DHS Launches Web-Based HR Tool

The Homeland Security Department has launched a new IT platform that simplifies and accelerates its recruiting and hiring activities. The agency touts the tool, called TalentLink, as a means to help subcomponent agencies reduce their time to hire, improve the quality of

candidate referrals and better manage and onboard new staff. The tool also uses electronic routing and approvals, automates the rating and ranking process and standardizes vacancy announcements using plain language.

For internal and external job applicants, the Web-based tool also provides a job portal to search and apply for DHS jobs and automatically generates correspondence to keep applicants informed and engaged throughout the federal hiring process.

The Office of Management and Budget in June sent out a memorandum for agencies to begin mapping their hiring processes and writing plain-language job descriptions for their 10 most prevalent positions by Sept. 30. Final reports are due on Dec. 15. DHS says the TalentLink program puts it

ahead of the curve on meeting the new requirements.

Thus far, DHS headquarters and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have deployed the new system., an agency spokesman said.