Rita L. Howsare
Summary
Strategic and results-driven with extensive experience in executive resources, talent acquisition, and HR advisory services. Expertise in Senior Executive Service (SES) programs, hiring processes, and compliance with government regulations. Adept at streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring seamless leadership transitions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Resources, HR Specialist (GS-201-13/14)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
03.2017 - Current
- Provide consultative and advisory services for SES, SL employees, Presidential Appointees, and Administrative Law Judges (ALJ)
- Lead and facilitate Presidential administration transitions, coordinating with OPM and the White House for onboarding political staff
- Manage SES and SL performance management systems, briefing executives on performance measures, targets, and deadlines
- Develop and post vacancy announcements, review resumes, qualify applicants, and ensure compliance with OPM regulations
- Negotiate salaries, offer recruitment incentives, and oversee onboarding and security processes
- Advise executives on benefits, retirement planning, and position classifications
- Provide counseling on federal benefits, including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), life insurance, and retirement
- Successfully secured full SES and SL certification for seven consecutive years
- Automated onboarding and benefits processes, increasing efficiency
- Implemented the Basic SL performance management system to streamline certification
HR Specialist, Employee Acquisition and Operation Branch (GS-201-13)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
12.2013 - 03.2017
- Provided HR consulting services, ensuring adherence to federal hiring regulations and policies
- Managed vacancy announcements, job analysis, hiring processes, and applicant assessments
- Guided hiring officials on best practices, hiring authorities, veterans’ preference, and alternative hiring methods
- Led training sessions on SmartHire and mentored new employees in HR best practices
- Served as primary point of contact for applicant inquiries and personnel processing actions
Management Analyst (GS-343-07/09/11/12)
Social Security Administration
09.2011 - 12.2013
- Provided HR advisory services for a workforce of over 1,000 employees, including staffing, payroll, and personnel actions
- Developed job analyses, created vacancy announcements, and advised leadership on hiring strategies
- Assisted in the migration to the WebTA payroll system, training employees and management
Human Resources Specialist (GS-201-12)
Social Security Administration
04.2010 - 09.2011
- Advised management on recruitment, staffing, and compensation strategies
- Processed personnel actions, reviewed vacancy announcements, and conducted applicant evaluations
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations and agency policies
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing
Towson University
05.2006
Skills
- Executive Resource Management
- HR Policies & Compliance
- Performance Management
- Leadership & Strategic Advising
- Onboarding & Process Automation
- Compensation & Benefits Advisory
- HR Training & Mentorship
- Operations management
- Customer-oriented
- Interpersonal skills
Timeline
Executive Resources, HR Specialist (GS-201-13/14)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
03.2017 - Current
HR Specialist, Employee Acquisition and Operation Branch (GS-201-13)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
12.2013 - 03.2017
Management Analyst (GS-343-07/09/11/12)
Social Security Administration
09.2011 - 12.2013
Human Resources Specialist (GS-201-12)
Social Security Administration
04.2010 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Marketing
Towson University
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