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Position Title
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Agency
Office of the Secretary of the Army
Announcement Number
NCHT185651694566D Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, March 8, 2018 to Monday, March 19, 2018
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans' Preference? (limit characters)
2. External Recruitment Military Spouse Preference

This category includes spouses of active duty military members.  To be eligible you:

• Must have been married to your military sponsor prior to reporting to the new duty assignment; AND,

• Must have accompanied your military sponsor on a Permanent Change in Station (PCS) move; AND,

• The position for which you are applying must be within the commuting area of your military sponsor's new permanent duty station.

MSP applies if you are ranked among the "best qualified" for this vacancy, and the list established from this announcement is used to fill the vacancy. 

MSP does not apply, however, when preference would violate statutes or regulations on veterans' preference or nepotism. 

Supporting documentation: You must provide acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility which includes the following: a copy of PCS orders authorizing the spouse to accompany the service member to a new duty location, and proof of marriage to the service member. 

**NOTE: You will not receive Military Spouse Preference for this announcement if you fail to provide any of the documents mentioned above.

Are you a military spouse eligible for preference under delegated examining procedures?
(limit characters)
3. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan

Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position?  If yes, confirm:

• you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy

• your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and

• your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

ICTAP applicants must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well-qualified is defined as meeting all of the minimum qualification standards and eligibility requirements as well as possessing skills that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.

*Note: Under competitive delegated examining, an ICTAP eligible will be considered well-qualified if they attain an eligibility rating of 90 or higher, not including points for veterans' preference.

Supporting documentation: Federal employees seeking ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.704, by submitting a copy of the following documents with your completed application:A copy of your agency notice; AND,

A copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal; AND,

A copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  Additional information regarding ICTAP eligibility can be found in the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.  For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position has requirements which must be met prior to employment, and conditions for continued employment. Your answers to the questions in this section will indicate your understanding of, or possession of, these requirements and conditions. (limit characters)
1. This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required. Are you willing to undergo pre-employment and recurring investigations to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance as required? (limit characters)
2. Appointment to this position is subject to a two year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights. Are you willing to serve a two year probationary period? (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a Public Affairs Specialist position with Department of the Army. Your resume and the responses you provide to this assessment questionnaire will be used to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit your application. (limit characters)
1. Select the one statement that best describes the experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Public Affairs Specialist at the GS-13 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. (limit characters)
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below. (limit characters)
2. Develop media plans, media strategies and media events for assigned accounts in support of Agency objectives.
(limit characters)
3. Direct the communication of Agency information programs, policies and actions concerning current operations and issues to regional, national and international publics, both internal and external.
(limit characters)
4. Utilize a variety of communication techniques and methods to include print and electronic media in order to convey the Agency's mission and its role in national defense.
(limit characters)
5. Provide direct public affairs support for media queries from various press agencies regarding Agency situations.
(limit characters)
6. Provide guidance on public implications of regional, national and international Agency programs concerning assigned account areas.
(limit characters)
7. Prepare proposed answers to assist civilian news media with questions on high level Agency policy issues. (limit characters)
8. Provide advice to agency staff proponents on the content, timing, appropriate audience, print and electronic media outlets.
(limit characters)
9. Maintain constant awareness of the status of Agency activities that may have potential public affairs impacts.
(limit characters)
10. Brief decision makers on program areas and on media aspects of these activities.
(limit characters)
11. Develop recommendations from a wide array of conflicting and divergent input to arrive at a position acceptable to most of the participants.
(limit characters)
12. Conduct presentations at meetings designed to obtain consensus position among divergent viewpoints.
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13. Research information to develop public affairs plans and media strategies to support these actions.
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14. Provide guidance to Agency leaders and personnel on a broad spectrum of Public Affairs programs, missions and activities with high public visibility and interest.
(limit characters)
15. Provide a balanced view of the Agency's functions to ensure the audiences and communication methods are properly used. (limit characters)
16. Monitor and research Agency Policy media coverage and advise senior leaders. (limit characters)
17. Your responses to the Announcement and Assessment Questionnaires, along with your resume and all supporting documentation are subject to evaluation and verification to ensure accuracy. Please take this opportunity to review your responses to ensure their accuracy. (limit characters)