USA Staffing

Position Title: Congressional Relations Specialist
Agency: Veterans Affairs, Inspector General
Announcement Number: 22-VAOIG-287-P Opens in new window
Open Period: Thursday, July 28, 2022 to Wednesday, August 10, 2022

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 surplus or displaced Federal employee eligible under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)? Click CTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.

A. Yes

B. No

3. Are you a displaced Federal employee eligible under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)? Click ICTAP for eligibility and a detailed list of required documents you must submit in order to be eligible.

A. Yes

B. No

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

2. Are you currently serving or have served in the last five years in a Political Appointment in the Federal Government?

A. Yes

B. No

3. Would you like the opportunity to be considered for similar positions that require the same knowledge, skills and abilities?

A. Yes

B. No

4. If you were born a male after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, have you registered with the Selective Service System (select "Not applicable" if this question does not apply to you)?

A. Yes

B. No

C. No, but I have an approved exemption

D. Not applicable

Specialized experience for the GS-14 is one year of experience at the GS-13 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This includes:
-Keeping Congress informed of problems and deficiencies in Department programs and operations; AND
-Representing and interacting with officials in or out of the government to explain, promote, and resolve issues relating to an agency's mission; AND
-Writing briefing papers, presentations, and executive correspondence.

1. Select the choice that best describes your specialized experience.

A. I have one full year or more of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility and scope to the GS-13 level as described above.

B. I do not have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the definition as described above.

2. Make sure experience is clearly documented in your resume. Please give the dates/resume reference when you gained this experience, so it may be found to ensure you receive proper credit.

Specialized experience for the GS-13 is one year of experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This includes:
-Keeping Congress informed of problems and deficiencies in Department programs and operations; AND
-Representing and interacting with officials in or out of the government to explain, promote, and resolve issues relating to an agency's mission.

3. Select the choice that best describes your specialized experience.

A. I have one full year or more of specialized experience equivalent in responsibility and scope to the GS-12 level as described above.

B. I do not have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the definition as described above.

4. Make sure experience is clearly documented in your resume. Please give the dates/resume reference when you gained this experience, so it may be found to ensure you receive proper credit.

5. I have coordinated the following in regards to congressional hearings and/or senior level meetings and briefings:

A. I have served as a point of contact for congressional staff.

B. I have participated in pre-hearing briefings.

C. I have recorded and analyzed points raised during hearings or senior level briefings.

D. I have reviewed and edited testimony, or other informational material provided to Congress.

E. I have researched OIG reports, findings, and recommendations for use in preparing testimony or responding to hearing Questions for the Record.

F. None of the above.

6. Which best describes your experience as it relates to actively managing interactions with external stakeholders, including Members of Congress and their staffs, and executive branch agencies?

A. I have experience leading governmental interactions on policy or operational issues, including setting agendas or identifying key issues for resolution, briefing principal participants, facilitating dialogue among multiple parties and/or jurisdictions, developing follow-up materials, and maintaining ongoing dialogue.

B. I have experience developing agendas and issues, taking notes of discussions, and developing follow up materials for decision-makers.

C. I have experience scheduling meetings and managing the logistics for stakeholder meetings or multiparty negotiations.

D. None of the above.

7. I have developed and maintained regular professional relationships with one or more of the following in support of your office or groups mission?

A. House or Senate appropriations or authorizations committee staff

B. Other House or Senate office staff.

C. None of the above.

8. Which of the following reflects your experience in preparing documents to Members of Congress?

A. I have written significant portions of reports, testimony, white papers, or briefing documents for a Member of Congress or other senior government executives.

B. I have developed material for Reports to Congress and other periodic reports to Congress.

C. I have researched reports and records to support individuals who are testifying or briefing Congress or senior government officials.

D. None of the above.

9. Please indicate the types of written communication you have drafted in the past that is geared towards informing or promoting your program's interest to internal and external audiences.

A. Testimony

B. Responses to Questions for the Record

C. Briefing Books

D. Talking Points

E. White Papers

F. Executive summaries

G. Speeches

H. None of the above

10. Do you have experience serving as a liaison between a local, state, or national legislative body (Senate or House) and a government agency, corporation, or major industry association?

A. Yes

B. No

11. Which of the following reflects your experience preparing projects on operations and programs?

A. I have experience developing tools to collect, analyze, and present data.

B. I have experience preparing analytical reports to monitor organizational performance and support senior management decision-making.

C. I have experience researching laws and regulations to develop recommendations affecting agency policy and operations.

D. None of the above.

12. I have experience with the analysis of highly important, sensitive topics and issues to include:

A. I have evaluated the impact of proposed Executive or Legislative Branch policies.

B. I have evaluated the impact of policies, programs, and priorities.

C. I have compiled information about issues from multiple sources to gain a complete understanding.

D. I have evaluated conflicting or incomplete information to determine results.

E. None of the above.

13. Select the statement that best describes your highest level of experience with researching legislation.

A. I have experience assisting in researching legislation for a congressional office or government organization.

B. I have experience researching legislation for a congressional office or government organization.

C. I have experience researching legislation, reporting policy impacts, and recommending a course of action for a Congressional office or government organization.

D. I have experience researching legislation, determining and reporting policy impact, recommending a course of action for a Congressional office or government organization, and spear-heading the implementation of that course of action.

E. None of the above.

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