USA Staffing

Position Title: Public Affairs Specialist
Agency: Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
Announcement Number: HHS-ASPA-DE-19-10455659 Opens in new window
Open Period: Monday, April 1, 2019 to Wednesday, April 10, 2019

For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of at least 10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10 point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of 30% or more (CPS)

2. 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 above 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/).

A. Yes

B. No

3. 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/)

A. Yes

B. No

1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position.

We will evaluate your resume and responses to this questionnaire to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification and must be fully supported by your resume and supporting documents.

1. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes your experience for the GS-1035-13, Public Affairs Specialist position.

A. I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector serving as a digital content expert by updating and managing digital site content on social media platforms; assisting with the development and administration of digital assets; using best practices to create and review digital sites; and assisting with digital projects to implement short/long range goals and objectives.

B. I do not possess the experience reflected in the above statement.

2. From the descriptions below, select one response that best describes your experience for the GS-1035-14, Public Affairs Specialist position.

A. I have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector planning, directing and implementing communication strategies or campaigns that will effectively transmit the information necessary for the public understanding of issues pertaining organizational policies, programs, and initiatives; and developing appropriate communication channels, techniques, and strategies for use by others in disseminating information to hard-to-reach audiences.

B. I do not possess the experience reflected in the above statement.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

3. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to assess progress in creating a digital communications program in accordance with organizational goals.

A. Yes

B. No

4. Lead, collaborate and coordinate with stakeholders on content related activities, social media, and/or editorial oversight on various products.

A. Yes

B. No

5. Develop standards and guidance to advise leadership on opportunities to advance organizational goals.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

6. Develop online content written in plain language that is available through multiple communications channels and languages as required.

A. Yes

B. No

7. Develop content that facilitates the principle of Create Once, Publish Everywhere (COPE) and promotes the adoption of COPE across the Department.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.

8. Ensure digital content is accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., blind, deaf, etc.).

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

D. I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.

E. I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist or train them in doing this task because of my expertise.

9. Enhance utilization of digital services, communications, and platforms/channels across multiple offices or programs.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

10. Provide strategic support in the adoption and utilization of emerging technologies and practices.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

11. Conduct research or utilize existing research to identify and understand intended audiences behavior and needs.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

12. Experiment with new methods for collecting, soliciting, and interpreting feedback and metrics that allow for more responsive digital content engagement.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

13. 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.

A. Yes

B. No

14. Lead a variety of activities involving the planning, designing and executing of comprehensive public affairs campaigns.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

15. Inform, educate, and deliver information for specialized public audiences about large-scale programs, activities, and services.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

16. Participate in meetings and work groups with senior level staff and lead project teams with colleagues regarding digital communication.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

17. Establish and maintain relationships with high-level officials and their key representatives from the agency and regarding digital communications.

A. Yes

B. No

18. 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.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s).

19. Lead the strategic coordination of information to ensure its availability on the web and through social media as appropriate.

A. Yes

B. No

20. Provide communication strategy to senior leadership and customers.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

21. Analyze feedback from internal and external sources to develop recommendations to improve and enhance operations.

A. I have not had education, training, or experience in performing this task.

B. I have had education or training in how to perform this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.

C. I have performed this task regularly on the job independently.

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