- Position Title
- Public Affairs Assistant
- Agency
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Announcement Number
- SCGU225442534018 Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Wednesday, February 9, 2022 to Wednesday, February 23, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans' Preference?
2.
Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
Department of the Army regulations include several employment categories in the definition of "current Army civilian employee". Do you meet one of the categories below?
• CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES SERVING ON A PERMANENT APPOINTMENT. You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. Block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1." Army employees can access their SF-50 at: My Biz.
• CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES SERVING ON AN EXCEPTED SERVICE VETERANS RECRUITMENT APPOINTMENT (VRA). If you are eligible in this category, you may be required to submit two SF-50s: (1) an SF-50 showing current Army Excepted Service VRA appointment (block 5-C must be "J8M" AND block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"2."), and, if applicable, (2) a copy of your most recent non-award SF-50.
• CIVILIAN ARMY EMPLOYEES SERVING ON AN EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEFENSE CIVILIAN INTELLIGENCE PERSONNEL SYSTEM (DCIPS). This category includes those who have personal career or career-conditional status earned with prior employment in the Competitive Service. If you are eligible in this category, you may be required to submit two SF-50s: (1) an SF-50 showing current Army DCIPS employment, and, if applicable, (2) an SF-50 showing career/ career-conditional employment in the Competitive Service (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
• CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES SERVING ON A TEMPORARY OR TERM APPOINTMENT. This category ONLY includes those who have personal career or career-conditional status, earned with prior employment in the Competitive Service. If you are eligible in this category, you are required to submit two SF-50s: (1) an SF-50 showing current Army employment, and (2) an SF-50 showing career/career-conditional employment in the Competitive Service (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
Note: The "current Army employee" category does not include permanent Army National Guard employees in the competitive service.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit the documents which prove you are a current Department of the Army employee in one of the categories described above. To obtain a copy of SF-50s from employment with the Department of Defense, go to My Biz.
Are you a current Army civilian employee?
Department of the Army regulations include several employment categories in the definition of "current Army civilian employee". Do you meet one of the categories below?
• CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES SERVING ON A PERMANENT APPOINTMENT. You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action. Block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1." Army employees can access their SF-50 at: My Biz.
• CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES SERVING ON AN EXCEPTED SERVICE VETERANS RECRUITMENT APPOINTMENT (VRA). If you are eligible in this category, you may be required to submit two SF-50s: (1) an SF-50 showing current Army Excepted Service VRA appointment (block 5-C must be "J8M" AND block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"2."), and, if applicable, (2) a copy of your most recent non-award SF-50.
• CIVILIAN ARMY EMPLOYEES SERVING ON AN EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEFENSE CIVILIAN INTELLIGENCE PERSONNEL SYSTEM (DCIPS). This category includes those who have personal career or career-conditional status earned with prior employment in the Competitive Service. If you are eligible in this category, you may be required to submit two SF-50s: (1) an SF-50 showing current Army DCIPS employment, and, if applicable, (2) an SF-50 showing career/ career-conditional employment in the Competitive Service (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
• CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES SERVING ON A TEMPORARY OR TERM APPOINTMENT. This category ONLY includes those who have personal career or career-conditional status, earned with prior employment in the Competitive Service. If you are eligible in this category, you are required to submit two SF-50s: (1) an SF-50 showing current Army employment, and (2) an SF-50 showing career/career-conditional employment in the Competitive Service (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
Note: The "current Army employee" category does not include permanent Army National Guard employees in the competitive service.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit the documents which prove you are a current Department of the Army employee in one of the categories described above. To obtain a copy of SF-50s from employment with the Department of Defense, go to My Biz.
Are you a current Army civilian employee?
3.
Current Permanent Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
Do you meet the following?
Current Permanent Federal Civilian if you currently work on a permanent competitive service civilian appointment in any of the following Department of Defense (DOD) Agencies:
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Marine Corps
• Department of the Air Force
•Other Department of Defense Agency (e.g., WHS, DLA, DFAS, DISA, DODDS, Defense Commissary, etc.)
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
Notes:
*Current Permanent Federal Civilians: You can check your competitive service status by viewing your latest Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, Block 34, Position Occupied. If eligible, you will see 1-Competitive Service in this block.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or you are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service in any of the above agencies, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category
*DOD employees can access their SF-50 at: My Biz
Do you meet the following?
Current Permanent Federal Civilian if you currently work on a permanent competitive service civilian appointment in any of the following Department of Defense (DOD) Agencies:
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Marine Corps
• Department of the Air Force
•Other Department of Defense Agency (e.g., WHS, DLA, DFAS, DISA, DODDS, Defense Commissary, etc.)
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
Notes:
*Current Permanent Federal Civilians: You can check your competitive service status by viewing your latest Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, Block 34, Position Occupied. If eligible, you will see 1-Competitive Service in this block.
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or you are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service in any of the above agencies, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category
*DOD employees can access their SF-50 at: My Biz
4.
Civilian Employees Seeking Employment through the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) Interchange Agreement
This category includes individuals:
• who are current DCIPS employees in pay plan GG who have served continuously for at least one year under a permanent excepted service appointment in any of the Department of Defense (DoD) Components listed in the Interchange Agreement (or have been involuntarily separated from such appointment without personal cause within the preceding year) and are applying for a competitive service General Schedule (GS) position in and among the applicable DoD Components; OR
• who are current employees in General Schedule (GS) competitive services positions under career or career-conditional appointments in any of the DoD Components listed in the Interchange Agreement, have completed the probationary period required in connection with such an appointment, and are applying to DCIPS positions in and among the applicable DoD Components.
Supporting documentation: If you are eligible in this category, you are required to submit an SF-50 showing current DCIPS employment (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"2") or an SF-50 showing current GS competitive service employment (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
Are you eligible under the DCIPS Interchange Agreement?
This category includes individuals:
• who are current DCIPS employees in pay plan GG who have served continuously for at least one year under a permanent excepted service appointment in any of the Department of Defense (DoD) Components listed in the Interchange Agreement (or have been involuntarily separated from such appointment without personal cause within the preceding year) and are applying for a competitive service General Schedule (GS) position in and among the applicable DoD Components; OR
• who are current employees in General Schedule (GS) competitive services positions under career or career-conditional appointments in any of the DoD Components listed in the Interchange Agreement, have completed the probationary period required in connection with such an appointment, and are applying to DCIPS positions in and among the applicable DoD Components.
Supporting documentation: If you are eligible in this category, you are required to submit an SF-50 showing current DCIPS employment (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"2") or an SF-50 showing current GS competitive service employment (block 24 of your SF-50 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
Are you eligible under the DCIPS Interchange Agreement?
5.
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 your 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.
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 your 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.
6.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
Are you eligible under this authority for appointment?
• Current or former Land Management Agency employee (i.e. the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture; the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior; the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior; the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior; the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior; or the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior); and
• Who currently are or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies.
Current land management agency appointees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years, and
must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a total period of more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years,
must have performed at an acceptable level throughout the service period(s),
must apply for a position covered by these provisions within 2 years after their most recent date of separation, and
must have been separated, with respect to their most recent separation, for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable proof of your appointment eligibility by submitting a copy of your most recent SF-50 (block 24 must be a "0" or "3" AND block 34 must be a"1"), Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your Land Management eligibility for a competitive service appointment AND performance rating showing you have performed at an acceptable level.
Are you eligible under this authority for appointment?
• Current or former Land Management Agency employee (i.e. the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture; the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior; the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior; the Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior; the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior; or the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of the Interior); and
• Who currently are or formerly were under time-limited competitive appointments at certain land management agencies.
Current land management agency appointees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years, and
must have performed at an acceptable level during each period of service.
Former land management agency employees:
must have initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to the time-limited appointment,
must have served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a total period of more than 24 months without a break in service of 2 or more years,
must have performed at an acceptable level throughout the service period(s),
must apply for a position covered by these provisions within 2 years after their most recent date of separation, and
must have been separated, with respect to their most recent separation, for reasons other than misconduct or performance.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable proof of your appointment eligibility by submitting a copy of your most recent SF-50 (block 24 must be a "0" or "3" AND block 34 must be a"1"), Notification of Personnel Action, documenting your Land Management eligibility for a competitive service appointment AND performance rating showing you have performed at an acceptable level.
7.
Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
You are eligible for this hiring category if you:
• Are a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for more than 180 days other than for training; OR
• Are a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty; OR
• Are the un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your eligibility for E.O. 13473 which may include:
• verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage);
• verification of the member's 100 percent disability; and/or
• verification of the member's death while on active duty.
Additionally, you may need to submit a Standard Form-15 (SF-15), an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and applicable supporting documents as noted on the form.
To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
Are you eligible to apply as a Military Spouse under Executive Order 13473?
You are eligible for this hiring category if you:
• Are a spouse of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty for more than 180 days other than for training; OR
• Are a spouse of a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty; OR
• Are the un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who was killed while performing active duty.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your eligibility for E.O. 13473 which may include:
• verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage);
• verification of the member's 100 percent disability; and/or
• verification of the member's death while on active duty.
Additionally, you may need to submit a Standard Form-15 (SF-15), an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and applicable supporting documents as noted on the form.
To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
Are you eligible to apply as a Military Spouse under Executive Order 13473?
8.
Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
This category includes competitive service, career or career-conditional employees of federal agencies other than the Department of Defense (e.g., Dept of Labor, VA).
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
Are you applying to transfer from a federal agency other than the DoD?
This category includes competitive service, career or career-conditional employees of federal agencies other than the Department of Defense (e.g., Dept of Labor, VA).
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your appointment eligibility, by submitting a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, (block 24 must be a "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a"1").
*If you are currently working on a temporary or term appointment, or are serving on active duty in the U.S. military service, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
*If you are currently working for a private sector company performing work related to a contract with a federal agency, you are NOT eligible for this hiring category.
Are you applying to transfer from a federal agency other than the DoD?
9.
I am a military spouse who is currently married to my active duty sponsor. I am exercising my preference eligibility for positions within the local commuting area of my sponsor's current duty station. I certify that I have not accepted nor declined a permanent, continuing Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the local commuting area of our current duty location.
NOTE 1: Military spouses are eligible for one permanent noncompetitive appointment using their preference eligibility for the duration of the active duty sponsor's assignment to a permanent duty station, as long as the military spouse has not declined or accepted a permanent Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the commuting area of the sponsor's current duty location. If you certify that you have not used your preference at your sponsor's current duty location and it is discovered to be untrue, you may be subject to loss of MSP and possible disciplinary action.
NOTE 2: You must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP.
Supporting Documentation: You must provide a signed Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist, PCS orders/verification of duty location assignment, a copy of marriage certificate or license and documents as listed on the Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist. .
Are you a Priority Placement Program DoD Military Spouse Preference Eligible?
NOTE 1: Military spouses are eligible for one permanent noncompetitive appointment using their preference eligibility for the duration of the active duty sponsor's assignment to a permanent duty station, as long as the military spouse has not declined or accepted a permanent Federal or non-appropriated fund position in the commuting area of the sponsor's current duty location. If you certify that you have not used your preference at your sponsor's current duty location and it is discovered to be untrue, you may be subject to loss of MSP and possible disciplinary action.
NOTE 2: You must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP.
Supporting Documentation: You must provide a signed Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist, PCS orders/verification of duty location assignment, a copy of marriage certificate or license and documents as listed on the Military Spouse PPP Self-certification Checklist. .
Are you a Priority Placement Program DoD Military Spouse Preference Eligible?
10.
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998
This category includes veterans whose discharge was under honorable conditions AND:
• who served 3 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 this eligibility); or
• who have preference eligibility; or
• who have derived preference
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998, as amended (VEOA) is a competitive service appointing authority that can only be used when filling permanent, competitive service positions. It cannot be used to fill excepted service positions.
"Preference eligible" under VEOA includes those family members entitled to derived preference. For eligibility information and supporting documentation requirements, go to VEOA Derived Preference.
Supporting documentation:
You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. Acceptable documentation is:
• DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable (Note: If you have more than one DD Form 214 for multiple periods of active duty service, you should submit a copy for each period of service.); OR
• Future Military Retirees*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD Form 214 OR a copy of your approved retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave letter OR certification document**. You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 prior to appointment; OR
• Future Military Separatees*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD Form 214 OR certification document** OR a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 prior to appointment.
• Disabled Veterans: You are required to submit a copy of one of the separation documents identified above AND documentation of your overall service connected disability identified on the SF-15, page 2, section B or Section C.
*Active duty military members who are selected may not be appointed unless on terminal leave before the effective date of employment.
** The "certification" is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the certification is submitted for consideration in the hiring process. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Prior to appointment, the service member's character of service and qualifying discharge or release must be verified through a DD form 214 or equivalent documentation.
The SF-15 is available on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management forms webpage.
You may request copies of your military personnel records online.
Additional Veterans' preference information
U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Government-wide Veterans Employment webpage
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Veterans Services webpage (OPM Vet Guide)
Are you applying for consideration under the VEOA?
11.
People with Disabilities, Schedule A
You are eligible for this appointing authority if you are an individual:
For more information please go to OPM's website on Federal Employment of People with Disabilities.
Are you eligible under a Schedule A, Persons with Disability appointment?
You are eligible for this appointing authority if you are an individual:
- with an intellectual disability; OR
- a severe physical disability; OR
- a psychiatric impairment; AND
- you have acceptable proof of the disability.
- a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional duly certified by a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, to practice medicine); or,
- a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (State or private); or,
- a Federal agency, State agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits.
For more information please go to OPM's website on Federal Employment of People with Disabilities.
Are you eligible under a Schedule A, Persons with Disability appointment?
12.
Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
This category includes veterans whose discharge was under honorable conditions AND who is:
• a disabled veteran; or
• a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during a war declared by Congress; or
• a veteran who served in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; or
• a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a military operation for which the Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded; or
• a veteran who separated from active duty within the past 3 years
NOTE: The highest grade level you may be appointed under this authority is GS-11 or equivalent.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. Acceptable documentation is:
• DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable (Note: If you have more than one DD Form 214 for multiple periods of active duty service, you should submit a copy for each period of service.); OR
• Future Military Retirees*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD Form 214 OR a copy of your approved retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave letter OR certification document**. You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 prior to appointment; OR
• Future Military Separatees*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD Form 214 OR certification document** OR a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 prior to appointment.
• Disabled Veterans: You are required to submit a copy of one of the separation documents identified above AND documentation of your overall service connected disability identified on the SF-15, page 2, section B or Section C.
*Active duty military members who are selected may not be appointed unless on terminal leave before the effective date of employment.
**The "certification" letter is a written document on an official letterhead of the appropriate military branch in which the veteran served, and contains at a minimum, the service member's: (1) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) expected character of service (i.e. honorable); (3) rank; and (4) type of discharge. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, military personnel officer, or commander of the service member's unit or higher headquarters. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of ''veteran'' under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1) (Federal Register, 2016).
Useful Links
** To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
** Click here for information on obtaining a copy of your military personnel records.
** U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Veterans Employment Website
** U.S. Department of Labor
Are you eligible under a VRA?
This category includes veterans whose discharge was under honorable conditions AND who is:
• a disabled veteran; or
• a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during a war declared by Congress; or
• a veteran who served in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; or
• a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces, participated in a military operation for which the Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded; or
• a veteran who separated from active duty within the past 3 years
NOTE: The highest grade level you may be appointed under this authority is GS-11 or equivalent.
Supporting documentation: You are required to submit acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. Acceptable documentation is:
• DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable (Note: If you have more than one DD Form 214 for multiple periods of active duty service, you should submit a copy for each period of service.); OR
• Future Military Retirees*: You are required to submit a copy of your retirement DD Form 214 OR a copy of your approved retirement letter AND a copy of your terminal leave letter OR certification document**. You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 prior to appointment; OR
• Future Military Separatees*: You are required to submit a copy of your most recent DD Form 214 OR certification document** OR a copy of your most recent active duty orders AND a copy of your terminal leave request (if applicable). You will be required to provide your DD Form 214 prior to appointment.
• Disabled Veterans: You are required to submit a copy of one of the separation documents identified above AND documentation of your overall service connected disability identified on the SF-15, page 2, section B or Section C.
*Active duty military members who are selected may not be appointed unless on terminal leave before the effective date of employment.
**The "certification" letter is a written document on an official letterhead of the appropriate military branch in which the veteran served, and contains at a minimum, the service member's: (1) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; (2) expected character of service (i.e. honorable); (3) rank; and (4) type of discharge. The "certification" must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, military personnel officer, or commander of the service member's unit or higher headquarters. The service member's military service dates are necessary in order to determine whether he or she meets the definition of ''veteran'' under 5 U.S.C. 2108(1) (Federal Register, 2016).
Useful Links
** To obtain a copy of SF-15, go to http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
** Click here for information on obtaining a copy of your military personnel records.
** U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Veterans Employment Website
** U.S. Department of Labor
Are you eligible under a VRA?
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.
1.
May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours; overtime may be required. Would you be willing to work other than normal duty hours where overtime may be required?
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in a Public Affairs Assistant 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.
1.
Select the one statement that best describes the education and/or experience that you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of Public Affairs Assistant at the GS-06 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service.
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below.
2.
Assists in the development of press releases through the collection of research.
3.
Ensure information organized into an accurate, concise, and readable manner.
4.
Ensures office property control and accountability of property.
5.
Maintain media files in electronic and print form.
6.
Maintain listing of internal and external entities point of contacts.
7.
Assists in the selection, edits of stories, and coordinates with staff for selection of photographs for dissemination.
8.
Responds to information requests from local, regional, and/or national news media, industrial organizations, and specialized or general publics in written or oral form, often requiring detailed explanations of negative comments made on activities or performance in particular situations.
9.
Conducts research, interviews and assist in writing articles for dissemination.
10.
Assists staff in preparing for participation in special events.
11.
Responds to queries for information and prepares correspondence on the activities of the organization, including those involving controversial subjects.
12.
Proofreads materials before submission to printer and reviews proofs upon receipt.
13.
Informs and arranges training for an office to include the coordination of travel.
14.
Utilizes applicable software to conduct timekeeping, assist in budgetary duties and office supply orders.
15.
Assists Public Affair Specialist in the content, design, accuracy, pagination, layout, and printing prior to dissemination.
16.
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.