary of the NOA and LA’s to be used for actions under Title 38 and Hybrid appointments
- Individual SF-52s must be reviewed against the employee’s entire personnel record to ensure the action is appropriate and no other action or update is needed because of the action
- Responsible for 75 fields on the PAR action in HR∙Smart, in addition to the data in the Citizenship Module, Person Profiles, Health Benefits Module, and Savings Plan Module
- Technical Reviewers must review every field on the SF-52 in HR∙Smart, not just the fields that are presumed to be changing based on the Nature of Action
- Technical Reviews must ensure only the VA required fields are entered with the appropriate value
- Responsible for calculating the initial SF-144A – Statement of Prior Federal Service Worksheet must be prepared and filed in the eOPF to support the SCDs calculations
- Responsible for checking DCPS directly to ensure the action successfully processed
- HR∙Smart is the official personnel record, but DCPS is the official payroll record
- Responsible for submitting DFAS Remedy Tickets a timely manner, when appropriate
- Responsible to process corrections and cancellations to employee’s personnel records
- Responsible for identifying new employees who have prior civilian service and requesting the prior service folder as soon as the SF-50 is generated in the eOPF
- Daily Report Queries to improve functionality of TR team
- Special Projects: Multiple station nursing realignment, Spearheaded retention incentive pay project, Built EOPF Training OneNote platform for HR Assistant Training
Human Resources Assistant - SBU
US Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Assists HR Specialist with identifying proper documentation to ensure the electronic personnel file is current and up to date during the recruitment and onboarding process
- Responsible for any on-boarding scanning requirements during initial employment process
- Responds to applicant inquiries regarding pre-employment onboarding procedures
- Assists HR Specialist with the on boarding of new employees to include arranging for physical examinations (based on the occupation), ensuring completion of all appropriate benefits forms, extending job offers, coordinating Entry -on -Duty and/or release dates from losing office, forwards pre-employment packets to new appointees
- Coordinates with other related functional offices involve in on-boarding (i.e
- Pre-appointment security checks)
- Independently conducts orientation for new appointees as determined appropriate
- Reviews completed documents for missing or conflicting applicant information, as required
- Responsible for processing new employee's enrollments, administering the oath of office, and ensuring standards of conduct and government ethics orientation are completed and signed
- Explains pay rates, pay periods, within grade increases, annual and sick leave accrual, etc
- To familiarize employees new to the federal government with certain HR terminologies and practices
- Coordinates with security counterparts regarding applications for Identification Cards, when required
- Coordinates and processes required clearance documents for employees leaving the agency or federal service
- In addition, the incumbent will assist the HR Specialist with identifying proper documentation to ensure the electronic personnel file is current and up to date during the onboarding process
- Reviews and prepares correspondence and provide a variety of information as appropriate
- Uses word processing and/or other office automation equipment and various software programs to create, copy, edit, store, retrieve and print a variety of documents; produce correspondence, memoranda, directives, forms reports; create or maintain spreadsheets or databases, etc
- Employee works from rough drafts, documents, written instructions or brief oral statements
- Ensures accuracy and timeliness of information, spelling, grammar construction, punctuation and presence of necessary enclosures
- Adheres to regulations or agency policy concerning access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statues and policy and VHA policy
- Controls and responds to incoming and outgoing correspondence: determining priority, establishing suspense dates as required, referring to a supervisor or appropriate co- worker, and following-up to ensure suspense dates are met
- Responds to a variety of inquiries
Human Resources Assistant - Employee/Labor Relations
US Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Controls and responds to incoming and outgoing correspondence: determining priority, establishing suspense dates as required, referring to a supervisor or appropriate co- worker, and following-up to ensure suspense dates are met
- Responds to a variety of inquiries regarding program policy and procedures
- Reviews all facets of work for all areas of HR including Staffing, ER/LR, Benefits, etc
- Screens questions or complaints from employees and union inquiries by determining the nature and scope of the problem
- Informally resolve issues that can be satisfied by an explanation of personnel policies, such as the difference between absences without leave and leave without pay, and refers significant problems with potential for formal grievances, appeals and/or other third- party complaints to the appropriate HR Specialists in these program areas
- Provides technical guidance, information, and assistance for a variety of Employee Relations programs such as disciplinary actions, grievances, appeals, complaints, and drug testing
- Evaluates sensitive personnel issues and counsels employees on the requirements and repercussions of viable options
- Assists HR Specialists on special projects by gathering and organizing data, identifying issues and discrepancies, formatting material, and recommending improvements and solutions
- Develops presentations, reports and analyses, as needed
- Assembles evidence files and obtains information from relevant sources necessary for the HR Specialist to determine appropriate guidance/advice to management
- Maintains, monitors and follows up on suspense items and reports
- Prepares and maintains records on all actions associated with Employee and Labor Relations
- Maintains all electronic tracking mechanisms used within the program area
- Conducts thorough review on personnel actions assigned to ensure actions adhere with all regulatory and legal requirements
- Fosters collaborative relationships within all levels of HR
- Provides technical guidance, advice and counseling to management officials at all levels of the network, including senior leaders and supervisors, to address issues with workforce-related conduct and performance
- Develops strategies to respond to employee-related issues
- Resolves disputes and evaluates events and/or identifies aggravating or mitigating factors relevant to the case
- Conducts extensive analysis to identify obscure or underlying causes of misconduct or poor performance
- Prepares appropriate agency responses to employee relations matters
- Prepares a variety of correspondence on behalf of the agency to address complex employee relations matters including, disciplinary and adverse actions, settlement agreements, and congressional correspondence
- Provides services to an integrated healthcare network, ensuring strict adherence to all contractual and regulatory timeframes
- Conducts and advises on ER matters, all proposed adverse actions, coordination and oversight
- Responsible for submission of properly coded personnel actions in collaboration with the Technical Reviewer
- Develops management strategies to respond to labor issues
- Prepares appropriate agency responses to labor-related matters
- Offers technical guidance, information and assistance to management and senior leadership officials on sensitive, serious, and controversial labor relations issues regarding employees in a wide variety of administrative and clinical occupations
- Provides management with interpretation of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
- Researches and interprets legal and regulatory program guidance, including case law, United States Code, Code of Federal Regulations, and VA Handbooks and Directives
- Plans and implements actions to satisfy obligations to bargain in good faith, performs thorough analysis of policies and practices, and ensures that policies and practices promote partnering to prevent unfair labor practices
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
US Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2020 - 05.2021
- Provides administrative support to clinicians and other administrative and professional staff throughout the medical staff office for purposes of coordinating non-VA medical care for Veterans when the inpatient or outpatient provider has deemed such care necessary
- Administrative scheduling and appointment coordination for diagnostic testing, and consultative appointments for many clinical services
- Receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests, provide the information desired using privacy rules and established processes
- Independently manage position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of work to meet team and patient needs
- Responsible for generating authorizations for pre-authorized outpatient, unauthorized and emergency care claims, while making eligibility determinations for the various programs in Non-VA Medical Care
- Develops continuous monitors dealing with both clinical and administrative quality assessment and improvement activities
- Reviews and determines veteran's eligibility for specialty programs in the Non-VA Medical Care program and appropriately processes their authorizations
- Works collaboratively with the Medical Center's managers, PACT Teams, VA providers, and discipline specific functional area professional and clinical leaders, as well as Social Workers, Managers and Non-VA healthcare professionals and community vendors
- Serves as contact for Veterans and/or his/her representative when seeking medical, or behavioral health treatment or other assistance at Outpatient Clinics
- Listens to problems or complaints, provides answers, information and guidance and initiates appropriate action
- Determines medical care benefits for which the Veteran is eligible by means of a working knowledge of appropriate health administration related laws, policies, guidelines and regulations
- Determines which Veterans may require immediate medical evaluation based on observation and information received from the Veteran or significant other about the nature of their medical problem(s)
- Schedules and cancels patient appointments utilizing the Vista Appointment Management package
- Performs administrative duties associated with patient care and treatment for all categories of beneficiaries, including service connected, non-service connected, active military personnel, active-duty referrals and employees
- Assists with the patient application process which may include but is not limited to loading patient applications into Vista, determining eligibility for VA medical benefits, interviewing patients for registration data, loading financial data into Means Test/Co Pay packages, scheduling appointments and sending variety of letters to Veterans
Veterans' Health Information Exchange Coordinator and Educator
HMS Technologies, Inc
04.2019 - 04.2020
- Promotion and public speaking for JLV and Veteran's E Health exchange management
- Coordinator of the month - January 2020
- Process authorizations and revocations into the VAP system
- Independently manage position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of work to meet the team and patient needs and goals
- Utilize marketing strategies to increase Veteran's Health Information Exchange usage among clinicians and veterans, including travel to outreach clinics and events
- Use of Microsoft Office Applications/CPRS and JLV EMR systems
- Attend multiple weekly educational seminars to further education on the Veteran's Health Information Exchange Program
- Perform training on Veteran's Health Information Exchange Program both in person and virtually
- Peer education/mentorship as requested
- Troubleshoot technical issues with JLV record system
- Troubleshoot technical issues with Veteran's Authorization and Preferences System
Medical Assistant and Referral Specialist
UP Health Systems Marquette
Escanaba, MI
07.2018 - 04.2019
- Entered patient data accurately into EMR systems, including Practice Partner, Athena Software, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Generated and reviewed authorizations for outpatient care claims, ensuring compliance with preauthorization requirements.
- Provides administrative support to clinicians and other administrative and professional staff throughout the medical staff office for purposes of coordinating care and processing referrals when the inpatient or outpatient provider has deemed such care necessary.
- Performed duties involving vital checks and record maintenance.
- Streamlined communication channels to facilitate effective handling of patient referrals.
Legal, HR and Marketing Assistant
USF Consultants
Escanaba, MI
06.2016 - 11.2017
- Delivered comprehensive administrative support encompassing tasks such as mailing, scanning, and faxing.
- Conducted recruitment of new facilities for company portfolio through constructing brochures and fostering relationships.
- Managed scheduling of all managerial meetings and travel.
- Processed governmental documentation and Freedom of Information Act requests.
- Notarization
- Developed strategies to increase online engagement and followers.
- Facilitated onboarding procedures for new hires.
- Provided support to corporate attorney and office manager on various tasks.
- Submitted governmental forms swiftly to adhere to deadlines.
- Ensures up-to-date and accurate management of employee HR items.
Front Office Assistant
OSF Healthcare
Escanaba, MI
06.2015 - 06.2016
- Customer service - scheduling and appointment coordination for diagnostic testing, and consultative appointments for many clinical services. Receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests, provide the information desired using privacy rules and established processes.
- Floated to different departments and helped offices accordingly
- Completed daily opening procedures for various practices. • Completed daily closing procedures for various practices.
- Responsible for generating authorizations for pre-authorized outpatient (obtaining pre authorizations/ determining eligibility), unauthorized and emergency care claims, while making eligibility determinations for the various programs.
- Registration of patients.
- Processed workers' compensation documentation.
- Check insurance information.
- Use of Microsoft Office applications and Epic software: scheduling, cancelling, and adjusting patient appointments as needed.
- Scheduling/cancelling/adjusting patient appointments as needed.
Work as part of a team to best support patient workflow for optimal care of patients. - Collected and posted copayments for services rendered.
- Complete any training delegated via company management.
Education
Master of Science - Public Administration
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI05-2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI12-2014
Skills
- Policy Development
- Regulatory Compliance Management
- Workplace Relations Management
- Performance Assessment Strategies
- Employment Law Expertise
- Personnel Records Management
- Report Development
- Customer Technical Assistance
- Proficient in Calendar Management
- Employee Mentorship
- Enthusiastic Approach
- Administrative Coordination
Certification
- State of Michigan Nursing Assistant Certification 2018
Education
other,other
Timeline
Employee/Labor Relations Specialist - Performance Management
US Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2023 - Current
Human Resources Assistant - Technical Review
US Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2022 - Current
Human Resources Assistant - SBU
US Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2022 - 08.2022
Human Resources Assistant - Employee/Labor Relations
US Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2021 - 05.2022
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
US Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2020 - 05.2021
Veterans' Health Information Exchange Coordinator and Educator
HMS Technologies, Inc
04.2019 - 04.2020
Medical Assistant and Referral Specialist
UP Health Systems Marquette
07.2018 - 04.2019
Legal, HR and Marketing Assistant
USF Consultants
06.2016 - 11.2017
Front Office Assistant
OSF Healthcare
06.2015 - 06.2016
Master of Science - Public Administration
Northern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Lake Superior State University
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