Immigration and Customs Enforcement Logo
Position Title
Public Affairs Specialist
Agency
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Announcement Number
DAL-OPA-10727825-MP-JZ Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, February 20, 2020 to Wednesday, March 4, 2020
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.
(limit characters)
3. (1) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who is serving on active duty?

-OR-

(2) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability rating of 100 percent at the time of retirement or the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from the Armed Forces and has a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

-OR-

(3) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility for option 1 identified above, you must submit a copy of your spouse's active military orders and a copy of the marriage certificate.

To verify your eligibility for options 2 and 3 identified above, you must submit the Standard Form 15 and all supporting documentation identified on that document (e.g., Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc.).
(limit characters)
4. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from 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 higher than the grade level of the vacancy
  • the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential 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.
(limit characters)
5. Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee AND did you

• complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area
• receive a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating AND
• return to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?
(limit characters)
6. Have you completed three years of substantially continuous service immediately before separation from an unlimited, career-type Foreign Service appointment that meets a requirement for career tenure?
 
-OR-

Have you had service that began with a non-temporary Foreign Service appointment counting towards the 3-year service requirement for career tenure and have been separated within the past 30 days from the career-type appointment in the Foreign Service?
  • You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
(limit characters)
7. 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 higher than the grade level of the vacancy
  • the promotion potential (full performance level) of the position you are being separated from is equal to or higher than the promotion potential 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.
(limit characters)
8. I am currently on a permanent position which is equivalent to at least the (grade of the position) level (or higher) in the federal service; however, I am an employee for a federal agency which has an Interchange Agreement with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (e.g., NAF, TSA, FAA, etc.).
  • You will be required to submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 documentation to validate your claim.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
(limit characters)
9. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation) who:
  • was originally hired to a time-limited position under a competitive appointment; and,
  • served one or more time-limited appointments at a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two or more years; and,
  • performed at an acceptable level of service during each period of service; and,
  • if no longer employed by the land management agency, have been separated for no more than two years, and departed that position in good standing.
To verify your eligibility, you must provide a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) and performance appraisal that demonstrates you meet the requirements outlined in the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act.
https://www.chcoc.gov/sites/default/files/Land%20Management%20Workforce%20Flexibility%20Act%20Implementing%20Policy%20Guidance%20FAQs.pdf
(limit characters)
10. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?

-OR-

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position?

-OR-

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?

If yes, submit a copy of your description of service or other proof of non-competitive eligibility.

If you are a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who is requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility, please also provide the necessary documentation to support your request.
 
(limit characters)
11. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A appointment?

If eligible, provide proof of a disability by submitting a letter from your doctor, a licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any Federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits that proves your eligibility for a Schedule A appointment.

The proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, however it does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation.

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.

To view a sample of a Schedule A letter click here.
 
(limit characters)
12. An Agency may give a noncompetitive appointment to a current employee of the Postal Career Service or Postal Regulatory Commission (formerly known as Postal Rate Commission), who meets the following conditions:
  • Current appointment has no time limit; and
  • Employed in the Postal Career Service for at least 3 months on a substantially full-time basis or for at least 520 hours if employed less than full-time.
           -OR-
  • Employed in the Postal Regulatory Commission for at least 1 year on a substantially continuous basis under an appointment leading to completion of the probationary period in the Postal Regulatory Commission.
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest PS Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action), showing that you meet the requirements above.
 
(limit characters)
13. Were you formerly employed as a federal civilian on a permanent competitive appointment but are not currently a permanent competitive federal employee?

If eligible, submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.

• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) AND
• Your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
14. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency?

If eligible, submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status.

• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2) and
• Your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect your status was in the competitive service (Position Occupied is 1).
(limit characters)
15. 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 .

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.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Conditions of Employment
1. There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-12 grade level?

(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(limit characters)
2. There is a time-in-grade (TIG) requirement for promotion into this position. Have you completed 52 weeks in a position at or above the GS-13 grade level?

(Please review all options before selecting a response)
(limit characters)
3. Applicants who have permanently held a position with a full performance level equivalent to GS-14 or higher in the competitive service can be referred for selection without competition under our agency merit promotion procedures. Please provide an SF-50 to prove your claim. Without an SF-50 as proof, we cannot apply non-competitive rules. Military rank, details and temporary promotions do not count.

The SF-50 submitted MUST indicate the same full performance level (or higher) equivalent to the full performance level shown on this vacancy, career or career-conditional (Tenure 1 or 2), and the status as a competitive service employee (Position Occupied is 1).

Your response to the following question will be used to determine whether or not you can be categorized as a non-competitive eligible.

Have you ever held (or do you currently hold) a competitive service position on a permanent basis in the federal government with a full performance level equivalent to GS-14 or higher?
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
The following questions will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position. You may consult the vacancy announcement for a description of those requirements. (limit characters)
1. Which of the following statements best describes your experience for the GS-13 position? (limit characters)
2. If you chose response A in the previous question, please provide the position title and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates this experience. If you chose response B, indicate "not applicable." (limit 250 characters)
3. Which of the following statements best describes your experience for the GS-14 position? (limit characters)
4. If you chose response A in the previous question, please provide the position title and dates of employment referenced in your resume that demonstrates this experience. If you chose response B, indicate "not applicable." (limit 250 characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Respond to media requests for information by thoroughly researching the issues. (limit characters)
6. Coordinate press conferences, media availability, and other significant press events in order to announce major agency initiatives or policy changes. (limit characters)
7. Serve as the spokesperson for an organization to representative local, national and international media. (limit characters)
8. Develop materials for public presentations, media interviews, news conferences, and other high-profile events. (limit characters)
9. Conduct media training for an organization's leaders and other subject matter experts. (limit characters)
10. Take photographs appropriate for media and organizational use on websites, brochures, and other materials. (limit characters)
11. Develop innovative and creative strategies to promote existing and/or new organizational programs, policies, and initiatives. (limit characters)
12. Monitor national and regional news for emerging media issues.
(limit characters)
13. Identify opportunities for positive earned media for the organization.
(limit characters)
14. Develop proactive press strategies that can address and/or promote agency issues and programs in multiple media market.
(limit characters)
15. Identify target audiences for specific organizational programs.
(limit characters)
16. Prepare designated personnel for public presentations, media interviews, news conferences, and other high-profile events. (limit characters)
17. Serve as an advisor on potential media and public reaction to proposed policies and programs.
(limit characters)
18. Staff media interviews with subject matter experts to facilitate on a wide variety of topics.
(limit characters)
19. Consult with colleagues and agency leadership who may have conflicting opinions or whose expertise varies on sensitive or controversial public affairs or organizational issues/problems.
(limit characters)
20. Establish working relationships with news reporters and news room leadership across all news mediums to include television, print, and online. (limit characters)
21. Respond orally and in writing to sensitive and controversial media inquiries concerning recent events news items.
(limit characters)
22. Respond orally to program and organizational background information concerning recent events and news media.
(limit characters)
23. Issue "on the record" public statements on sensitive and controversial matters involving an organization.
(limit characters)
24. Respond to points addressed in media inquiries while considering sensitive areas of concern.
(limit characters)
25. Determine with minimal supervisor oversight when to provide context and clarify to reporters on-the-record on background or off-the-record, as the situation requires.
(limit characters)
26. Pitch good news stories proactively about organizational policies, programs, or operations to the media to raise public recognition of the organization and its activities.
(limit characters)
27. Conduct live and recorded media interviews with print, radio, and television reporters.
(limit characters)
28. Contact reporters about inaccuracies on media coverage.
(limit characters)
29. Collaborate with other federal, state, and local agencies and non-governmental organizations to develop communications strategies to address issues that affect all stakeholders. (limit characters)
30. Develop relationships with key media stakeholders in those audiences.
(limit characters)
31. Create statistics and operational information from multiple areas of responsibility for regional and national media outreach campaigns.
(limit characters)
32. Maintain and use public affairs equipment to include cameras, thumb drives, mobile phones, and laptops. (limit characters)
33. Apply privacy laws with minimal supervision to press releases, drafted media statements, and photographs. (limit characters)
34. Review media coverage for inaccuracies.
(limit characters)
35. Write communications in Associated Press (AP) style with minimal supervisory oversight to editing to create public media.
(limit characters)
36. Respond in writing to sensitive and controversial media inquiries concerning recent events and news items.
(limit characters)
37. Respond in writing to program and organizational background information concerning recent events and news media.
(limit characters)
38. Prepare concise and well-written briefing material for senior leadership in advance of media interviews or press conferences.
(limit characters)
39. Develop "talking points" for agency senior leaders for media interviews and press events.
(limit characters)
40. Draft quotes for an organization's leaders for use in press releases and stories.
(limit characters)
41. Prepare issue papers with minimal supervisor oversight on a range of topics, with concisely worded background information and recommendations.
(limit characters)
42. Edit news releases written by others by finding and correcting grammar and Associated Press (AP) errors.
(limit characters)
43. Provide support to local and regional public affairs offices by preparing fact sheets, talking points and boilerplate language for use in media outreach.
(limit characters)
44. Draft speeches and remarks for an organization's leadership for press events.
(limit characters)
45. Prepare concise, timely reports on daily and weekly public affairs activities.
(limit characters)
46. Formulate policy, programs and procedures to govern the release of information to the news media.
(limit characters)
47. Coordinate press conferences, media availability and other significant press events in order to announce major agency initiatives or policy changes. (limit characters)
48. Serve as the principal spokesperson for an organization to representative local, national, and international media. (limit characters)
49. Develop materials for public presentations, media interviews, news conferences, and other high profile events. (limit characters)
50. Manage a complex communication project from inception through completion to convey a strategic message concerning the organizational program.
(limit characters)
51. Cooperate with the White House press office and other cabinet-level agencies on domestic and international events or operations that garner significant media and public interest.
(limit characters)
52. Develop innovative and creative strategies to promote existing and/or new organizational public affairs programs, policies, and initiatives. (limit characters)
53. Monitor national and regional news for emerging media issues.
(limit characters)
54. Identify opportunities for positive earned media for the organization.
(limit characters)
55. Develop proactive press strategies that can address and/or promote agency issues and programs in multiple media markets.
(limit characters)
56. Identify target audiences for specific organizational programs.
(limit characters)
57. Prepare designated personnel for public presentations, media interviews, news conferences, and other high profile events. (limit characters)
58. Serve as a senior advisor on potential media and public reaction to proposed policies and programs.
(limit characters)
59. Staff media interviews with subject matter experts to facilitate on a wide variety of topics.
(limit characters)
60. Consult with colleagues and agency leadership who may have conflicting opinions or whose expertise varies on sensitive or controversial public affairs or organizational issues/problems.
(limit characters)
61. Establish working relationships with news reporters and news room leadership across all news mediums to include television, print, and online. (limit characters)
62. Respond orally to sensitive and controversial media inquiries concerning recent events and news items.
(limit characters)
63. Respond orally to program and organizational background information concerning recent events and news media.
(limit characters)
64. Issue "on the record" public statements on sensitive and controversial matters involving an organization.
(limit characters)
65. Respond to points addressed in media inquiries while considering sensitive areas of concern.
(limit characters)
66. Determine when to provide context and clarity to reporters on-the-record, on background or off-the-record, as the situation requires.
(limit characters)
67. Pitch good news stories proactively about organizational policies, programs, or operations to the media to raise public recognition of the organization and its activities. (limit characters)
68. Conduct live and recorded media interviews with print, radio, and television reporters. (limit characters)
69. Contact reporters about inaccuracies on media coverage.
(limit characters)
70. Research issues thoroughly through networks and across boundaries to respond to media requests for information.
(limit characters)
71. Collaborate with other federal, state, local agencies, and non-governmental organizations to develop communications strategies to address issues that affect all stakeholders. (limit characters)
72. Develop relationships with key media stakeholders in those audiences.
(limit characters)
73. Devise communication and media plans to announce agency policy changes or operations that may significantly impact the public.
(limit characters)
74. Maintain and use public affairs equipment to include cameras, thumb drives, mobile phones, and laptops. (limit characters)
75. Apply privacy laws to press releases, drafted media statements, and photographs. (limit characters)
76. Review media coverage for inaccuracies.
(limit characters)
77. Write communications in Associated Press (AP) style with minimal supervisory oversight or editing to create public media.
(limit characters)
78. Respond in writing to sensitive and controversial media inquiries concerning recent events and news items.
(limit characters)
79. Respond in writing to program and organizational background information concerning recent events and news media.
(limit characters)
80. Prepare concise and well-written briefing materials for senior leadership in advance of media interviews or press conferences.
(limit characters)
81. Develop "talking points" for agency senior leaders for media interviews and press events.
(limit characters)
82. Draft quotes for senior leaders for use in press releases and stories.
(limit characters)
83. Prepare issue papers on a range of topics, with concisely worded background information and recommendations.
(limit characters)
84. Edit news releases written by others, by finding and correcting grammar and Associated Press (AP) errors.
(limit characters)
85. Provide support to local and regional public affairs offices by preparing fact sheets, talking points, and boilerplate language for use in media outreach. (limit characters)