Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
References
References
Timeline
Generic

Kimberly Abbrederis

Waukesha,WI

Summary

Dynamic Human Resources Specialist with extensive experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs, excelling in position classification and workforce planning. Proven track record in developing policies and training programs that enhance organizational effectiveness. Adept at effective communication and change management, driving significant improvements in team performance and service delivery.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Supervisory Human Resources Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2023 - Current
  • Directs and mentors the work of the Classification and Manpower departments.
  • Communicates performance and quality targets and ensures staff understand and are working to meet them.
  • Establishes and ensures work milestones or deadlines achieved.
  • Creates a culture in which staff meets or exceeds customer service expectations.
  • Shares data, measurements and updates specific to team accomplishments as well as information relevant to all VISN, VHA, and VA employees.
  • Plans and assigns work.
  • Reviews and accepts, amends or rejects work done by project teams and subordinate staff.
  • Delegates tasks based on staff members' experience and competencies.
  • Provides feedback and meets regularly with staff to review expectations, barriers and to celebrate achievements.
  • Acknowledges project, team or staff contributions.
  • Develop SOPs, white papers, and other guidance to support consistent decision making and uniform application of rules and regulations.
  • Develops measurable and achievable performance standards and ensures equity of assessments and ratings.
  • Supports professional development and the creation of Individual Development Plans.
  • Trains new and existing staff on current policy, procedures and/or new initiatives.
  • Counsel employees on conduct and performance, and initiates disciplinary actions, when necessary.
  • Review PD and classifies positions, explain findings through in-depth written evaluation statements, and sign Optional Form-08 for PDs, including one-of-a-kind, complex, rare, unusual and standardized PDs.
  • The PDs are for professional, scientific, research, development, administrative, technical, and other fields and include those affected by new or emerging technology, new VA initiatives, and where the organizations serviced are complex, new or are evolving dynamically.
  • Assess information related to the classification request from the customer and/or HR staff on positions that are general schedule, wage system, leaders, or supervisors.
  • Research and analyze documentation to support classification actions.
  • Develop methodologies to aid in understanding the organization's needs and goals for the position.
  • Work entails identifying, interpreting, analyzing, cross-referencing, and applying classification standards, flysheets, functional guides, and OPM, VA and VHA guidance to render technically correct classification determinations for Title 5 positions.
  • Communicate grade variations to management with supporting criteria and justification to foster understanding and acceptance of findings.
  • Performs position reviews to affirm or correct classifications when directed by VA, VHA, OPM, and as warranted.
  • Conduct thorough desk audits of difficult cases and prepares comprehensive written results that explain conclusions.
  • Identifies and extracts information from a variety of automated systems and software.
  • Classifies with concern for system-wide impact and consistency of outcomes.
  • Analyze the effects of changes in law and regulations when providing comments on draft OPM standards, including addressing their impact on applicable positions within the network.
  • Reviews new or proposed HR policies, procedures, guidelines and the impact on organization practices and makes recommendations to management on the need for changes in existing network policies.
  • Conducts position management assessments, identifies any inconsistencies or missed opportunities, and makes recommendations on position and organizational design.
  • Analyze quantitative data such as the number of employees within a service versus the actual number of approved positions for that service in order to provide recommendations concerning the most effective organizational configurations and appropriate grade level distributions.
  • Perform position management assessments to provide recommendations to management on organizational design.
  • Serve as a senior advisor on VISN-wide manpower technology initiatives and is responsible for providing expert technical assistance and in the successful development, deployment, training, and support for new automated manpower technologies and integration of systems within VHA.
  • Make recommendations and decisions that have profound implications on execution, support, and implementation of position management capabilities and workforce analytics.
  • Design and evaluate preventative and detective internal control activities for the entire VISN.
  • Monitor and evaluate consistent implementation of and compliance with VHA policies and procedures.
  • Enforce and defines metric and analysis systems to assess efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance.
  • Work in collaboration with VHA Manpower Management Office to close recommendations from the Office of Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office, and other internal and external assessments.
  • Formulate program goals, plans, policies, and procedures dealing with the development and deployment of VISN wide position management, manpower, and workforce planning requirements.
  • Validate studies to support new system-level longterm position management, manpower management, workforce planning, succession planning, and financial forecasting capabilities.
  • Compiles and present specific strategies to address workforce gaps identified in the analyses.
  • In an additional capacity, I serve on the VHA national initiative for Classification Optimization. This includes assessing agency business needs for the implementation of a new personnel system; provide strategic planning and guidance with regard to OPM mandated consistency reviews for the agency; and developing new guidelines and SOPs for agency wide use.

Lead Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2021 - 04.2023
  • Lead team of HR Specialists in performing classification and position management for the New England Healthcare System.
  • Ensured the organization's strategic plan, mission, vision and values are communicated and met by the team.
  • Integrate team strategies, goals, objectives, work plans and products.
  • Articulated and communicated assignments, projects, program issues, actionable events and deadlines.
  • Provided guidance to team in selection and application of appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques, provide advice on work methods, practices, procedures and parameters of viable solutions.
  • Lead team in balancing workload.
  • Trained team members in methods and techniques of work requirements.
  • Monitored and reported status and progress of work to ensure priorities, methods, deadlines and quality measures have been met.
  • Proportionately distributed workload and special projects.
  • Handle all unique and specialized issues related to classification and position management as well as broader program responsibilities.
  • Completed comprehensive, in-depth position management reviews of pre-existing and proposed organizational structures considering all aspects of sound position management for the purpose of improving effectiveness and efficiency of operations and service delivery.
  • Interpreted VA classification and position management policies, procedures, and guidelines when the issues addressed require substantial interpretation, there is potential for controversy, or the issue involves more than one area of HR policy and provides senior leadership, program office managers, and employees with information and recommendations.
  • Prepared point papers, formal slide presentations, targeted training material and executive summaries to communicate complex issues clearly to a leadership audience who may not have in depth technical understanding of the subject matter.
  • Regularly offered authoritative advice and technical assistance in the areas of classification and position management for both operational and program issues.
  • Provided in-depth position classification and position management support to program offices, servicing a wide variety of positions which often include those affected by new or emerging technology, and where the organizations serviced are complex, new or dynamic.
  • Served as a sought-after consultant on numerous matters internal and external to the organization.
  • Utilizing expert communication skills, regularly conducted FLSA, Confidential Financial Disclosure and Bargaining Unit projects/reviews, provide specialized training on various topics related to classification and functional statements as well as regular peer review, workload review and workload reports.
  • Performed all levels of classification within delegated authority to the GS-15 level, as well as review of Functional Statements and qualification standards.
  • Assessed and advised management on the impact of proposed reorganizations and recommends alternative position management structures.
  • Provided recommendations to management on organizational design with emphasis on career development principles and practices.
  • Planned and conducted classification studies to identify short and long range position classification and position management needs.
  • Served as technical expert with responsibility for resolving problems of above average difficulty and providing in-depth management advisory services to officials of all levels.
  • To ensure compliance, kept abreast of new or changing regulations, analyzed for applicability and implement as appropriate.
  • Identified organizational areas for improvement and recommend changes as necessary.
  • Reviewed OPM position classification standards for agency and recommended changes for submission to VACO/OHRM.
  • Provided well researched and technically accurate advice to all levels of management related to complex application and interpretation of agency policy, OPM regulations, appeals and standards, and labor agreements.
  • Responsible for performing especially complex and difficult position management and classification duties for assigned organizations.
  • Reviewed proposed position classification allocations; provided detailed technical input in resolving potential conflicts with classification principles and practices.
  • Conducted on-site or telephone audits and prepare written evaluation statements.
  • Made fine distinctions in the proper crediting of factor levels and ultimate allocation of grade levels to positions.
  • Determined competitive levels, bargaining unit status, Fair Labor Standards Act designations, sensitivity levels and other functional position requirements in accord with VA and OPM requirements.
  • Communicate grade distinctions to management with supporting criteria and justification.
  • Applied complex fact-finding, analytical and problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Work on special projects such as serving on a strategic management team.
  • Maintained and implemented realistic and effective programs which provide for a systematic approach to overall program administration.
  • Effectively consulted with all levels of management to determine the most appropriate solution to positively impact patient care.

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2018 - 04.2021
  • Completed comprehensive, in-depth position management reviews of pre-existing and proposed organizational structures considering all aspects of sound position management for the purpose of improving effectiveness and efficiency of operations and service delivery.
  • Interpreted VA classification and position management policies, procedures, and guidelines when the issues addressed require substantial interpretation, there is potential for controversy, or the issue involves more than one area of HR policy and provides senior leadership, program office managers, and employees with information and recommendations.
  • Prepared point papers, formal slide presentations, targeted training material and executive summaries to communicate complex issues clearly to a leadership audience who may not have in depth technical understanding of the subject matter.
  • Regularly offer authoritative advice and technical assistance in the areas of classification and position management for both operational and program issues.
  • Provided in-depth position classification and position management support to program offices, servicing a wide variety of positions which often include those affected by new or emerging technology, and where the organizations serviced are complex, new or dynamic.
  • Served as a sought-after consultant on numerous matters internal and external to the organization.
  • Utilizing expert communication skills, regularly conduct FLSA, Confidential Financial Disclosure and Bargaining Unit projects/reviews, provide specialized training on various topics related to classification and functional statements as well as regular peer review, workload review and workload reports.
  • Performed all levels of classification within delegated authority to the GS-15 level, as well as review of Functional Statements and qualification standards.
  • Assessed and advised management on the impact of proposed reorganizations and recommends alternative position management structures.
  • Provided recommendations to management on organizational design with emphasis on career development principles and practices.
  • Planned and conducted classification studies to identify short and long range position classification and position management needs.
  • Served as technical expert with responsibility for resolving problems of above average difficulty and providing in-depth management advisory services to officials of all levels.
  • To ensure compliance, kept abreast of new or changing regulations, analyzed for applicability and implement as appropriate.
  • Identified organizational areas for improvement and recommend changes as necessary.
  • Reviewed OPM position classification standards for agency and recommended changes for submission to VACO/OHRM.
  • Provided well researched and technically accurate advice to all levels of management related to complex application and interpretation of agency policy, OPM regulations, appeals and standards, and labor agreements.
  • Responsible for performing especially complex and difficult position management and classification duties for assigned organizations.
  • Reviewed proposed position classification allocations; provided detailed technical input in resolving potential conflicts with classification principles and practices.
  • Conducted on-site or telephone audits and prepare written evaluation statements.
  • Made fine distinctions in the proper crediting of factor levels and ultimate allocation of grade levels to positions.
  • Determined competitive levels, bargaining unit status, Fair Labor Standards Act designations, sensitivity levels and other functional position requirements in accord with VA and OPM requirements.
  • Communicated grade distinctions to management with supporting criteria and justification.
  • Applied complex fact-finding, analytical and problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Worked on special projects such as serving on a strategic management team.
  • Maintained and implemented realistic and effective programs which provide for a systematic approach to overall program administration.
  • Effectively consulted with all levels of management to determine the most appropriate solution to positively impact patient care.

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2017 - 04.2018
  • Completed comprehensive, in-depth position management reviews of pre-existing and proposed organizational structures considering all aspects of sound position management for the purpose of improving effectiveness and efficiency of operations and service delivery.
  • Interpreted VA classification and position management policies, procedures, and guidelines when the issues addressed require substantial interpretation, there is potential for controversy, or the issue involves more than one area of HR policy and provides senior leadership, program office managers, and employees with information and recommendations.
  • Prepared point papers, formal slide presentations, targeted training material and executive summaries to communicate complex issues clearly to a leadership audience who may not have in depth technical understanding of the subject matter.
  • Regularly offer authoritative advice and technical assistance in the areas of classification and position management for both operational and program issues.
  • Provided in-depth position classification and position management support to program offices, servicing a wide variety of positions which often include those affected by new or emerging technology, and where the organizations serviced are complex, new or dynamic.
  • Served as a sought-after consultant on numerous matters internal and external to the organization.
  • Utilizing expert communication skills, regularly conduct FLSA, Confidential Financial Disclosure and Bargaining Unit projects/reviews, provide specialized training on various topics related to classification and functional statements as well as regular peer review, workload review and workload reports.
  • Performed all levels of classification within delegated authority to the GS-15 level, as well as review of Functional Statements and qualification standards.
  • Assessed and advised management on the impact of proposed reorganizations and recommends alternative position management structures.
  • Provided recommendations to management on organizational design with emphasis on career development principles and practices.
  • Planned and conducted classification studies to identify short and long range position classification and position management needs.
  • Served as technical expert with responsibility for resolving problems of above average difficulty and providing in-depth management advisory services to officials of all levels.
  • To ensure compliance, kept abreast of new or changing regulations, analyzed for applicability and implement as appropriate.
  • Identified organizational areas for improvement and recommend changes as necessary.
  • Reviewed OPM position classification standards for agency and recommended changes for submission to VACO/OHRM.
  • Provided well researched and technically accurate advice to all levels of management related to complex application and interpretation of agency policy, OPM regulations, appeals and standards, and labor agreements.
  • Responsible for performing especially complex and difficult position management and classification duties for assigned organizations.
  • Reviewed proposed position classification allocations; provided detailed technical input in resolving potential conflicts with classification principles and practices.
  • Conducted on-site or telephone audits and prepare written evaluation statements.
  • Made fine distinctions in the proper crediting of factor levels and ultimate allocation of grade levels to positions.
  • Determined competitive levels, bargaining unit status, Fair Labor Standards Act designations, sensitivity levels and other functional position requirements in accord with VA and OPM requirements.
  • Communicated grade distinctions to management with supporting criteria and justification.
  • Applied complex fact-finding, analytical and problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Worked on special projects such as serving on a strategic management team.
  • Maintained and implemented realistic and effective programs which provide for a systematic approach to overall program administration.
  • Effectively consulted with all levels of management to determine the most appropriate solution to positively impact patient care.

Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)

Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2016 - 02.2017
  • Served as a staffing specialist with responsibility for planning and performing evaluation of the recruitment and placement functions for assigned organizations.
  • Perform job analysis/utilize job analysis for positions as needed.
  • Provide advisory services to key operating officials of organizations that are complex in nature covering both competitive and excepted service appointments involving the General Schedule, Federal Wage System and Title 38 employment and pay systems.
  • Maintain knowledge of occupational characteristics and personnel management in order to proficiently identify the correct hiring authority as well as advertising strategies.
  • Review qualifications of candidates for basic eligibility requirements and resolves questions on complex and unusual issues.
  • Assure merit promotion and personnel staffing actions are accurate for all assigned positions.
  • Maintain knowledge and skill in applying a wide range of personnel staffing theories, concepts, practices, laws, policies and regulations.
  • Utilize knowledge of pay administration and compensation principles and practices, overtime and back pay laws, as well as computation methods for both Title 5 and Title 38 pay systems.

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2014 - 08.2016
  • Served as a virtual Classification Specialist and training coordinator for the VISN 19 Consolidated Classification Unit.
  • Created and presented VISN wide classification training, SOPs and Supervisor/Manager Handbooks.
  • Performed all levels of classification within delegated authority to the GS-15 level.
  • Assessed and advised management on the impact of proposed reorganizations and recommends alternative position management structures.
  • Provided recommendations to management on organizational design with emphasis on career development principles and practices.
  • Planned and conducted classification studies to identify short and long range position classification and position management needs.
  • Served as technical expert with responsibility for resolving problems of above average difficulty and providing in-depth management advisory services to facility and network level officials.
  • To ensure compliance, kept abreast of new or changing regulations, analyzed for applicability and implement as appropriate.
  • Identified VISN CCU areas for improvement and recommend changes as necessary.
  • Reviewed OPM position classification standards for agency and recommended changes for submission to VACO/OHRM.
  • Provided well researched and technically accurate advice to all levels of management related to complex application and interpretation of agency policy, OPM regulations, appeals and standards, and labor agreements.
  • The advice provided pertained to highly difficult and controversial position classification and position management cases and issues.
  • Responsible for performing especially complex and difficult position management and classification duties for assigned organizations.
  • Reviewed proposed position classification allocations; provided detailed technical input in resolving potential conflicts with classification principles and practices.
  • Conducted on-site or telephone audits and prepare written evaluation statements.
  • Made fine distinctions in the proper crediting of factor levels and ultimate allocation of grade levels to positions.
  • Determined competitive levels, bargaining unit status, Fair Labor Standards Act designations, sensitivity levels and other functional position requirements in accord with VA and OPM requirements.
  • Communicated grade distinctions to management with supporting criteria and justification.
  • Applied complex fact-finding, analytical and problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Worked on special projects such as serving on a strategic management team.
  • Maintained and implemented realistic and effective programs which provide for a systematic approach to overall program administration.
  • Participated in VISN Level project group with HROs and Associate Directors as SME to clarify and/or improve the classification process network wide.

Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)

Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2013 - 12.2014
  • Served as a staffing specialist with responsibility for planning and performing evaluation of the recruitment and placement functions for assigned organizations.
  • Performed job analysis/utilize job analysis for positions as needed.
  • Provided advisory services to key operating officials of organizations that are complex in nature covering both competitive and excepted service appointments involving the General Schedule, Federal Wage System and Title 38 employment and pay systems.
  • Maintained knowledge of occupational characteristics and personnel management in order to proficiently identify the correct hiring authority as well as advertising strategies.
  • Reviewed qualifications of candidates for basic eligibility requirements and resolves questions on complex and unusual issues.
  • Assured merit promotion and personnel staffing actions are accurate for all assigned positions.
  • Maintained knowledge and skill in applying a wide range of personnel staffing theories, concepts, practices, laws, policies and regulations.
  • Utilized knowledge of pay administration and compensation principles and practices, overtime and back pay laws, as well as computation methods for both Title 5 and Title 38 pay systems.

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2010 - 08.2013
  • Assessed and advised management on the impact of proposed reorganizations and recommends alternative position management structures.
  • Provided recommendations to management on organizational design with emphasis on career development principles and practices.
  • Planned and conducted classification studies to identify short and long range position classification and position management needs.
  • Served as technical expert with responsibility for resolving problems of above average difficulty and providing in-depth management advisory services to facility and network level officials.
  • To ensure compliance, kept abreast of new or changing regulations, analyze for applicability and implement as appropriate.
  • Identified VISN CCU areas for improvement and recommend changes as necessary.
  • Reviewed OPM position classification standards for agency and recommend changes for submission to VACO/OHRM.
  • Provided well researched and technically accurate advice to all levels of management related to complex application and interpretation of agency policy, OPM regulations and standards, and labor agreements.
  • The advice provided pertains to highly difficult and controversial position classification and position management cases and issues.
  • Responsible for performing especially complex and difficult position management and classification duties for assigned organizations.
  • Reviewed proposed position classification allocations; provided detailed technical input in resolving potential conflicts with classification principles and practices.
  • Conducted on-site or telephone audits and prepare written evaluation statements.
  • Made fine distinctions in the proper crediting of factor levels and ultimate allocation of grade levels to positions.
  • Determined competitive levels, bargaining unit status, Fair Labor Standards Act designations, sensitivity levels and other functional position requirements in accord with VA and OPM requirements.
  • Communicated grade distinctions to management with supporting criteria and justification.
  • Applied complex fact-finding, analytical and problem solving methods and techniques.
  • Worked on special projects such as serving on a strategic management team.
  • Maintained and implemented realistic and effective programs which provide for a systematic approach to overall program administration.
  • Performed compensation related functions ranging from the creation of new SSR pay tables to implementing LPS adjustments.
  • Served in a collaborative nature with the agency and facilities with regard to compensation.

Human Resources Specialist

DoD - USAF RAF Mildenhall
09.2008 - 03.2010
  • Provided management advisory services on resources, position management, classification and employee-management relations; ensured compliance with civilian resource policies; provided information and advised managers in all areas of civilian resources; managed assigned civilian personnel programs; analyzed and interpreted new guidance; identified civilian resource management problems and concerns; developed and recommended concrete solutions; counseled managers and employees on regulations, rules and laws concerning a full scope of employee relations issues; provided position management and classification services to assigned installation-level organizations; governed by National Security Personnel System (NSPS) performance management; advised management on timeliness and suspenses for annual appraisals and awards; manually processed necessary annual performance awards for NSPS civilian employees; provided assistance to the Pay Pool Manager and data administrators; facilitated pay pools and NSPS training courses; advised leadership on position management and human resource utilization; managed civilian resources ensuring compliance with Air Force (AF) human resources regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Analyzed Civilian Employment Plan (CEP), workyear (WY), salary costs, past WY execution, and other associated expenditures; alerted organizations of anomalies and/or detrimental trends.

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice, Sociology

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD, United States
12.2005

Skills

  • Position classification
  • Workforce planning
  • Program administration
  • Policy writing
  • Change management
  • Classification standards
  • Effective communication
  • Staff training

Additional Information

Dependable, hardworking, reliable, and punctual character., Effective interpersonal and written communicator., Productive multi-tasker with fine-tuned organizational qualities., Retain work place cohesiveness; work well as a team member or independently., Excel at professionalism; flexible and dynamic personality., Conscientious and thorough with detail in all work., Strong research methods and resourceful aptitude., Preserve camaraderie through rapport building., Detail oriented customer service competence., Energetic problem solving and troubleshooting capacity., Emphasize continuous quality and productivity improvement., Enthusiastic results-oriented attitude., Skilled time manager and planner., Decisive goal setting capabilities., Project coordination propensity., Vibrant multi-cultural understanding., Methodical logistics/supply coordinator., Ready to efficiently drive positive change for the agency., Competent using following programs: Word, Word Perfect, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, CSU, PARIS, DCPDS, AFPC Secure, WebHR, eOPF, HR Smart and e-Classification., Proficiency in legal database management utilizing PC Law software., Efficiently type 54 words per minute., Adept dictation equipment operator.

References

  • Carline Cochrane, Veterans Health Administration - VISN 1 CCU Chief, 406-603-0205, carlycochrane@icloud.com
  • Denver Audyatis, Veterans Health Administration - Deputy HR Officer, 508-558-8537, Denver.Audyatis1976@gmail.com
  • Greg Barrett, Retired - Department of Veterans Affairs Retired - Supervisory Human Resources Specialist (Classification), 414-659-1454

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Supervisory Human Resources Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2023 - Current

Lead Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2021 - 04.2023

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2018 - 04.2021

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2017 - 04.2018

Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)

Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2016 - 02.2017

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2014 - 08.2016

Human Resources Specialist (Recruitment and Placement)

Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2013 - 12.2014

Human Resources Specialist (Classification)

Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2010 - 08.2013

Human Resources Specialist

DoD - USAF RAF Mildenhall
09.2008 - 03.2010

Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice, Sociology

University of South Dakota