Workforce Development Specialist Job in Boston, MA

Vacancy No. MS-24-DAL-ETA-12556189-CAR Department Employment and Training Administration
Salary $98,240.00 to $151,870.00 Grade 12 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/25/2024 Close Date 10/8/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Boston, MA


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. ETA provides Federal contracts and technical assistance to State and local levels that provide workforce development services to various adult and youth populations.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent federal employees with competitive status, Land & Base Management, Military Spouses, OPM Interchange Agreement, other Miscellaneous Authorities, Reinstatement eligibles, VEOA eligibles, 30% Disabled Veterans, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA, Individuals with Disabilities; ICTAP/CTAP eligibles in the local commuting area. Also advertised as job # DE-24-DAL-ETA-12556188-CAR: The Public (U.S. Citizens) & CTAP/ICTAP eligibles. To be considered for each, apply to BOTH jobs.

Duties

This is a career ladder progression position; the duties described below are at the GS-13 level. If selected at the GS-12 grade level, the incumbent will serve in a developmental capacity, wherein the work is less complex in nature and the supervisor, or a senior level employee provides specific instruction and guidance.

At the GS-13 grade level, the incumbent:

  • Reviews contract proposals for compliance with regulations and plans in order to receive funding for various workforce training programs. Evaluates performance reviews, studies, and makes recommendations for program improvement and corrective actions for high-profile regional products.
  • Works with contractors to identify potential issues and conduct research on policy guidance and legislation.
  • Develops, implements and maintains methods for evaluating and monitoring program performance; reviews fiscal records for accuracy and compliance with the budget; ensures compliance of programs with complex regulations and contract agreements; analyzes expenditures, recommends allowable costs and identifies appropriate contract cost categories.
  • Serves as a project lead for high-risk contracts. Develops and applies new methods and techniques to solve problems where existing guides are largely inapplicable. Studies new and proposed legislation and regulations to determine impact on the program.
  • Leads and/or performs analyses of program-related data, policy and program issues, and negotiates acceptable agreements to resolve conflicts and controversial disputes.
  • Reviews contracts and state plans. Reviews and makes recommendations on contract modifications. Works with the Contract, program, and Close Out offices in resolving contracts issues during the contract life cycle. Responsible for resolving investigations, incidents and complaints or audit events pertaining to the contracts program. Notifies contractor regarding performance.
  • Participates in development and coordination of various workforce development programs ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal policies and statues.
  • Prepares written summaries of contract activities and issues.
  • Prepares and conducts briefings for various audiences on workforce development guidance and policy. Reviews draft policy guidance for impact on the organization and the program.
  • Provides leadership in formulating methods for getting results through cooperative efforts.
  • Coordinates, schedules, and attends various meetings and seminars and makes presentations related to guidance and policy, as appropriate. Prepares and delivers briefings. Serves as a liaison with high-level public and private sector officials.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Candidate required to obtain the necessary security/investigation level.
  • Requires a probationary period if the requirement has not been met.

Qualifications

For GS-12: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-11, in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Examples of specialized experience include:

  • Assists in the preparation of service delivery contracts and training agreements;
  • Experience assisting in conducting workforce studies, analyzing the results, and making sound recommendations for consideration;
  • Experience in oral and written communications sufficient to advise and consult with a variety of customers regarding workforce development;
  • Experience assisting with accessing agency programs, practices, and/or policies to develop and deliver guidance or training to various stakeholders.
For GS-13: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-12, in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.

Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Experience in applying a wide range of contracts principles and concepts sufficient to provide advice to management and clients;
  • Experience in conducting workforce studies, analyzing the results, and making sound recommendations for appropriate changes to or improvement in the workforce program;
  • Experience in oral and written communications sufficient to advise and consult with a variety of customers to present findings and recommendations, or negotiate agreements, or secure cooperation;
  • Experience accessing agency programs, practices, and policies to develop and deliver guidance and training to various stakeholders.

Education

There is no educational substitution at these grade levels.

Additional information

This position is inside the bargaining unit. If the duty location is within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the position will be included in the Local 12, AFGE bargaining unit. If the duty location is outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the position will be included in the NCFLL bargaining unit.

The mission of the Department of Labor (DOL) is to protect the welfare of workers and job seekers, improve working conditions, expand high-quality employment opportunities, and assure work-related benefits and rights for all workers. As such, the Department is committed to fostering a workplace and workforce that promote equal employment opportunity, reflects the diversity of the people we seek to serve, and models a culture of respect, equity, inclusion, and accessibility where every employee feels heard, supported, and empowered.

Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

As a condition of employment, all personnel must undergo a background investigation for access to DOL facilities, systems, information and/or classified materials before they can enter on duty: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Click here for Career Ladder Promotion Information

Click here for Telework Position Information This is not a remote work position. The selectee will report to an assigned DOL office location on a regular basis and is eligible for participation in telework as determined by management in accordance with DOL policy.

Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy.

The Department of Labor may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government to attract highly qualified candidates. Click here for Additional Information. The Fair Chance Act (FCA) prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOL employee has violated your rights under the FCA, you may file a complaint of the alleged violation following our agency's complaint process Guidelines for Reporting Violations of the Fair Chance Act. Note: The FCA does not apply to some positions specified under the Act, such as law enforcement or national security positions.

All Department of Labor employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Program under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.

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.

Evaluation Factors (Competencies) - All qualified applicants will be evaluated on the following key competencies:

  • Contracting/Procurement
  • Oral Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Technical Competence
  • Writing

Click here for Evaluation details.

You may preview questions for this vacancy here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12556189

The information you provide may be verified by a review of your paid, unpaid, volunteer, and other lived experience, as it demonstrates the competencies or skills required for the position to be filled. Your evaluation may include an interview, reference checks, or other assessment conducted by HR specialists, subject matter experts, or panel members and may include other assessment tools (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc.). The examining Office of Human Resources (OHR) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings. Your resume MUST provide sufficient information to substantiate your vacancy question responses. If not, the OHR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the level of competency indicated by the content of your resume.

INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. ICTAP/CTAP eligible(s) will be considered well-qualified if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review the eligibility questions to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of time-in-grade (52 weeks at the next lower grade), time-after-competitive-appointment (90 days), and minimum qualifications (52 weeks equivalent to the next lower grade in federal service). These requirements must be met within 30 days of 10/08/2024 the announcement closing date.

The following documents are required from all applicants (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):

  • FEDERAL STATUS APPLICANTS: When applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service, please provide a copy of your last or most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows your appointment eligibility for the position for which you are applying. Your SF-50 must identify the highest grade you held on a permanent basis, Pay Plan/Pay Schedule, Series, Grade/Pay Band, and career status. Multiple SF-50 may be submitted to demonstrate your highest previous rate and eligibility.
*WARNING: An award SF-50 (ex. cash or time off award) may not indicate grade, step, and competitive status. For current DOL employees, an award SF-50 DOES NOT indicate grade and step.
  • Resumes are required - provide a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one from your computer and USAJOBS profile. To receive full consideration for relevant and specialized experience, please list the month, year, and number of work hours worked for the experience listed on your resume. We also suggest that you preview the vacancy questions and confirm that your resume supports your question responses.
  • Most recent performance appraisal/evaluation signed and dated within 18 months is requested by the agency but will not disqualify candidates if not submitted. If not submitted during the application process, one may/will be requested at the time of the interview if the opportunity is extended. *In most cases, ICTAP/CTAP applicants must submit this document - please see ICTAP/CTAP links below for more details.

The following documents are required (if applicable):

Do not upload password-protected documents.

Applicants selected for employment who are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.

How to Apply

Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have speech disabilities, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, including submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration.

Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.

Important - Save your information before the 30 minute system timeout! For help, go to USAJOBS Help Center.

STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents. Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. For each employment period, include start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week) otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.

STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS). Once you have identified a job on USAJOBS that you wish to apply for, click on the job title and then click the Apply button. For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Proceed through the steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. In the final step, once you have certified your application, click the Continue to agency site button.

STEP 3 - Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL). On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click Apply to this vacancy. Continue through the progress steps at the top of the DOL page. The 2nd progress step is where you answer the vacancy-specific questions. The 3rd progress step Documents is where you submit the required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.

STEP 4 - On the Review and Submit step, verify each section of your application is complete and correct. In order to submit your application, you must have a check mark next to each section listed. If there is an X, return to the appropriate section and follow the prompts. When it is ready for submission, certify your application and click the Submit Application button.

STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm Eastern Time of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, thenUpdate Application.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

For more detailed information on applying for positions with DOL click here to view the U.S. Department of Labor, How to Apply website.

Agency contact information

Cassandra Ross
Address
Employment and Training Administration
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20210
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days of the issuance date of the certificate.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to USAJOBS Help Guide.

USAJOBS will no longer send status alert email notifications. You can check your application status in the TAS by logging into USAJOBS and in the Applicant Dashboard, click the hiring agency Talent Acquisition System (TAS). If the TAS does not provide application tracking information, contact the agency's point of contact on the job announcement.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link, and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.


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