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Position Title
Public Affairs Specialist (Communications Specialist)
Agency
Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services
Announcement Number
HHS-ASPA-DE-24-12343140 Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 to Sunday, March 24, 2024
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 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/).
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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/)
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Would you accept a term appointment? (limit characters)
2. In the last five years, based on the closing date of this announcement, have you been or are you currently an employee in the Executive Branch serving on a political, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES appointment? If yes, and you are selected through this vacancy announcement, you may be required to obtain approval by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to beginning employment. (limit characters)
3. Are you a federal retiree receiving an annuity? (limit characters)
4. Are you an HHS employee in a Bargaining Unit (such as the National Treasury Employees Union) (limit characters)
Assessment 1
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. (limit characters)
1. From the descriptions below, select the one which best describes your experience and meets the minimum qualification requirements for Public Affairs Specialist (Communications Specialist) GS-1035-11
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For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Select only one letter for each item. Failure to support your answers to this questionnaire in your resume may result in a lowered score or loss of consideration. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
2. Maintains relationships with officials and key representatives from the agency and other federal and non-federal agencies regarding digital communications.
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3. Assists in facilitating working relationships with individuals from the media.
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4. Aides in the development of communications plans to promote the agency programs.
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5. Informs manager of program information that should be made available to the public or approaches to take to attain program goals.
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6. Collaborate in planning public affairs campaigns to enhance the understanding for the agency's programs among the general public, specialized groups, and organizations.
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7. Establishes and maintains relationships with officials and key representatives from the agency and other federal and non-federal agencies regarding digital communications.
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8. Facilitates working relationships with individuals from the media.
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9. Supports the development of communications plans to promote the agency programs.
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Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
10. Assist in preparing a variety of public affairs documents such as press releases, talking points, and blog posts for large audiences.
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11. Writes recommendations of social media posts and talking points for use by senior leaders and division staff engaging external partners.
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12. Edits print or online material (e.g., press releases, news briefs, facts sheets) to ensure accuracy.
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13. Prepares a variety of public affairs documents such as press releases, talking points, and blog posts for large audiences.
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Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
14. Research questions to ensure proper response and provide accurate information to dispel erroneous impressions.
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15. Identifies and develops methods to disseminate information to publicize program information.
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16. Creates materials to enable senior leaders and their designees to serve as spokespeople when engaging external partners.
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