IT Specialist (APPSW) - .NET - DHA Job

Vacancy No. SSA-12925792-DHA-26-CIO Department Social Security Administration
Salary $90,925.00 to $139,684.00 Grade 13 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/15/2026 Close Date 10/12/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Denver, COUrbana, MDWoodlawn, MDDurham, NC
Wilkes Barre, PA


Summary

IT Specialist (APPSW) - .NET position(s) are being filled through the Office of Personnel Management's delegated Direct Hire Authority, open to all U.S. citizens. Selections made under this bulletin will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would, therefore, be given new appointments to the civil service. Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, Veterans Preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens

Duties

  • This announcement serves as public notice. Applications submitted be placed into a pool and will remain on file for selection as positions become available.
  • Vacancies may be filled for up to 6 months after the closing date of this announcement.
  • Positions filled with applications from this pool will be placed into positions where AI duties occupy the majority of the work performed.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
  • Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required
  • Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results
  • Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period
  • Relocation expenses will not be paid
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
  • Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

Qualifications

Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.

Duties

  • Architect, develop, and maintain high-performance business applications using C#, .NET Core, .NET Framework, Entity Framework, and MVC.
  • Design and implement responsive user interfaces using JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery, Bootstrap, HTML, and CSS.
  • Develop and consume RESTful APIs and web services for secure, scalable integration with internal and external systems.
  • Optimize SQL queries and manage data using SQL Server for reliability and speed.
  • Utilize Visual Studio, Azure DevOps, and GIT for source control, collaboration, and CI/CD pipeline management.
  • Implement and support batch processing jobs, leveraging advanced job scheduling and monitoring tools.
  • Engineer robust data storage and retrieval solutions, ensuring data integrity and performance.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve application issues to ensure maximum uptime and performance.
  • Collaborate with business analysts, QA, and fellow developers to deliver innovative solutions.
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including program specifications, flowcharts, and user guides.
  • Participate in code reviews and uphold best practices for quality, security, and maintainability.
  • Support application testing, deployment, and post-implementation activities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities to leverage AI-driven tools and technologies to improve development efficiency, automate processes, and enhance application capabilities.
  • Stay informed about advancements in AI, .NET, and related technologies, and recommend ways to incorporate them into SSA's business systems where appropriate.

READ ALL SECTIONS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION.

If you are qualifying based on education please make sure you follow the instructions in the Education Section of this announcement including uploading a transcript with an award/confer date failure to due so can disqualify you for further consideration.

Applicants must qualify for the series and grade of the posted position. Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. Your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and proficiency of any required competencies to perform the specific position for which you are applying.

To qualify for the 2210 IT Specialist series, the applicant must demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; know about available products and services; and is committed to providing quality products and services.
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications: Grade 13 To qualify at the GS-13 level, you must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-12 level, or equivalent. Such IT-related experience should include:
  • Experience applying enterprise IT architecture expertise to design and implement complex, large-scale systems solutions that support organizational program and policy objectives;
  • Experience developing and engineering sophisticated .NET/C# applications using modern methods;
  • Experience with complex queries, consuming enterprise APIs, web based and mainframe systems to ensure seamless enterprise-wide integration;
  • Experience creating responsive websites and web-based applications using tools such as .NET, C#, MVC, SQL, LINQ, Azure DevOps, Git, Visual Studio, Bootstrap, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery, JSON, Entity Framework;
  • Knowledge and application of the User-Centered Design process, FISMA and NIST controls;
  • Familiarity with making applications 508 compliant and performing usability testing, and using the data collected to inform design;
  • Experience remediating Checkmarx (or similar software) findings.

Minimum Qualifications: Grade 14 Applicants for this GS-14 must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 level or above, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled, that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such IT-related experience should include:
  • Experience applying advanced enterprise IT architecture expertise to design and implement complex, large-scale systems solutions that support organizational program and policy objectives;
  • Experience developing and engineering sophisticated .NET/C# applications using modern methods;
  • Experience with complex queries, cloud-native architectures, incorporating enterprise APIs, web based and mainframe systems to ensure seamless enterprise-wide integration;
  • Experience leading teams to design responsive websites and web-based applications using tools such as .NET, C#, MVC, SQL, LINQ, Azure DevOps, Git, Visual Studio, Bootstrap, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery, JSON, Entity Framework;
  • Knowledge and application of the User-Centered Design process, FISMA and NIST controls;
  • Familiarity with making applications 508 compliant and performing usability testing, and using the data collected to inform design;
  • Experience remediating Checkmarx (or similar software) findings

PLEASE NOTE: This specialized experience is REQUIRED and must be explicitly documented/described in your resume, or you will be disqualified from further consideration.

Qualification standards and additional information for this position can be found here: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/2200/information-technology-it-management-series-2210-alternative-a/

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

See announcement cutoff dates below under How to Apply.

Are you ready to power the digital backbone of America? The Social Security Administration's technical team is seeking skilled .NET developers to join us in delivering high-performance solutions on our world-class, enterprise-grade infrastructure. Our systems support over 330 million Americans, and we're looking for developers who are passionate about building the future of digital government services.

At SSA, you'll work with a modern technology stack, including C#, .NET Core, .NET Framework, Entity Framework, MVC, and Visual Studio. Our applications leverage front-end technologies such as JavaScript, AJAX, jQuery, Bootstrap, HTML, and CSS, and we utilize SQL for robust data management. We use Azure DevOps and GIT for source control and CI/CD, and our developers regularly consume and integrate APIs to deliver scalable, secure, and innovative business applications.

We encourage our developers to actively explore and integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, seeking innovative ways to enhance business applications and processes.

Whether you're a seasoned .NET expert or an early-career developer eager to master mission-critical systems, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Apply today and discover how modern, powerful, and rewarding a .NET development career at SSA can be!

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement. This Direct Hire announcement may be used to fill the same or similar position in another office.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Salary Range Information:

  • Denver, CO - $118,675 - $182,316
  • Durham. NC - $111,147 - $170,750
  • Wilkes-Barre, PA - $106,437 - $163,514
  • Woodlawn, MD/Urbana, MD - $121,785 - $187,093
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

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.

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.

The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the online assessment questions completed during the application process.

Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

Required Documents

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

  1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  2. Other documents supporting qualifications and/or preference, if applicable.

Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered. To be considered, your resume must:

  • Clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the position
  • Include your contact information

We recommend using a clear, easy-to-read format and focusing on information most relevant to the job announcement.


You must also submit ALL supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference.

INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified. Well-qualified is defined as having knowledge, skills, and abilities that clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position. Candidates must also provide:
  • proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and
  • proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent.
For more information visit http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

Veteran's preference does not apply under this Direct Hire Authority for these positions.

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 for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the cutoff date or closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, 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 11:59PM (ET) on the cutoff date or announcement closing date.

Announcement cutoff dates:
April 23, 2026
April 30, 2026
May 7, 2026
May 14, 2026
May 21, 2026
May 28, 2026
June 4, 2026
June 11, 2026
June 18, 2026
June 25, 2026
July 2, 2026
July 9, 2026
July 16, 2026
July 23, 2026
July 30, 2026
August 6, 2026
August 13, 2026
August 20, 2026
August 27, 2026
September 3, 2026
September 10, 2026
September 17, 2026
September 24, 2026
October 1, 2026
October 12, 2026

You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Careers at SSA at Careers@ssa.gov.

Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.

Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.

Agency contact information

Careers at SSA
Email
Careers@ssa.gov
Address
CIO Front Office
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US

Next steps

Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive an email notification acknowledging receipt of application.

The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible.

To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Additional locations

Wilkes Barre, PA

Social Security Administration

Do you have a desire to:

  • help SSA manage its Social Security programs?
  • analyze and solve problems?
  • help and advise millions of retired and disabled individuals?
  • work on a team to make a difference in people's lives and your own?
Join SSA, one of the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government!

Agency contact information

Careers at SSA
Email
Careers@ssa.gov
Address
CIO Front Office
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Social Security Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.ssa.gov/careers