IT SPECIALIST (APPSW) Job

Vacancy No. DFAS-DHA-ML-12820442-26 Department Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Salary $89,447.00 to $120,301.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/22/2025 Close Date 11/4/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Indianapolis, INCleveland, OH


Summary

  • Who may apply: All US Citizens
  • Applicants on the Cleveland list may be placed at Bratenahl.
  • We may use this announcement to fill other positions in the I&T Dir.
This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens

Duties

  • Maintains computer programs using an extensive knowledge of Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL) programming language.
  • Analyzes functional and technical requirements of proposed or existing software and information systems to determine avenues of development or modification necessary to meet mission objectives.
  • Participates in systems requirement reviews and coordinates with customer/functional representatives and other technical personnel to clarify requirements.
  • Identifies how system modifications or new systems or subsystems affect current systems; establishes target completion dates; and prioritizes proposed system changes or developments.
  • Prepares system documentation for purposes of improving software development processes in accordance with acceptable industry standards.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship or National
  • Background Investigation
  • Suitable for Federal Employment
  • Registered for Selective Service (if applicable)
  • In accordance with the DoD 8140 policy series, the position may be subject to completing Foundational Qualifications in 9 months and completing Residential Qualification requirements in 12 months.
  • This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.

Qualifications

Human Resources will determine your qualifications for each entry grade level based on your interest and the additional following criteria. Resumes for federal government positions need more detailed work descriptions and accomplishments than a typical private sector resume. Please be sure to clearly describe the full scope of your work experiences in your resume. Combinations of education and experience may also be sufficient.

This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment.

Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.
  • Attention to Detail- experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards
  • Customer Service- experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs
  • Oral Communication- briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience
  • Problem Solving- identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions
In addition to the Basic Competency Requirements listed above: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-11 in the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.

Specialized Experience is described as: Experience developing, implementing, coding, testing, operating, and modifying software and automated systems; conducting systems requirement reviews and take necessary corrective action; applying complex IT principles and practices in the software development process; using Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL) programming language to code and maintain software engineering solutions.

Volunteer Experience: 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; religious; spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify for consideration if meeting time-in grade, specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.

Additional information

  • This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment.
  • For Reasonable Accomodation Requests, see the How You Will Be Evaluated section.
  • Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
  • **This Job Opportunity Announcement is using an additional online assessment tool to evaluate applicants. Please review the HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED, HOW TO APPLY and WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT sections below for instructions.
  • This position is being filled under the Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense via delegated authority by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
  • Veteran's Preference: Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority (DHA).
  • Employment with DFAS means access to generous benefits such as: health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and educational benefits.
  • Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
  • As a condition of employment, you may be required to serve a 1 year probation period during which we'll evaluate if continued employment advances public interest. The evaluation considers: performance & conduct; needs of agency; if continued employment advances agency goals; if continued employment advances efficiency of Federal service. At the end of the probationary period, employment will be terminated unless you receive certification that continued employment advances public interest.
  • We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
  • This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • DFAS recognizes the value of competencies gained through formal education and professional certifications. To ensure that consistent credit is given for these credentials in the selection process DFAS has developed standard selection criteria to be used when filling positions in professional and administrative series. Selections for professional and administrative positions will be based on four categories of selection criteria: Experience, Other, Education, and Certifications.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov).
  • Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance. (See DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 300, here).
  • Security Designation varies dependent on position and may require a secret clearance or higher. Employment requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time, employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position, as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.?

You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12820442


Criminal History Inquiries - If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil (this call center group box will be the intake for complaints and will forward to appropriate POCs).

Required Documents

Must provide a complete Application which includes:

  1. Resume: choose only ONE method of submitting your resume. HR reviews the resume the system date stamps as the last one received. This may not be the resume which best reflects your qualifications and may result in an ineligible rating. You may submit your resume by: attaching in your USAJOBS account; uploading in your Application Manager account; OR faxing.
  2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire
  3. Supporting Documents
  4. Requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form here.
The following documents are ONLY required if applicable to your qualifications or status. They must be received by the closing date of the announcement.
  1. Transcripts and/or Certifications: Must submit documentation if you are substituting education for experience. Many applicants must also submit documentation for proof of meeting the basic education requirement. For additional information on acceptable documents, click here Transcripts and Certifications. Must also document your education and/or certifications in your resume. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  2. 10-Point Veterans' Preference: MUST submit a signed SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof as required by the SF-15. Click here for a copy of the SF-15.
    5-Point Veterans' Preference: MUST submit a copy of your DD-214 which includes Character of Service usually Member-4 copy. If you are currently active duty, you may submit written documentation from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. The certification should also include when your terminal leave will begin, your rank and dates of active duty. ICTAP Eligibles: A copy of the RIF separation notice and SF-50 if available.
  3. Cover Letter: May submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or determine eligibility for preference.
  4. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. To download the checklist, select "Save" or "Save As" instead of "Open." Save the document to your device then open it as a PDF. Once the form is opened, select "Enable All Features" and the form will populate so that it can be completed. https://www.esd.whs.mil/Directives/forms/dd3000_3499/DD3145-4/
  5. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians PPP Eligible: must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  6. Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
  7. Retained Grade PPP Eligible: must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Retained Grade preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Retained Grade PPP Self-Certification Checklist.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) on the 11/04/2025, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page displays the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. Click the Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
  5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
  6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
  7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
  8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at: https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

HR Customer Care Center
Address
DFAS - INFO AND TECHNOLOGY DIR OFFICE
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

Next steps

The resume you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job and to identify the best-qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps is completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.


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


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