In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Professional and Scientific Positions, Psychology Series 0180.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree in major or equivalent in psychology for all specializations except clinical psychology and counseling psychology. These two specializations have additional educational requirements, as stated below:
- Clinical psychology: For positions at grades GS-11 and above, satisfactory completion of all the requirements for the doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) directly related to full professional work in clinical psychology is required.
- Counseling psychology: For positions at grades GS-9 and above, satisfactory completion of 2 full academic years of graduate study directly related to professional work in counseling psychology, or satisfactory completion in an accredited educational institution of all the requirements for a master's degree directly related to counseling psychology is required (Psychology Series 0180 (opm.gov)).
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-12, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes professional advanced expert knowledge of a broad range of psychology to include human factors (HF) processes methodologies and techniques. Mastery knowledge of advanced concepts principles and techniques of engineering psychology. Expert professional knowledge of psychology pertaining to human factors, policies procedures and program objectives and the ability to direct/lead teams. Expert skill in investigating mishaps and in formulating recommendations on any human factor's issues found in the investigations. Expert skill in articulating, negotiating and solving critical, complex HF problems and analysis issues. Ability to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Professional advanced expert knowledge of a broad range of psychology to include human factors (HF) processes methodologies and techniques.
2.Mastery knowledge of advanced concepts principles and techniques of engineering psychology.
3. Expert professional knowledge of psychology pertaining to human factors, policies procedures and program objectives and the ability to direct/lead teams.
4. Expert skill in investigating mishaps and in formulating recommendations on any human factor's issues found in the investigations.
5. Expert skill in articulating, negotiating and solving critical, complex HF problems and analysis issues. Ability to meet program requirements and objectives within available resources.
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy and to establish and maintain effective relationships with decision makers, etc.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.