National Institutes of Health Logo
Position Title
Staff Assistant
Agency
National Institutes of Health
Announcement Number
NIH-SR-MP-24-12523129 Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 to Monday, September 9, 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 30% or more disabled veteran? If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive temporary appointment.  Under this eligibility, you may be converted to a permanent position, but conversion is not guaranteed.
 
To be eligible, you must:
  1. Be a disabled veteran rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more; OR, be a disabled veteran who retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30 percent or more. 
  2. Submit the appropriate documentation listed in the SF-15: 1) A. Documentation of Service and Separation (e.g., DD-214); AND, 2) C. Documentation of Compensable Service-Connected Disability (10% or more) (e.g., VA Letter). Submission of the SF-15 is not required.  This documentation must be submitted with your application package, before the announcement closes. 
  3. Select "Yes" to this eligibility question. 
Based on the above, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive temporary appointment as a 30% disabled veteran?
(limit characters)
3. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces OR the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed while in active duty status or who is 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury?
If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive appointment.

Visit our NIH Jobs page for more information on eligibility and required documentation: https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/appointment-certain-military-spouses-eligibility

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive appointment as a military spouse? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
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4. Have you been laid off or received a letter stating that you will be laid off from the Department of Health and Human Services? If so, you may be entitled to selection priority under the under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). 
 
You must submit the following documents with your application: Note: Your proof of eligibility MUST show the position, grade level and duty location of the position from which you were (or will be) separated and your full performance level or career ladder.  To ensure you fulfil this requirement, submit an SF-50 (Notification of a Personnel Action) that contains this information along with your proof of CTAP eligibility.  

Visit our CTAP page for more information on eligibility and required documentation. 

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible for CTAP? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
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5. Are you currently a member of the United States Public Health Service (PHS) or a Call-to-Active Duty (CAD) candidate, and interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps (CC)? If so, we welcome you to apply to be considered for a PHS noncompetitive appointment (courtesy referral), and not as a candidate for conversion to a permanent career or career-conditional appointment.   
Required Documents: 
  • For Active Duty USPHS Commissioned Corps Officers: Submit your latest Personnel Order (PHS-7063). 
  • For USPHS Commissioned Corps Call-To-Active Duty (CAD) Candidates: In lieu of PHS Personnel Order (PHS-7063), submit an official copy of your USPHS CAD Medical and Processional Boarding notifications stating you are physically qualified and recommended for appointment.  
      
Visit our NIH Jobs page for more information on eligibility and required documentation:  https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/appointment-commissioned-corps-eligibility  
 
Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive appointment as a CC officer? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package before the announcement closes. 

 
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6. Do you currently work at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)? If so, you may be eligible to apply to this vacancy announcement.
 
To be eligible, you must:
  1. Be a current permanent HHS employee on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service. If you are unsure of your eligibility, access eOPF and open your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50):  Block 24 -Tenure must be "1 - Permanent" or "2 - Conditional" AND Block 34 - Position Occupied must be "1 -Competitive Service."  If you are still unsure of your eligibility, contact the individual listed in the vacancy announcement for assistance.  
  2. Submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) with your application package, before the announcement closes.  You can obtain a copy from eOPF.  
  3. Select "Yes" to this eligibility question. 
Based on the above, are you eligible to apply as an HHS Employee?  If you work at HHS, select "Yes", submit the required documentation, and we will make the determination for you.
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7. Are you currently overseas with a family member who is employed with the federal government and are you moving back to the United States? If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive appointment.

Visit our NIH Jobs page for more information on eligibility and required documentation: https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/appointment-certain-family-members-overseas-employees-eligibility

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive appointment as a family member of an overseas employee? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
 
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8. Are you a current or former Foreign Service officer or employee? If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive appointment.

Visit our NIH Jobs page for more information on eligibility and required documentation: https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/appointment-certain-foreign-service-employees-eligibility

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive appointment as a current or former Foreign Service officer or employee? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
 
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9. Have you been laid off or received a letter stating that you will be laid off from federal employment, or have your disability payments from your previous federal employment stopped? If so, you may be entitled to selection priority under the under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) or Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). 

You must submit the following documents with your application: Note: Your proof of eligibility MUST show the position, grade level and duty location of the position from which you were (or will be) separated and your full performance level or career ladder.  To ensure you fulfil this requirement, submit an SF-50 (Notification of a Personnel Action) that contains this information along with your proof of ICTAP or CTAP eligibility.  

Visit our ICTAP or CTAP pages for more information on eligibility and required documentation. 

Based on the above and the referenced web pages, are you eligible for ICTAP or CTAP?  If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
 
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10. Are you a current or former Land Management or Base Facilities agency employee who worked in a term or temporary job? If so, you may be eligible to apply.
 
Visit our NIH Jobs pages for more information on eligibility and required documentation:
Land Management - https://jobs.nih.gov/announcement-links/LMWFA.htm  
Base Facilities Management - https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/appointment-certain-base-facilities-management-employees-eligibility

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible to apply? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.

 
(limit characters)
11. Do you currently work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)? If so, you may be eligible to apply to this vacancy announcement.
 
To be eligible, you must:
  1. Be a current permanent NIH employee on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service. If you are unsure of your eligibility, access eOPF and open your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50):  Block 24 -Tenure must be "1 - Permanent" or "2 - Conditional" AND Block 34 - Position Occupied must be "1 -Competitive Service."  If you are still unsure of your eligibility, contact the individual listed in the vacancy announcement for assistance.  
  2. Submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) with your application package, before the announcement closes.  You can obtain a copy from eOPF.  
  3. Select "Yes" to this eligibility question. 
Based on the above, are you eligible to apply as an NIH Employee?  If you work at NIH, select "Yes", submit the required documentation, and we will make the determination for you.
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12. Are you a current or former federal government employee AND have you competed for a position at the same grade level (or equivalent) as this position or higher with the same or higher promotion potential (or equivalent)? If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive appointment.
 
To be eligible, you must:
  1. Be a current or former permanent federal employee and have served in a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service. If you are unsure of your eligibility, access your eOPF and open your latest or prior Notification of Personnel Actions (SF-50):  Block 24 -Tenure must be "1 - Permanent" or "2 - Conditional" AND Block 34 - Position Occupied must be "1 -Competitive Service."  
  2. Submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing the highest grade and promotion potential you have obtained and proof you have served in a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, with your application package, before the announcement closes.  You can obtain a copy from eOPF if you are a current HHS employee.  
  3. Select "Yes" to this eligibility question.
Visit USAJOBS's for more information on eligibility.  If you separated from Federal Government employment, you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 via the Federal Records Center, National Archives and Records Administration
 
Based on the above, are you eligible to apply as a non-competitive or reinstatement eligible?   
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13.

Do you work for an excepted service agency that has an interchange agreement with OPM or are you otherwise eligible for a noncompetitive appointment through another authority (e.g., Executive Order, Statute)? If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive appointment.

Visit our NIH Jobs page for more information on eligibility and required documentation: https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/opm-interchange-agreement-and-other-miscellaneous-authorities-eligibility

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive appointment under this mechanism? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.

 

(limit characters)
14. Are you a current or former Peace Corps or AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer or a current or former Peace Corps staff member? If so, you may be eligible to be considered for a noncompetitive appointment.

Visit our NIH Jobs page for more information on eligibility and required documentation: https://hr.nih.gov/jobs/announcement-links/appointment-peace-corps-or-americorps-vista-staff-members-eligibility

Based on the above and the referenced web page, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a noncompetitive appointment as a former Peace Corps volunteer or a current or former Peace Corps staff member? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
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15. Are you an individual with a documented intellectual, severe physical, or psychiatric disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities? If so, you may be eligible for employment through a Schedule A appointment.
 
In order to be eligible, documentation of the disability is required. Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. The letter must be printed on the official letterhead of a medical professional and must include a signature or it is invalid. Please visit OPM's website for sample letters. Learn more about Schedule A eligibility.
 
Applying under "Schedule A" can be an expedited way to get a Federal job, but it is only one of many options that may be available. You will still have to compete with other eligible applicants and meet all requirements of the position including the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
 
Based on the above, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a Schedule A appointment? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
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16. Are you a current or former federal government employee?  If so, you may be eligible to be considered as a status applicant/reinstatement eligible for this position.  
 
To be eligible, you must:
  1. Be a current or former permanent federal employee and have served in a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service. If you are unsure of your eligibility, access your eOPF and open your latest or prior Notification of Personnel Actions (SF-50):  Block 24 -Tenure must be "1 - Permanent" or "2 - Conditional" AND Block 34 - Position Occupied must be "1 -Competitive Service."  
  2. Submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing the highest grade and promotion potential you have obtained and proof you have served in a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, with your application package, before the announcement closes.  You can obtain a copy from eOPF if you are a current HHS employee.  
  3. Select "Yes" to this eligibility question.
Visit USAJOBS's for more information on eligibility.  If you separated from Federal Government employment, you may obtain a copy of your SF-50 via the Federal Records Center, National Archives and Records Administration
 
Based on the above, are you eligible to apply as a status applicant/reinstatement eligible?   
(limit characters)
17. Are you eligible for veterans' preference or have you separated from the armed forces after three or more years of continuous active service? If so, you may be eligible as a status applicant through the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA).
 
To be eligible, you must:
  1. Be a preference eligible, OR be a veteran separated from the armed forces after three or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. Veterans released shortly before completing a three-year tour are eligible. 
  2. Submit verifying documentation (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point preference eligibles. Submission of SF-15 is not required, unless you have derived preference (XP) as described in questions 7, 8, or 9 on the SF-15. In those cases, you must submit a completed SF-15 and the required documentation. For 5 point preference eligibles and all other members of the armed forces, you must submit your DD-214 (if separated) or any written documentation from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package. 
  3. Select "Yes" to this eligibility question. 
Based on the above, are you eligible to apply as a status applicant through the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)?
(limit characters)
18. Are you a disabled veteran,  did you receive a campaign badge for service during a war or in a campaign or expedition, did you receive an Armed forces Service Medal, or have you separated from service in the past three years?  If so, you may be eligible for a Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) in the excepted service.  VRA is applicable at any grade level up to and including a GS-11.
 
To be eligible, you must:
  • Be in receipt of a campaign badge for service during a war or in a campaign or expedition; OR,
  • Be a disabled veteran; OR,
  • Be in receipt of an Armed forces Service Medal for participation in a military operation; OR,
  • Be a recently separated veteran (within the last 3 years); AND,
  • Be separated under honorable conditions (this means an honorable or general discharge). 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit the appropriate documentation (DD-214, VA Disability Letter, etc.): Reference Standard Form 15 (SF-15) for required documentation for 10 point preference eligibles. Submission of SF-15 is not required. For 5 point preference eligibles and all other members of the armed forces, you must submit your DD-214.
 
Visit FedsHireVets for more information on VRA.
 
Based on the above, are you eligible, and do you wish to be considered for, a VRA appointment? If so, you must select "Yes" and provide the required documents with your application package, before the announcement closes.
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Preferences
1. Select the location(s) you want to be considered for. You must choose at least one location. (limit characters)
2. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Staff Assistant, GS-0301-9/11/12, position at our agency. For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience, training, or ability. For the purposes of this assessment, an expert is a person, through education and experience, who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area. (limit characters)
1. Choose the one answer that best describes how you meet the basic qualification requirements for the Staff Assistant, GS-301-09 position as described in the Qualifications Section of the Vacancy Announcement.
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2. Choose the one answer that best describes how you meet the basic qualification requirements for the Staff Assistant, GS-301-11 position as described in the Qualifications Section of the Vacancy Announcement.
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3. Choose the one answer that best describes how you meet the basic qualification requirements for Staff Assistant, GS-301-12 position as described in the Qualifications Section of the Vacancy Announcement.
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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)
4. Develop administrative program standards for the efficient operation of an office.
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5. Develop and implement changes to facilitate workflow of administrative activities.
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6. Monitor and track program/project milestones and deadlines in order to ensure their timely completion.
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7. Assign administrative work to staff based on priorities and personnel availability.
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8. Provide direction on administrative assignments to staff.
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9. Review, accept, amend, or reject administrative work products completed by other staff members.
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10. Research and analyze administrative issues and recommend improvements.
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11. Review program operations and monitor adherence to established procedures.
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12. Analyze administrative data to identify trends.
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13. Formulate administrative plans, programs and policies based upon data analysis.
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14. Conduct research, compile data, and prepare papers for consideration and presentation by executives, committees and boards of directors.
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15. Disseminate information to appropriate staff regarding new policies, regulations, or changes.
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16. Provide guidance on administrative policies and procedures to staff.
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17. Serve as an office/organizational representative and recommend plans, goals and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the office.
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18. Conduct briefings for high-level managers.
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19. Explain program goals and objectives to clients.
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20. Coordinate activities with other offices or organizations.
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21. Arrange the space and resources needed to support conferences and meetings in an office.
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22. Track commitments and assignments made in meetings through to their completion.
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23. Manage meeting related logistics including food, audio-visual and computer support for trainings, community outreach, or other events.
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24. Edit or draft organizational publications, such as newsletters, memoranda, letters, or program FAQs.
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25. Review documents, reports, or applications for omissions and inconsistencies, and to ensure that data is complete and accurate.
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26. As an applicant for federal employment you are required to provide accurate, complete, and honest information. All applicants are treated fairly and equally, so it is important you know what is required of you. You must read this question, then certify your application. You will be disqualified from consideration for this position if you do not answer this question or do not certify your application.
I understand that if I misrepresent or exaggerate my experience or education, or provide false, fraudulent, or misleading information in or with my application, it may be grounds for not hiring me, firing me after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine, imprisonment, or debarment from federal employment.

I understand that not following the information and instructions contained in the vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating, or me not being considered for certain eligibilities, preferences, grade-levels, specialties, and other areas of the announcement that require me to provide information.

Do you certify that you have read this statement and understand what is required of you, and certify that to the best of your knowledge and belief, all of the information included in your application is true, correct, and provided in good faith?
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