Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services Logo
Position Title
Public Affairs Specialist
Agency
Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
Announcement Number
HHS-ASPA-MP-18-10143554 Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 to Tuesday, March 13, 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. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions and you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more OR
  • retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. Please also provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans) (limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the Department of Health and Human Services? 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.

You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of CTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50. For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center page (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/ctap/). (limit characters)
4. I meet one or more of the following requirements for a competitive appointment:
  1. Current or former Federal employee working in a permanent competitive service position;
  2. I am a preference eligible veteran or veteran separated from the armed forces after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions eligible under Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA).
 **Please note that you must submit documentation to support your eligibility.**
 
For more information, review the following link:
Veterans Resources: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans (limit characters)
5. 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.
You will be required to submit supporting documentation to validate your claim of ICTAP eligibility such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/ictap/) (limit characters)
6. I meet one or more of the following requirements for a noncompetitive appointment:
  1. Current/Formal Federal employee who currently hold or previously held a Federal competitive position with promotion potential at or above the full performance level listed for this position;
  2. Certain Military Spouses;
  3. Peace Corps Volunteer or Vista member;
  4. Current Federal employee working in an excepted service position covered by an OPM Interchange Agreement;
  5. Foreign Service Employee
  6. Certain Former Overseas Employees
 
 **Please note that you must submit documentation to support your eligibility.**
 
For more information, review the following links:
  1. Certain Military Spouses: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/
  2. Peace Corps: https://www.peacecorps.gov/returned-volunteers/careers/noncompetitive-eligibility/
  3. OPM Interchange Agreement: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments
  4. Foreign Service Employee: https://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c21651.htm
  5. Certain Former Overseas Employees: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/5/315.608
 (limit characters)
7. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

If eligible, provide proof of disability with appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/) (limit characters)
8. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions and you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility) OR
  • are entitled to veterans' preference (including active duty "Veterans Opportunity to Work" eligibles)
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources. (https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans) (limit characters)
Assessment 1
1. Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform Public Affairs Specialist work at the GS-14 level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
2. Develop online content written in plain language that is available through multiple communications channels and languages as required. (limit characters)
3. If you answered "Yes" to Question 2, please indicate where on your resume this information can be found. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
4. Lead, collaborate and coordinate with stakeholders on content related activities, social media, and/or editorial oversight on various products. (limit characters)
5. If you answered "Yes" to Question 4, please indicate where on your resume this information can be found. (limit characters)
6. Develop content that facilitates the principle of Create Once, Publish Everywhere (COPE) and promotes the adoption of COPE across the Department. (limit characters)
7. Develop standards and guidance to advise leadership on opportunities to advance organizational goals. (limit characters)
8. Ensure digital content is Section 508-compliant and accessible to all. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
9. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess progress in creating a digital communications program in accordance with organizational goals. (limit characters)
10. If you answered "Yes" to Question 9, please indicate where on your resume this information can be found (limit characters)
11. Conduct research or utilize existing research to identify and understand intended audiences behavior and needs. (limit characters)
12. Enhance utilization of digital services, communications, and platforms/channels across multiple offices or programs. (limit characters)
13. Experiment with new methods for collecting, soliciting, and interpreting feedback and metrics that allow for more responsive digital content engagement. (limit characters)
14. Provide strategic support in the adoption and utilization of emerging technologies and practices. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
15. Communicate, both orally and in writing, a variety of complex, strategy issues and information, using plain language that is designed and structured for the intended audience. (limit characters)
16. If you answered "Yes" to Question 15, please indicate where on your resume this information can be found. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
17. Establish and maintain relationships with high-level officials and their key representatives from the agency and regarding digital communications. (limit characters)
18. If you answered "Yes" to Question 17, please indicate where on your resume this information can be found. (limit characters)
19. Inform, educate, and deliver information for specialized public audiences about large-scale programs, activities, and services. (limit characters)
20. Lead a variety of activities involving the planning, designing and executing of comprehensive public affairs campaigns. (limit characters)
21. Participate in meetings and work groups with senior level staff and lead project teams with colleagues regarding digital communication. (limit characters)
22. Analyze feedback from internal and external sources to develop recommendations to improve and enhance operations. (limit characters)
23. Provide communication strategy to senior leadership and customers. (limit characters)
24. Provide customer service to various stakeholders to include, across agency bureaus and other federal partners, and the White House, in compliance with government standards and guidelines. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
25. Lead the strategic coordination of information to ensure its availability on the web and through social media as appropriate.
  (limit characters)
26. If you answered "Yes" to Question 25, please indicate where on your resume this information can be found. (limit characters)
  • Privacy & Cookies
© 2025 US Office of Personnel Management
This is a USA Staffing® System