Human Resources Specialist

UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS, FIFTH CIRCUIT
OFFICE OF THE CLERK
Human Resources Specialist
Announcement # 5-2024
Appointment: Permanent/Full-Time
Salary Range: CL 25 ($47,966– 77,966) Depending on qualifications & experience
Promotion Potential without further competition
Open/Close Dates: June 13, 2024 – Open Until Filled

Fifth Circuit
The United States Court of Appeals is part of the federal judicial branch of government. The 94 U. S. judicial districts are organized into 12 regional circuits, each of which has a U. S. Court of Appeals. A court of appeals hears appeals from the district courts located within its circuit, as well as appeals from decisions of federal 
administrative agencies. The Fifth Circuit was established by congress in 1891, and encompasses districts from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Position Overview
The Clerk’s Office for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is now accepting applications for the position of Human Resources Specialist. The incumbent provides administrative and technical support for a full range of human resources services that includes, but is not limited to benefits administration, leave administration, recruitment activities, workers compensation, personnel action processing, and records maintenance. The incumbent must provide excellent customer service; have the ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters; have outstanding clerical, verbal, and written communication skills; be detailed-oriented and highly organized; be dependable and have the ability to work independently; be a problem solver who is results oriented; and hold themselves accountable to high professional standards of performance and conduct. The Human Resources Specialist is part of the Administrative Services team and reports to the 
Administrative Services Supervisor. The incumbent may be permitted telework opportunities upon completion of training and in accordance with the office’s telework policy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Two-years general clerical experience and one-year progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience that provided knowledge of the rules, regulations, procedures, and practices in human resources and involved the routine use of computer-based systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, or database applications.
• Fast and accurate data entry skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and working in a Windows environment
• Ability to process a large quantity of work quickly and efficiently with meticulous attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member to achieve a common goal
• Proven automation and technology proficiency with a working knowledge of database applications

Background Check
The Human Resources Specialist position is a sensitive position. As a condition of employment, the selected 
candidate must successfully complete a background check. 

Benefits
Employees of the Clerk’s Office of the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit are not included in the 
government’s civil service classification. They are, however, entitled to similar benefits as other federal 
employees. These include: 
• 13 days paid vacation per year for the first three years of employment 
• 20 days paid vacation per year after three years of employment 
• 26 days paid vacation per year after 15 years of employment
• 13 days paid sick leave per year 
• 11 paid Federal holidays per year (plus Mardi Gras)
• Paid parental leave
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (including government Thrift Savings Plan 
similar to 401K plan with matching funds)
• Choice of medical, dental, and vision coverage from a wide variety of plans 
• Pretax flexible spending account programs 
• Life insurance options 
• Paid off-site parking, subject to availability of funds 
• On-site exercise facility 
When computing employee leave and retirement benefits, time in service with other federal agencies, as 
well as time for certain prior military service may be taken into consideration. Additional information 
regarding federal judiciary employee benefits and compensation can be found on the U.S. Courts website
at http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

Additional Information
This office provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need such accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the person who contacts you 
concerning your application. The decision to grant reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-bycase basis. 

Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents seeking United States citizenship. 
Funds are not available to support travel or relocation expenses. 

Direct deposit of federal wages required. 

The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, withdraw the announcement, fill the position sooner than the closing date, or to extend the closing date, any of which actions may occur without any prior notice. 

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with qualified applicants 
who will be considered for the position. Qualified applicants chosen for consideration are subject to testing 
for relevant skills. When applicable, applicants are selected for interviews based upon test scores. 
Employees serve under “Excepted Appointments” and are considered “at will” employees.

how to Apply
Qualified applicants interested in this position must submit a single PDF containing the following: 
• Cover letter, and
• AO78 Application for Judicial Branch Federal Employment. The AO78 application form can be obtained from
the Fifth Circuit Website, www.ca5.uscourts.gov.

Application packages must be emailed to Clerk_HR@ca5.uscourts.gov (Please reference “Human Resources Specialist 5-2024” in the subject line). Applications that are not submitted as a single PDF or are incomplete will not be considered. 

Internal applicants need only submit a letter of interest detailing how they meet the qualifications for the position. 

Qualified applicants chosen for consideration are subject to applicable skill testing that may include, but is not limited to writing, spelling, grammar, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Windows, and data entry.

The United States Court of Appeals is an Equal Opportunity Employer