ATD Blog
Tue Sep 08 2020
Human Resources Solutions (HRS), a division of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), helps federal agencies put the right person in the right job at the right time. We deliver relevant, cost-effective products and services to help build a high-quality workforce and sustain high-performing organizations. We help agencies attract talent and guide them through their staffing needs on every level.
HRS Partners With NASA to Evaluate and Select Next Astronaut Class
Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the release of new online application and assessment tools that will streamline the astronaut selection process for future explorers under the Artemis lunar exploration program and beyond.
HRS coordinated closely with NASA human resources personnel as well as current astronauts to design the application process and the assessment battery. The assessments included in HRS’s USA Hire were designed to evaluate candidates on competencies specifically identified as highly critical for success in the astronaut position.
These tools will help modernize and allow for automation in the application process through HRS’s USA Staffing talent acquisition system. This results in a more efficient processing and review of applicants. In addition, HRS and NASA developed and implemented a new competency-based online assessment battery to be delivered via the USA Hire platform.
“We are looking for more Artemis Generation explorers to be NASA astronauts. With OPM’s support putting these new tools in place for the application process, we will be able to efficiently identify the top candidates who may someday explore the moon and Mars,” said NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine.
HRS Updates USAJOBS to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic
HRS updated USAJOBS to help federal agencies meet critical hiring requirements in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. The update enables agencies to elevate positions related to the federal government's COVID-19 response on the USAJOBS site and track progress with COVID-19 hiring.
“Visitors to USAJOBS can quickly find opportunities that will have a direct impact on the American people and the federal government's response to COVID-19,” said OPM acting director Michael Rigas.
Agencies can now tag COVID-19-related job opportunity announcements using USAJOBS’s recently implemented COVID-19 mission-critical code. Visitors will be able to sort through all announcements to find COVID-19 opportunities in one place.
HRS is also working with agencies to make short-term developmental assignments available to allow existing federal employees a chance to join in the response effort for up to six months. While various opportunities exist, employees who have a healthcare background or are licensed healthcare providers currently serving in nonclinical positions are encouraged to apply. These opportunities can be found at Open Opportunities.
Why Choose HRS?
HRS is the single-largest provider of human capital management and training solutions across the human capital lifecycle, and it’s the only federal organization entirely focused on making people and organizations better. Because of our mission focus—“by government, for government”—we offer a unique combination of human capital management and training and procurement expertise. Coupled with ease of acquisition, subject matter expertise, federal compliance, and speed of access, we are the right choice for agency human capital needs.
You've Reached ATD Member-only Content
Become an ATD member to continue
Already a member?Sign In