Human Capital Programs

Human Capital Programs consists of three services that provide strategic human capital support to VA Administrations and Staff Offices: Employee Relations and Performance Management; Worklife and Benefits; and Alternative Dispute Resolution. These services develop, implement, and provide consultative advice and guidance on the following VA Directives and Handbooks: 5009, Employee Benefits; 5011, Hours of Duty and Leave; 5013, Performance Management Systems; 5017, Employee Recognition and Awards; 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service; 5021, Employee/Management Relations; 5383, VA Drug-Free Workplace Program; and 5978, Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Rondy L. Waye

Rondy L. Waye

Executive Director

Organizational Units

Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program Office develops and implements policy and guidance on dispute resolution consistent with the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act. ADR consists of a variety of approaches and techniques for early intervention and dispute resolution including facilitation, mediation, and early neutral evaluation. Each ADR technique provides a non-adversarial setting, giving employees an opportunity to discuss and consider possible solutions with the assistance of a neutral third party. The VA supports ADR to the maximum extent practicable and at the earliest possible stage to prevent, minimize, and resolve disputes.

Activities:

  • Provides oversight and conducts reviews of ADR policies and initiates modifications to incorporate administrative and legislative changes.
  • Supports administrations and staff offices in designing, implementing, and improving programs, to include assisting with conflict assessments, obtaining neutrals, marketing, and training.
  • Educates staff on conflict management and ADR processes.
  • Engages with customers to facilitate mutually acceptable and cost-effective outcomes.
  • Serves as third party neutrals to provide ADR services throughout VA for workplace disputes.
  • Manages the collateral duty neutral program.

Employee Relations and Performance Management Service (ER&PMS)

The Employee Relations and Performance Management Service (ER&PMS) develops and implements policy and guidance on disciplinary and adverse actions, agency grievances, performance management, employee recognition and awards, and the Drug Free Workplace Program (DFWP). ER&PMS supports the employee relations workforce to effectively assist managers in promoting employee accountability in support of VA’s mission; and facilitates the Disciplinary Appeals Board (DAB) process on behalf of the VA Secretary for certain Veterans Health Administration employees appealing major adverse actions.

Activities:

  • Provides oversight and conducts reviews of employee relations policies and initiates modifications to incorporate administrative and legislative changes.
  • Serves as subject matter experts (SME) on enterprise-wide initiatives (e.g., ePerformance, collective bargaining agreement negotiations).
  • Provides guidance and training and develops resources for the human resources community on ER&PMS program areas.
  • Conducts periodic reviews/audits to ensure DFWP compliance.
  • Facilitates and supports the DAB process and conducts DAB training.
  • Serves as SME on ALERT-HR Change Control Board.

Worklife and Benefits Service (WLB)

The Work Life and Benefits Service (WLB) develops and implements policy and guidance on hours of duty, leave administration, health & wellness programs, telework/remote work, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Retirement & Benefits programs. WLB provides guidance and education to VA’s workforce on these programs with the aim of enhancing the employee experience.

Activities:

  • Provides oversight and conducts reviews of worklife and benefit policies and initiates modifications to incorporate administrative and legislative changes.
  • Educates VA HR offices on worklife and benefit policies and topics.
  • Provides HR guidance on telework, hours of duty, leave, retirement, and benefits.
  • Issues bulletins, fact sheets, and FAQs on VA policies and procedures.
  • Processes Secretary Awards, implements the Feds Feed Families Program, and supports VA Central Office fitness initiatives (e.g., VA2K Walk and Roll).
  • Establishes the HR Emergency Resource Center webpage as the main resource for HR information.