Qualifications
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.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Degree: Behavioral or Social Science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
AND
In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements above, applicants must have specialized experience and/or directly related education in the amounts shown below.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-09, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and practices relating to one or more of the social or behavioral sciences in relation to work in a family support capacity with special needs families; applying knowledge of the practical aspects of social services delivery systems, including those administered by federal agencies and non-standardized community and state service providers in the local area, as well as the variety of practices, procedures, and methods utilized for accessing them, conducting interviews with and counseling families and individuals with a wide variety of special needs, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships to identify available services and gaps in services for families with special needs in a military environment, advocate for the families, and partner to achieve objectives.
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-09 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-11 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. Knowledge of the concepts, principles, theories, and practices relating to one or more of the social or behavioral sciences in relation to work in a family support capacity with special needs families.
2. Knowledge of the practical aspects of social services delivery systems, including those administered by federal agencies and non-standardized community and state service providers in the local area, as well as the variety of practices, procedures, and methods utilized for accessing them.
3. Skill in conducting interviews with and counseling families and individuals with a wide variety of special needs, some of whom have multiple needs, to establish the nature and extent of concerns and issues, receive and assimilate information, encourage enrollment, provide assistance in developing goals and plans, and determine appropriate referral services and/or options.
4. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interactions with leadership, on-and off base service agencies, state and local governments, and civic leaders to identify available services and gaps in services for families with special needs in a military environment, advocate for the families, and partner to achieve objectives.
5. Ability to assess and measure organizational trends, concerns, and needs; identify gaps in available services; report on; and provide recommendations for the development and implementation of effective plans and tools to address issues.
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
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.
Education
IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
*******************ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICES MEMBERS*******************
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave. At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD-Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. Active duty members applying for a civil service position without submitting a valid certification memo or DD-Form 214 with their application will render the member ineligible for the position. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following:
- Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
- Branch of Armed Forces
- Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
- Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
- Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
- Expected character of service (honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
- Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
- Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.
Note: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form-214 must be submitted upon receipt.
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.