Congressional Relations Officer Job in District of Columbia, DC

Vacancy No. CCLQ-12634960-25-ELW Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs
Salary $99,200.00 to $181,216.00 Grade 12 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/11/2024 Close Date 12/18/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
District of Columbia, DC


Summary

This position is located at the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs in Washington, District of Columbia.

Duties

The incumbent of this position serves as a member of the professional staff of the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs with responsibility for managing a segment of the Department's Congressional and Legislative Affairs program. The positron entails a variety of assignments dealing with the Department's programs and policies, congressional oversight and legislative agenda. In this capacity, handles the most complex and sensitive issues.

Provides special expertise and knowledge in the area of legislation and of the interests and concerns of Members of Congress and congressional committees and how these issues affect veterans, the Department, its programs and policies. Subject matter includes, as appropriate, legislation and issues under the jurisdiction of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees and the Military Construction, Veterans' Affairs and Related Agencies, legislation and oversight items affecting the Department which may be addressed by other congressional committees, including, but not limited to, House Ways and Means; Senate Finance; Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; House Education and the Workforce; House Government Reform; Senate Governmental Affairs; House and Senate Armed Services; House and Senate Judiciary.

Incumbent must have knowledge of VA's legislative goals and priorities and have in depth knowledge of VA programs and policies with special emphasis on health care, construction, compensation and pension, educational and training benefits, insurance programs, home loan guaranty, burial benefits, EEO, human resources, administration, and acquisition programs.

Upon approval of the Department's legislative agenda, recommends strategies for communicating VA's legislation to Congress. Maintains close attention to the movement of legislation key to the Department. Develops additional courses of action in dealing with stalled legislation or legislation that is not in support for the Administration's or VA's goals.

Oversees Department's preparation for and follow-up to congressional hearings. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: being the point of contact for congressional staff preparing for the hearing; obtaining information about the upcoming hearing useful to VA witnesses; chairing or providing technical assistance at pre-hearing briefings; recording and analyzing substantive points raised during the hearings; reviewing and editing testimony, briefing books, pre­ and post-hearing questions, and hearing transcripts.

Personally assists assigned department and/or staff offices (VHA, VBA, NGA, and staff offices) concerning matters within the Congressional Relations Officer's area of program and legislative responsibility. Establishes internal and external points of contact for the purpose of exchanging information- on program and policy matters, coordination of VA Headquarters' and field activities of congressional interest, and VA's legislative program, as well as legislation pending in Congress. Reports findings to superiors, assesses any anticipated problems, and recommends appropriate courses of action.

Other duties may be assigned.

Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Available
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position is authorized 50% telework and selectee will be expected to report to 810 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC or a VA facility within the commuting distance of the selectees location the remaining 50%.
Position Description Title: Management and Program Analyst
Relocation Expenses: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Subject to a background/security investigation.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/18/2024.

GS-12 - Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

Analyzing and interpreting complex legislation, regulations, and policies related to legislative matters.

Preparing detailed reports, briefings, and recommendations on legislative issues for senior management or elected officials.

Developing and maintaining relationships with Congressional staff, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

GS-13 - Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

Analyzing and interpreting public laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies related to Legislate and Congressional.

Developing informational materials, policy guidance, and technical assistance documents for dissemination within and outside the Department.

Researching and developing recommendations on Legislative or Congressional inquiries.

GS-14 - Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

Legislative Affairs - Legislative Analyst, Legislative Coordinator, Senior Legislative Assistant, or Legislative Director

Policy Analyst - Policy Advisor, Professional Staff, Counsel, General Counsel, Staff Director

Presentations for congressional staffers and Members of Congress.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Communication
  • Political Savvy
  • Stakeholder Management


Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Applicants will be ranked based on four quality groups, as follows:

  • Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
  • Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job;
  • Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
  • Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meet the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
After the vacancy announcement closes, reviewed applications are evaluated against the questionnaire responses and placed in the appropriate quality group. Qualified veterans will be afforded preference by being placed at the top of the appropriate quality group. Qualifying Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the best qualified group. The best qualified group is the first to be referred to the hiring facility for further consideration and possible interview. The remaining groups may be referred based on the number of applicants available.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Professional Certification
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled Veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/veterans-preference/#content.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/18/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12634960.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Eric Whittaker
Address
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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