TRISTESA M. CHERRY
Newberry
Summary
Dynamic HR Specialist with a proven track record at the Federal Aviation Administration, excelling in position classification and organizational design. Leveraged mentoring and talent management skills to enhance employee engagement and workforce planning. Achieved streamlined HR processes, resulting in improved efficiency and compliance.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Specialist
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
OKLAHOMA CITY
02.2023 - 06.2023
- (Classification) responsible for providing classification and evaluation support to Lines of Business and Staff Offices
- Acts as a contributing specialist on large work activities, projects, and programs
- Responsible for applying comprehensive knowledge and experience of classification and position management principles, concepts, practices, and techniques as well as general human resources practices acquired through experience in the Federal Government
- Assists in planning and conducting studies to identify short and long-range classification needs
- Interprets and analyzes varied Federal documents including law, regulation, policy, and standards to ensure that a well-regulated Classification program is maintained
- Develops job descriptions and classifies positions, implementing standardized/benchmark position descriptions for a variety of federal occupations
- Advises managers on how to design positions for a complex organization
- Maintains and ensures position classification accuracy and consistency in interpreting and applying classification standards
- Conducts desk audits for a variety of positions and prepares evaluation statements
- Provides management with insight in establishing organizational structures that are efficient, cost effective, support desired pay levels, and facilitate career development
- Advises management on the accepted principles and rules of judgment in analyzing contentious and complex individual position and organization structure issues
- Provides a variety of high-level human resource management operational and consultative services, including oversight and quality control of daily classification activities to ensure consistency in decisions as well as compliance with policies, guidelines and procedures
- Serves as an Outreach Representative for the FAA Southern Region STEM AVSED Program designed to conduct outreach through the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Aviation and Space Education Program to empower the youth of today to explore and connect to the aerospace careers of tomorrow
- Certified as an FAA Talent Ambassador to represent the FAA at recruitment and outreach events.
04.2015 - 08.2020
Advanced Classification Training
Atlanta
08.2019 - 08.2019
- Presented by VHA Workforce Management & Consulting Office
- The course was for journeyman level Classification specialist and covered a wide range of Classification topics to include Interpretation of Standards, Position Management, GS and WG Grade Determinations; Supervisory/lead Grade Determinations, Audits, Appeal Decisions; and FLSA
- The interactive course was designed to have participants work with peers to devise, discuss and problem solve Advanced Classification issues
- Position Management Classification Series presented by Charles Gray, HR Consultant (Classification), VHA Servicing HR Office
- Part I: Position Management, 01/09/2018, Standardized Position Description and Functional Statements (03/13/2018).
Virtual, Leaders
Aspiring, Program
08.2017 - 12.2017
HR
VA 101 Ambassador
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Competent in Federal, Staffing & Recruitment, Classification, Position Management, Work-life Benefits
- Leading at the Speed of Trust, Franklin Covey All Access on Demand Leadership Course
- 03/2021 Establishing Effective Virtual Teams, NFED 4502046 - Course provided training on building a solid team and handling challenges stemming from a virtual team environment
- The course covered topics related to remote management and tactics for communication, assessment, and meetings.
HRS/WK
08.2013 - 04.2015
SUPERVISORY HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
WASHINGTON
- 01.2014
- Served as the Classification Branch Chief
- Responsible for supervising and managing the day-to- day activities of the Classification and Position Management Division
- Responsible for the full range of advisory services to employees and managers regarding position classification, position management, and organizational design
- Actively participated in various meetings at various levels of agency management and leadership; authoritatively evaluated and communicated strategies to maintain the classification program; served as subject matter expert on behalf of the agency for all things related to Position Classification and Management
- Oversaw the conduct of special position management studies designed to develop options to resolve long term or future needs involving structuring of work among positions in an effective manner
- Evaluated supervisory understanding of the position management and classification program and developed supplemental guidance and instructions as needed.
HRS/WK
10.2012 - 02.2013
SUPERVISORY HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
VETERANS
DULUTH
- 01.2013
- Administered the VISN 7 Consolidated Classification program providing technical advice and recommendations to VISN and medical center managers on developing and modifying position descriptions and carrying out the legal and personnel responsibilities as they relate to classification and position management
- Responsible for the technical and administrative oversight of 9.0 HR Specialists (Classification) and 1.0 Lead HR Specialist (Classification) position
- Classification team consisted of a combination of full performance and developmental Classifiers
- Provided classification services for complex medical centers, which included a broad array of professional, scientific, administrative, and technical positions; Researched and analyzed applicable OPM and agency guidance to determine the pay plan, series, and grade of positions, provided classification advice and recommendations to managers and substantiated work decisions; Ensured consistency of classification decisions to support consistent position structures across the VISN; Conducted desk audits for difficult cases and prepared comprehensive written results that justified conclusions; Served as technical consultant for medical center and VISN leadership in support of position management and classification; Provided training to supervisors and HR staff on the position classification process
- Represented agency in FLSA Grievance Cases, justifying agency FLSA determinations during federal court hearings
- Fully supported and facilitated all VHA Modernization and Standardization initiatives by establishing nationally standardized position descriptions whenever appropriate and communicating the advantages of modernization efforts to CCU staff, facility staff, facility leadership, and VISN leadership
- Participated in all VHA CCU COP calls, VHA HR Professional calls, and VA Townhall meetings to stay current on VA/VHA initiatives.
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
VETERANS AFFAIRS
ST. PETERSBURG
- 01.2012
- Completed classification requests to establish new positions, re- descriptions, reorganizations, statement of differences, position designation reports for Title 5, Title 38, and Hybrid Title 38 positions, and FLSA determinations; Evaluated a variety of position to include GS, GS leader, GS Supervisory, Exception PDs/Downgrades, Mixed Series positions, FWS, Research, and trainee positions; Provided classification consultation services to facility POCs on position management, explanation of occupational series determination, position description formatting, and classification standards and interpretation; Organized and prioritized classification requests based on complexity level, meeting CCU metrics for all actions assigned
- Fully supported the objectives and efforts of the CCU and the VISN by ensuring the accuracy of all classification actions; Maintained a working relationship with facility Human Resources staff and classification liaisons providing appropriate updates on the status of actions and respectfully requesting missing documentation; Consistently available to customers via Skype, phone, and e-mail to discuss classification issues
- Facilitated Face-to-Face Classification 101 training sessions targeted to supervisors, managers, and Administrative Officers at medical facilities throughout the VISN 8 Network to increase field knowledge of PD Factor levels, position management, appeals process, and provided face-to-face and virtual consults to individual services to discuss service specific classification issues
- Active participant in the development of a Supervisory Training course on "How to Write a Position Description from Scratch"
- Effectively communicated with facility service POCs on controversial classification issues, accommodating all requests for further explanations and discussions; Provided timely responses to supervisor and co-workers regarding classification issues
- Entered appropriate data into LEAF system to support outcome measurement; Voluntarily participated in monthly HRD Virtual learning Opportunities covering multiple VHA HR issues and VISN8 Lunch and learn trainings; listened to all HR Professional monthly calls to stay current on new developments in field of expertise and expand knowledge in other areas of federal Human Resources
- Primary Classification point of contact for the implementation of the Whole Health Program at the James A
- Haley Veteran's Hospital, identified as one of the 18 flagship sites to establish and refine the Whole Health model
- Provided consultation and recommendations for the Whole Health organizational structure and position management throughout the service.
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
GAINESVILLE
- 05.2011
- Completed Technical Career Field Orientation which included OPC site visits, Service line shadowing, Service Chief interviews; Tour of VISN office, VBA Regional Office, National Cemetery; Review of VHA Succession Plan, Department of Veterans Affairs Strategic Plan; Review of VHA manuals, policies, directives, handbooks, and regulations relevant to Human Resources Management
- Completed 3- month rotation in Classification and Position Management which included a 5-day Classification 101 Workshop through the VHA Human Resources Development Group; a 2- day Classification training through the VISN 8 Consolidated Classification Unit; a 2- day Virtual Position Management Course through HR Academy; and a 2-week Detail to the VISN 8 CCU for on-the-job training
- VISN 8 CCU training included FLSA Determination training, POAT Development, and Position Management
- Member of HRD Classification Focus Group responsible for developing a virtual training course aimed at Human Resources Specialist working in areas other than Classification
- Developed 2 Position Descriptions for HRMS
- Completed a 6- month rotation in Recruitment and Placement which included a 30-day rotation on the Physician Pay and Recruitment team
- Completed 2- month rotation in Processing and Records which included Salary Reviews; Within Grade/Periodic step increase reviews; eOPF training; Web HR training; Processing Personnel Actions training; and a Basic PAID Coding Course
- Completed a rotation in Employee Relations/Labor Relations which included appointment to an Administrative Investigation Board requiring, a fact-finding investigation of 7 charges, interviewing of 24 witnesses, and final written and oral findings report delivered to the medical center Director
- Thorough review of Grievances, Arbitration, and Unfair Labor Practices
- Training on developing performance standards, performance appraisal systems, handling poor performance, and performance improvement plans
- Training in charge writing, alternative discipline, and precedent setting case law
- Served on Special Emphasis Employment Committee and Federal Women's Employment Committee at NFSG VHS
- Developed and distributed original materials to promote participation in career enhancement and development programs within the NF/SG VHS facility
- Represented HRMS and Work Life Benefits at four NF/SG VHS facility events.
HRS/WK
10.2008 - 05.2010
HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT
VETERANS AFFAIRS
GAINESVILLE
- 01.2006
- Provided recruitment and placement functions for Nursing Service
- Developed vacancy announcements including open continuous positions; Post vacancy announcements on the USA JOBS website, VA CAREERS website, and on the internal VA vacancy announcement intranet database; Performed qualification analysis to determine qualifications and eligibility of applicants; Assist with merit promotion and wage grade panels; prepared federal certificates for selecting officials; Established and maintained merit promotion files and records; Prepared DEU (Delegated Examining Unit) requests for vacancy announcements; prepared audits and returns on DEU certificates
- Contacted selected candidates to make job offers; Independently performed all pre-employment accession processes including the preparation of commitment letters, security clearances (HIPDB, LEIE, OIG); Scheduled pre-employment physicals; Enrollment into eQIP, Preparation of recruitment 52, and preparation of New Employee Packet
- VetPro enrollment for clinical staff; Follow-up on RN's and LPN to ensure timely review by the Nurse Professional Standards Board which required frequent contact with the Nursing staff and employees to obtain all required documents to complete Boarding Folders
- Assisted in compiling data for internal review and other required reports such as 45 day hiring report; updated the
- Vacancy Strength Report and Vacancy Quad Report; Independently processed recruitment, promotion, reassignment, reinstatement, transfer, LWOP, return to duty, conversion, and change of schedule 52's
- Readily provided training and assistance to new HR staff in basic human resources processes and procedures; provided front desk coverage as requested; Served as interim VEC (Veterans Employment Coordinator); Represented NF/SG VHS at recruitment and career fairs
- Assisted all Human Resources Staff as requested; provide and assisted with training for HR all staff meetings (KSA's, Customer Service); Assisted in conducting performance based interviews for Human Resources staff; Participated in Collaborative efforts to identify staffing and recruitment impediments to improve and restructure HR processes and procedures; Interpreted and analyzed the laws covered in Title 5 of the United States Code (5 USC), the regulations found in Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations (5CFR), executive orders issued by the U.S
- President, as well as agency specific requirements found in the Human Resources Merit Promotion Plan to ensure that staffing processes where consistently legal and fair; Prepared clear explanations concerning recruitment efforts, examination processes, selections, appointments, and pay setting for internal/external applicants, Human Resources staff, and other inquiring parties; Provided regulatory and practical advice to customers concerning vacancy announcements, eligibility requirements, qualifications, and status of personnel actions.
PROGRAM SUPPORT ASSISTANT
AFFAIRS
GAINESVILLE
- 01.2005
- Responsible for the credentialing of Dependent Providers within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA); Credentialing process included verification, through the appropriate primary sources, of the individual's professional education, training, licensure, certification, registration, previous experience, training and employment, professional references, adverse actions, and criminal violations
- Provided administrative and technical support to the Staffing Section of Human Resources including special projects, assisting applicants with employment information, and assisting specialist and assistants; Daily interaction with employees, supervisors, Service Chiefs, and representatives from various levels within the agency, educational organizations, and licensure boards; Assisted with Work Study (WOC) program.
Graduate School USA
Atlanta
06.2017
Education
MBA - Healthcare Administration
Kaplan University
05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Health Science Education
University of Florida
12.1998
Skills
- Mentoring
- Position classification
- Organizational design
- Position management
- Training and Development
- Conflict resolution tactics
- Team building
- Succession planning
- HR policy/procedure development
- Policies implementation
- Personnel recruitment
- Talent management
- Workforce planning
- Performance management
- Employee engagement
- Job description development
Relevant Training
- VA 101 Ambassador, 2015-2017
- Leading at the Speed of Trust, Franklin Covey All Access on Demand Leadership Course, 03/2021
- Establishing Effective Virtual Teams, NFED 4502046
- Advanced Classification Training, Atlanta, GA, 08/06/19 - 08/08/19
- Position Management Classification Series, Charles Gray, HR Consultant (Classification), VHA Servicing HR Office, Part I: Position Management, 01/09/18, Part II: Standardized Position Description and Functional Statements, 03/13/18
- Virtual Aspiring Leaders Program, 08/2017-12/13/2017
- Advanced Position Classification Training, Graduate School USA, Atlanta, GA, 06/2017
Timeline
Human Resources Specialist
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
02.2023 - 06.2023
Advanced Classification Training
08.2019 - 08.2019
Virtual, Leaders
Aspiring, Program
08.2017 - 12.2017
Graduate School USA
06.2017
04.2015 - 08.2020
HR
VA 101 Ambassador
01.2015 - 01.2017
HRS/WK
08.2013 - 04.2015
HRS/WK
10.2012 - 02.2013
HRS/WK
10.2008 - 05.2010
SUPERVISORY HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE
- 01.2014
SUPERVISORY HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
VETERANS
- 01.2013
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
VETERANS AFFAIRS
- 01.2012
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
- 05.2011
HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT
VETERANS AFFAIRS
- 01.2006
PROGRAM SUPPORT ASSISTANT
AFFAIRS
- 01.2005
MBA - Healthcare Administration
Kaplan University
Bachelor of Science - Health Science Education
University of Florida
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