In order to qualify, you must meet the special experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Clerical and Administrative Support Positions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-04, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes performing non-routine assignments, such as independently noting and following-up on commitments made at meetings/conferences; advising others on preparing correspondence, requirements for various reports, and interpreting new instructions and procedures; or locating and summarizing information from files and documents that requires recognizing which information is, or is not, relevant to the problem at hand; Knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and format to prepare and edit written correspondence, reports, and transcribed material; Producing a wide range of documents that often require complex formats; Applying skill in stenography to take and transcribe dictation; Applying skill in typing.
OR
EDUCATION: Four years of education above the high school level obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. NOTE: You must submit a copy of school transcripts.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Combined specialized experience and education totaling to at least 100%. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your school transcripts.
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:
- Skill in taking and transcribing dictation is required. A qualified stenographer is required with a minimum proficiency of 80 WPM. Skill of a qualified typist is required. A minimum of 40 WPM proficiency is required.
- Knowledge of spelling, punctuation, syntax, and required formats sufficient to identify and correct discrepancies in correspondence and reports.
- Knowledge of the organization and its functions sufficient to process incoming and outgoing mail.
- Knowledge of the duties, priorities, policies, and program goals of the supervisor and staff to review correspondence for conflicts or departures from policies.
- Knowledge of an organization and its staff sufficient to perform such duties as independently arrange staff travel; select meeting and conference attendees; independently schedule appointments for the supervisor and follow up with the participants of meetings on action items independently.
- Knowledge of common clerical practices and office routines to refer visitors and callers; route correspondence by name and functional area; obtain requested material from files; and keep time and attendance records. Ability to communicate orally.
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.