Human Resources Leader and Workforce Strategist

Summary

Supervisory-level experience in Human Resources and talent acquisition, including program and position management, recruitment, staffing, and employee relations. Successful in bridging the gap in day-to-day operations between Human Resource functions, Human Capital programs, and Labor Relations. Skill in workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management, having successfully led staffing initiatives for 800 employees, enhancing efficiency and accountability. I am a people-driven leader with proficiency in training, position management, recruitment, early career programs, including position auditing, staffing operations, quality review (QR), and data analytics.

Work Experience

Branch Chief / Supervisory Management Analyst

HHS/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin. (SAMHSA) Rockville, MD 06/2022 – 07/2025

Oversaw the SAMHSA HR Liaison and Data Branch (HRLDB), managing a team of 10 full-time employees including Management Analysts (HR Liaisons), Program Assistants, and HR Contractors. Delivered training on performance management requirements, time and attendance policies, and operational procedures. Coordinated with contractors responsible for position management, recruitment, onboarding, and off-boarding processes for approximately 800 SAMHSA full-time employees, both onsite and remote. Diagnosed and addressed workload distribution and organizational structure concerns tied to workforce planning by implementing a collaborative approach focused on objective achievement. Resolved escalations concerning classification, recruitment, and staffing issues with successful outcomes.

Trained and coordinated with SAMHSA staff and supervisors on position changes and the associated workflows. Advised hiring managers in designing and implementing tailored classification, recruitment, and staffing strategies, thereby enhancing recruitment efficiency for journeyman and senior-level positions.

Managed project requirements encompassing development of plans, milestone estimations, and recommendations for increasing program efficiency within our division. Crafted comprehensive written and oral presentations for senior leadership, developing staffing-related reports and proposals to enhance decision-making processes.

Performed weekly and ad hoc reporting, data call analysis, and presentations on staffing and HR-related matters tailored for leadership, supervisors, and managers.

Directed SAMSHA's onboarding efforts, overseeing employment offers, security clearances, salary negotiations, and position management processes. Facilitated onboarding and off-boarding logistics during Division meetings, ensuring a smooth transition for employees.

Instituted an internal SAMHSA Automated Separation process as part of an innovation challenge to improve workflow efficiency. Implemented a web-based ticketing system to enhance communication, accountability, and efficiency within the HR Division, impacting 75 staff members.

Led specific position auditing projects focused on remote locations, FLSA designations, drug testing compliance, bargaining unit statuses, and position sensitivity classifications. Conducted interviews, performed research, and coordinated with agency-level personnel to ensure accurate and comprehensive job descriptions and summaries. Executed position auditing and PD reclassification evaluations to ensure compliance and accuracy. Updated and electronically documented OF-8 and PD Records to reflect accurate information.

Developed HR and administrative policies, objectives, standards, and procedures regarding management improvement activities.

Co-lead for 3 Employee Engagement Groups

Lead Program Analyst/Human Resources Specialist (Quality Reviewer)

HHS/ National Institutes of Health /OD/OHR/Client Services Division Rockville, MD 08/2013 – 06/2022

Served as Senior HR Specialist and Quality Reviewer for Special Pay cases requiring Deputy/Director approval. Facilitated and participated in weekly meetings with agency staff to monitor PD status and new PD requests, ensuring timely processing. Tracked PD components, including those in process and completed, to maintain an organized workflow. Prepared and finalized OF-8s, making determinations regarding FLSA, BUS, position sensitivity, and drug testing. Defined program goals, implemented strategic changes, and offered actionable recommendations to enhance administrative operations.

Conducted quality reviews of special pay cases, guaranteeing adherence to established standards.

Worked as an expert program analyst in policy analysis, program oversight, evaluation activities, strategic planning, and research coordination. Reviewed case information, reconciled conflicting data, and innovated new methodologies to evaluate findings effectively.

Supervised the Client Services Division's (CSD) administrative staff and contractors to ensure efficient operations. Served as the point of contact and lead for operational support for over 160 employees in the CSD, including 25+ remote contractors. Acted as CSD's liaison for tracking escalated issues related to time and attendance, labor relations/employee relations, and property collection.

Oversaw staffing, performance, and administrative programs while fulfilling various supervisory responsibilities. Managed all aspects involving the implementation of administrative policies and procedures pertinent to the operation and management of the CSD front office staff.

Administered and monitored completed contractor work through the Shared Service Center, managing classification and staffing actions efficiently. Advised CSD leadership on program status regarding contractor spending levels, workload, supplies, and equipment management.

Served as lead or co-lead on multiple employee engagement programs, driving success through effective leadership and collaboration. Coordinated onboarding and off-boarding logistics, including advanced communications, drug testing, travel arrangements, and executive-level reporting.

Related HR and Analyst Positions 2004-2013 (Progressive; Full-time; Continuous)

Human Resources Program Coordinator

U.S. Dept of Justice/ U.S. Parole Commission-HQ 10/2008 - 08/2013

Served as liaison to DOJ-HQ HR office. Office Operations, Classification, Recruitment and Staffing, Diversity and Performance programs

Senior Human Resources Specialist

U.S. Department of Energy/ National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)-HQ 07/2007 - 09/2008

Served as POC for pay-banding transition. Classification, Recruitment and Staffing of GS-13 positions and below (DEU Certified)

Departmental Diversity Employment Program Manager

U.S. Department of Labor-HQ/ OASAM -Office of Civil Rights (Diversity team) 06/2006 - 07/2007

Served as Lead for all DOL subagencies Diversity Recruitment for Asian, Hispanic and Native American employees

Lead Human Resources Specialist

U.S. Department of HHS- HQ/ Personnel Service Center (PSC) 07/2004 - 06/2006

Served Office of the Secretary of HHS. Classification, Recruitment and Staffing of GS-13 positions and below (DEU Certified)

Human Resources Specialist

U.S. Department of Justice/ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 07/2003 - 06/2004

Served 6 field offices. Classification, Recruitment and Staffing of GS-13 positions and below (DEU Certified)

Student Hire- Human Resources Assistant

U.S. Department of Labor- HQ/ OASAM-OHR [Exec. Resources] 07/2000 - 07/2003

Student programs, HR Assistant and Classification work

Education

Master of Management, Technology, University of Phoenix, Rockville

2004 – 2006

Bachelor of Science, Labor Relations, University of Maryland Global Campus, Rockville

1993 – 1998

Certificates/Training

AI and Career Empowerment Course University of Maryland

08/2025

Federal Supervisory Courses for SAMHSA Management Concepts Inc.

09/2022

Managerial Courses for NIH Management Concepts Inc.

08/2016

Human Resource Certificate University of Maryland Global Campus

05/2003

Skills/ Technology and HRIS Experience:

Position Management

Federal Classification, Recruitment, Staffing

Employee Relations

Position Auditing

Staffing Operations

Quality Review (QR)

Data Analytics

Strategic Planning

Compliance Reporting

Operational Auditing

Program Operations Analysis

Coordination

HRIS/HRIT

Microsoft Suite

Google Docs

Canva

Adobe acrobat

BIIS

Supervisory functions

Mentoring activities

Conflict Resolution

Customer Relationship Management

Process Optimization

Employee Engagement

Clearances

Public Trust in all other positions 2000-2025

LBI obtained at U.S DOE/ National Nuclear Security Administration, 10/2008

Top-Secret Clearance obtained at U.S.DOJ/ Federal Bureau of Investigation, 07/2003

Languages

Spanish

Intermediate/conversational

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