# AGENDA

**1. Welcome --[LeTricia Jackson](mailto:letricia.jackson@va.gov),
Moderator (202-273-4907)**

> **2. HRMO Activity**

[]{.mark}

> VAMC Manchester has selected Mary-Ellen Kenney as Human Resources
> Officer.
>
> **[CURRENT VACANCIES:]{.underline}**
>
> None
>
> **3. HR Management Programs and Policies - Items of Interest:**

**Veterans Preference - [Ronald
Luzetsky](mailto: Staffing Policy 059/VACO@va.gov) (202-273-9876)**

 

> The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued final regulations to
> implement statutory changes to veterans\' preference continued in the
> National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2006.  These changes
> expanded the definition of veterans and clarify veterans\' preference
> eligibility. These changes were covered on previous conference calls
> and are covered in Title 5 U.S.C., Part III, Subpart A, Chapter 21,
> 2108.  Human Resources Management Letter clarifying these changes in
> veterans\' preference was just signed and should be distributed
> shortly.  These new regulations can be found in the Federal Register
> Volume 71, No. 111 issued Friday June 9, 2006.    RONALD LUZETSKY
> (202) 273-9876
>
> **Implementation of OPM's Management Satisfaction Survey -- [O. Ann
> Williams](mailto:ophelia.williams@va.gov) (202-273-4966)**
>
> Recently, Linda Springer, Director of the Office of Personnel
> Management (OPM), sent a memorandum to all Federal Chief Human Capital
> Officers (CHCOs) announcing the release of the CHCO Council's
> Management Satisfaction Survey.  Per OPM, this survey is based upon
> criteria developed by the CHCO Council and is part a broad effort to
> improve the Federal hiring process.  All departments and agencies are
> to begin implementing the use of this survey to its hiring officials. 
> In VA, HR Offices should shortly begin to distribute a Management
> Satisfaction Survey form to their hiring officials with each
> certificate issued.  HR Offices should include the survey form with
> all DEU or OPM certificates of eligible's for permanent Title 5
> external recruitment actions.
>
> The Recruitment and Placement Policy Service (059) is now developing
> instructions to implement the use of the management survey, and will
> disseminate them shortly.  In the meantime, please feel free to view
> the survey at the following web site:  <http://study.opm.gov/mss/>.
>
> \[POC:  Staffing Policy 059/VACO@va.gov\]
>
> **New Hybrid Qualification Standards Available For Training Purposes
> Only --** **[Katika Floyd](mailto:katika.floyd@va.gov)
> (202-273-9848)**
>
> **New Hybrid Qualification Standards --** [[Staffing policy
> 059/VACO@va.gov]{.underline}](mailto:staffingpolicy05/VACO@va.gov)
>
> The revised qualification standards for the second generation hybrid
> occupations have been approved. At this time they may only be used for
> three purposes:

1.  The training of Professional Standards Board members;

2.  The preparation of Qualifications Updates Sheets by employees; and

3.  The development of functional statements by supervisors.

> The new standards must **NOT** be used for appointments, promotions,
> or any other official personnel actions at this time. The standards
> are available on the OHRM website at
> [[http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/T38Hybrid/QualStandards.htm]{.underline}](http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/T38Hybrid/QualStandards.htm)
> . At this time these new qualification standards may **NOT** be used
> for any official personnel actions.

**Office of Labor and Management Relations - [Douglas
Katcher](mailto:douglas.katcher@va.gov) (202-273-9824)**

> On April 27, 2006, AFGE filed an unfair labor practice charge alleging
> that management implemented the mass details without bargaining.  In
> response to the ULP, we explained to the FLRA that the bargaining unit
> employees were detailed on paper only, with no change in their working
> conditions that would give rise to a bargaining obligation.  Even
> though there was no obligation to bargain, AFGE was notified and given
> the opportunity to comment and ask questions.  A meeting was held with
> the union on May 1, which was the earliest date they were available. 
> AFGE did not submit any proposals.  We are waiting to be contacted by
> the FLRA.
>
> **SmartAnswers for Fed Managers and Supervisors** - [**Cynthia
> Leach**](mailto:cynthia.leach@va.gov) **(202-273-8661)**
>
> SmartAnswers for Fed Managers is a web-based performance support
> system that provides federal managers, supervisors and team leaders
> (Leaders) access to details on a broad range of Human Resource
> workplace issues.
>
> SmartAnswers provides performance support reference material via
> Internet and allow extensive search capabilities. Content addresses an
> array of Federal laws and Federal HR practices and provide practical
> advice on how to think through key issues in dealing with employee
> problems.
>
> This performance support tool provides managers and supervisors with
> the information they need to document, evaluate and act on workplace
> situations that may not require the expertise of an HR professional to
> resolve.
>
> Currently, VA is a subscriber to SmartAnswers and all managers,
> supervisors and team leaders should have full access to the product.
> If you are a manager, supervisor or team leader and would like access
> to the product, please have your HR Office or Education Coordinator
> contact Cynthia Leach at <Cynthia.Leach@va.gov> for the username and
> password.

4.  **Little bit of this.....Little bit of that.....**

> **Update: Physician and Dentist Pay Implementation -- [Lauren
> Kuiper-Rocha](mailto:lauren.kuiper@va.gov) (202-273-5575)**
>
> **[Physician and Dentist Pay Conversion Database]{.underline}**
>
> On May 4, 2006 the rates of pay for physicians and dentists were
> released with the exception of those physicians and dentists covered
> by pay tables 5 and 6, pay tables 1 through 4 tier 4, requests to
> exceed the tier and/or \$275,000 Under Secretary for Health pay cap,
> and any individual database reporting issues.
>
> At this time most of the individual database reporting issues have
> been reconciled and released. Therefore it is our intention within the
> next two weeks to re-open the database in a read only format in order
> for each station to have access to print a final version of the
> reported pay rates. The database will remain open for a period of two
> weeks and existing passwords will remain in effect. Since this
> database will serve as a historical baseline of the new pay system it
> is important to review one last time that the rates of pay coded in
> PAID are reflective of the rates of pay in the database. Any
> discrepancies should be reported via e-mail to myself or Clara
> Trapnell for correction.
>
> **[Deadline for Coding Initial Market Pay Review Conversion
> Actions]{.underline}**
>
> As part of the oversight and accountability function of implementation
> we are to provide a first report to the NLB and OMB in August to share
> the statistical indications of implementation. As a result we are
> asking for all coding related to the initial market pay review
> conversion action to be completed with the exception of those subject
> to VACO Compensation Panels and those seeking approval of tier and/or
> pay cap exceptions by **July 8, 2006**. We will then run a validation
> between PAID and the conversion database to ensure accuracy of
> information reported.
>
> **[Exception and Appointment Packages]{.underline}**
>
> Requests for both the tier exceptions and exceptions to the \$275,000
> Under Secretary for Health pay cap have begun to move forward for
> approval as well as any appointment packages needing an exception
> approval. If you have questions regarding a particular individual
> please contact Clara Trapnell.
>
> **[Performance Pay]{.underline}**
>
> A reminder that performance pay goals/objectives along with a maximum
> target amount must be communicated to each eligible physician and
> dentist by July 1, 2006. Although we will be issuing a document within
> the next week as a reference guide to provide further assistance we
> encourage you to utilize the handout on performance pay provided in
> the training sessions to begin the communication process if your
> station has not already done so. The
> [handout](http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/Pay/NEW_PHYS_PAY/PERF_PAYHO.doc) on
> performance pay may be found on the web page for physician and dentist
> pay under the link entitled "Training Materials".
>
> **[Additional Items of Note]{.underline}**
>
> Chiefs of Staff (pay table 5) are tentatively scheduled to be released
> for coding by Friday, June 16, 2006. However, those physicians and
> dentists covered by pay table 6 are tentatively scheduled to be
> released at the end of July 2006.
>
> A refresh of the report previously issued sharing the statistical
> analysis of compensation for physicians and dentists by clinical
> specialty and network will be provided within the July/August 2006
> timeframe.
>
> **Update: HR Conference / HR Competency Assessment -- [Marlee
> Garrick](mailto:marlee.garrick@va.gov) (202-273-4967)**
>
> **[HR Competency Validation Survey]{.underline}**
>
> We want thank all of you for the incredible level of interest and
> support we received on the validation survey. The time and effort that
> was put into the survey is greatly appreciated.
>
> I am happy to announce that when the survey closed on Friday we had
> received responses from 674 HR Professionals.
>
> So what are we doing with the information? We are currently taking
> your input and creating the final HR Competency Model. Within the next
> week you will receive an email informing you of the second phase of
> the assessment process, the actual competency assessment. The
> competency assessment is an optional assessment that provides HR
> professionals the opportunity to evaluate their personal competencies
> against the finalized HR Competency Model. The assessment will
> validate previously mastered skills and competencies as well as
> identify skill gaps. The overall results will be analyzed globally and
> that information will be used to help identify training and
> development needs, so that training programs can be customized and
> offered to VA HR Professionals.
>
> Following the initial email, you will then receive follow-up emails
> reminding you of the upcoming assessment launch and on July 3rd you
> will receive an email with the online assessment web-link and
> instructions for completing the assessment. The assessment is will be
> live beginning July 3rd and closing July 21st.
>
> Thank you again for all your support!!!!
>
> **[HR Conference]{.underline}**
>
> The agenda and hotel contract are currently being finalized; as soon
> as that information is available you will be receiving emails
> containing the hotel information, conference activities and programs
> and information about the online registration process.
>
> Make sure you mark you calendars for September 11-14, 2006 in sunny
> Las Vegas, NV. There will be numerous activities and opportunities for
> you to be involved in. So stay tuned!!

5.  **The Healthcare Retention and Recruitment Office (10A3D)**

> **Recruitment Event Schedule - [Ron Reed](mailto:Ronald.Reed2@va.gov)
> (504-568-0811 x5522)**

+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **DATE**   | **EVENT**                 | **LOCATION**   | **BOOTH   |
|            |                           |                | STAFF**   |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **June     | **International Society   | **Adam\'s Mark | **Sylvia  |
| 9-13**     | of Radiographers &        | Hotel, Denver, | Delsa**   |
|            | Radiological Techs.       | CO**           |           |
|            | (ISRRT) / American        |                |           |
|            | Society of Radiological   |                |           |
|            | Techs. (ASRT)**           |                |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **June     | **Issues in Medicine      | **The Mirage   | **Ron     |
| 12-15**    | Medical Congress**        | Hotel, Las     | Reed**    |
|            |                           | Vegas, NV**    |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **June     | **American Society        | **Walt Disney  | **Lisea   |
| 24-28**    | Health-System Pharmacists | Swan Hotel,    | Johnson   |
|            | ASHP,**                   | Orlando, FL**  | Lou       |
|            |                           |                | Cobuzzi** |
|            | **(Annual Meeting-        |                |           |
|            | Summer)**                 |                |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **June 28- | **Philippine Nurses       | **Boston Park  | **Laura   |
| July 2**   | Association (PNAA)**      | Plaza, Boston, | Bauzys**  |
|            |                           | MA**           |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **July     | **National Association of | **JW Marriott  | **Gail    |
| 19-21**    | Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)**  | Desert Ridge-  | Smith**   |
|            |                           | Phoenix, AZ**  |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **July     | **Am Assoc Clinical       | **McCormick    | **Sylvia  |
| 23-27**    | Chemistry (AACC) & Am Soc | Place -        | Delsa**   |
|            | Clinical Laboratory       | Chicago, IL**  |           |
|            | Science (ASCLS)**         |                |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **Aug.     | **American Association of | **Cleveland    | **Lee     |
| 5-9**      | Nurse Anesthetists        | Convention     | Winger**  |
|            | (AANA)**                  | Cen            |           |
|            |                           | ter-Cleveland, |           |
|            |                           | OH**           |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **Aug.     | **National Medical        | **Dallas       | **Seeking |
| 5-9**      | Association (NMA**        | Convention     | Vol       |
|            |                           | Center-**      | unteers** |
|            |                           |                |           |
|            |                           | **Dallas, TX** |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+
| **Aug.     | **National Black Nurses   | **Westin       | **Mary    |
| 9-13**     | Association (NBNA)**      | Diplomat       | Raymer**  |
|            |                           | Resort-**      |           |
|            |                           |                |           |
|            |                           | *              |           |
|            |                           | *Hollywood/Ft. |           |
|            |                           | Lauderdale,    |           |
|            |                           | FL**           |           |
+------------+---------------------------+----------------+-----------+

> **For information about posting vacancies to
> [www.vacareers.va.gov](http://www.vacareers.va.gov/), please contact
> Ron Reed at <Ronald.Reed2@med.va.gov> or (504) 568-0811, ext. 5522.**
>
> **Just a reminder the next conference call is scheduled for Wednesday,
> July 12, 2006.**