This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Communications (OC), Washington, DC.
WHO MAY APPLY: This is a competitive vacancy, open to all United States Citizens or Nationals, advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same. Click here for more information and definitions regarding applicants who may apply to this vacancy announcement.
This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement number CMS-OC-MP-17-1974035 under merit promotion procedures. If you wish to be considered under both announcements, you must apply separately to each announcement. In addition, applicants eligible under non-competitive appointment authorities (e.g., Schedule A, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans, etc.) who are interested in applying for this position, please apply under vacancy announcement number CMS-OC-MP-17-1974035 to be considered under non-competitive procedures.
Current Commissioned Corps Officers and boarded applicants interested in applying for this position must send their professional resume (not Curriculum Vitae) and cover letter to DSRWS-CC@cms.hhs.gov in lieu of applying through this announcement. You are to include the Job Announcement Number in the subject line and your current rank / application status in your email. Failure to provide this information may impact your consideration for this position.
NOTE: If selected for an interview, a writing sample will need to be provided at that time.
Summary
This position is located in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Office of Communications (OC), Washington, DC.
WHO MAY APPLY: This is a competitive vacancy, open to all United States Citizens or Nationals, advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same. Click here for more information and definitions regarding applicants who may apply to this vacancy announcement.
This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement number CMS-OC-MP-17-1974035 under merit promotion procedures. If you wish to be considered under both announcements, you must apply separately to each announcement. In addition, applicants eligible under non-competitive appointment authorities (e.g., Schedule A, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans, etc.) who are interested in applying for this position, please apply under vacancy announcement number CMS-OC-MP-17-1974035 to be considered under non-competitive procedures.
Current Commissioned Corps Officers and boarded applicants interested in applying for this position must send their professional resume (not Curriculum Vitae) and cover letter to DSRWS-CC@cms.hhs.gov in lieu of applying through this announcement. You are to include the Job Announcement Number in the subject line and your current rank / application status in your email. Failure to provide this information may impact your consideration for this position.
NOTE: If selected for an interview, a writing sample will need to be provided at that time.
Working in the Office of Communications (OC), you will serve as a Health Communications Specialist. You will support the OC Director and Deputy Director by providing expert technical guidance to the OC leadership team on all aspects of the Agency's national public information and media relations programs. You will coordinate and consult with senior management officials of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the White House, other Federal and State agencies, and external stakeholders to implement communications elements of comprehensive, national Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiatives. The assignments are cross-cutting, critical to the success of functions and programs of national significance, and often serve as the basis for new policies, procedures, systems, or legislation. Specifically, you will:
- Serve as an expert advisor to the Director, OC, providing guidance and support to the Director on key mission-critical issues, initiatives, and agency functions associated with strategic communications and media relations.
- Act upon requests from both internal and external stakeholders including the Press Office, Office of Legislation, Office of the Administrator, Office of the Secretary, and the White House for support on strategic and tactical issues associated with communicating publicly CMS functions and programs.
- Coordinates the completion of complex and high-priority special assignments across OC, CMS, and HHS on behalf of the Director.
- Analyze problems, controversies, questions, or strategic decision-points associated with these policy and program issues and prepares position papers or other briefing material for the Director (or higher) to use when communicating about the issues in high-stakes, high-visibility environments such as congressional testimonies, meetings, and briefings.
- Recommend courses of action to address controversies, problems, and challenges associated with OC-administered program issues, particularly relating to strategic communications or media relations.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement for similar positions within CMS in the same geographical location. For Central Office vacancies, the "same geographical location" includes Baltimore, Maryland; Bethesda, Maryland; and Washington, D.C.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply for this position
You will be subject to a background and suitability investigation
A one-year probationary period may be required upon appointment
Conditions of Employment:
1. Security and Background Requirements: If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all selectees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
Optional Form 306 – Declaration of Federal Employment – available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf. This form is not required to be submitted at the time of submitting your application. However, if selected, this form will be required prior to final job offer.
2. E-Verify: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services participates in the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). E-Verify helps employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. Click here for more information.
3. Selective Service: Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the Selective Service. Click here for more information.
4. Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
5. Oath of Office: All Federal employees are required to take the Oath of Office and sign Standard Form (SF) 61, Appointment Affidavits.
SF 61 – Appointment Affidavits – available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf61.pdf. This form is not required to be submitted at the time of submitting your application. However, if selected, this form will be required at the time of in-processing.
Qualifications
ALL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
In order to qualify at the GS-15 grade level, you must meet the following: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Government, including: 1) planning, organizing, or leading the activities of a project or program team; 2) advising senior leadership on public information or media relations programs regarding health care policy or programs; and 3) providing guidance and direction to team members on matters of policies or procedures.
Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4) or an official statement (including dates of service and Character of Service) from your command if currently on active duty. If you are claiming 10-Point preference you must Click here for a detailed description of the required supporting documents to submit with your application to support your claim for 10-Point veterans' preference. For more information on veterans' preference see www.fedshirevets.gov.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced federal employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be rated well qualified for this vacancy. Well qualified applicants excel in the evaluation criteria for the position. Additional information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
CMS employees currently participating in 100% Full-Time Telework Program may be eligible to remain in the program. If an employee in this program is selected, the pay will be set in accordance with the locality pay for the applicable duty station. The listed salary range reflects the locality pay assigned to the duty location(s) listed in the vacancy announcement. For more information about pay based on locality, please visit the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Salaries & Wages Page.
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.
The federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. For more information, check out OPM's Employee Benefits Information.
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.
If you meet the minimum qualifications for this position, your application and responses to the online questionnaire will be evaluated under Category Rating and Selection procedures for placement in one of the following categories:
Best Qualified – for those who are superior in the evaluation criteria
Well Qualified – for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
Qualified – for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points, but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans with a service connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the Best Qualified category (except for professional and scientific positions at the GS-9 level or higher).
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and other applicable supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, your rating will be adjusted to more accurately reflect your knowledge, skills and abilities. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
Your application will be evaluated based on your ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities/competencies:
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.
The federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. For more information, check out OPM's Employee Benefits Information.
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.
The following documents are required: 1. Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must indicate your citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume should also list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy or mm/yyyy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). For resume and application tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Most_Effective_Resumes.
2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire.
3. Supporting Documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214, SF-15), if applicable. Supporting documents may be required to be considered for this vacancy announcement. Click here for a detailed description of the required supporting documents. Failure to provide appropriate documentation WILL result in an ineligible rating OR non-consideration.
Contact Information: CMS HR Center Helpdesk Phone: 1(888)423-2737 or (410)786-3936 Email: HRCenterHelpdesk@cms.hhs.gov Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from 8:00AM ET to 5:00PM ET (excludes all federal holidays)
PLEASE NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application package. This position requires the completion of the assessment questionnaire, transcripts and submission of supplemental documents, as described under the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or documents will result in you not being considered for employment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package (to include resume, occupational questionnaire, transcripts and other applicable supporting documents) must be received by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, June 30, 2017 to receive consideration.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.
We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: * Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) * Duties (be specific in describing your duties) * Employer's name and address * Supervisor name and phone number * Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) * Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) * Salary
Determining length of general or specialized experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
1. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details 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.
4. 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.
If you complete the occupational questionnaire online and are unable to upload transcripts or supporting document(s), you may fax the document.
**To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1974426.
**Fax your supporting documents to 1(478)757-3144.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, you may fax all of your materials. The complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, June 30, 2017 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed. If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit complete application package via fax:
**Click the following link to view and print the full occupational assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire;
**Fax the complete 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1(478)757-3144. Your narrative responses are a required document when submitting a 1203FX application. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. The narrative responses must be addressed on a separate document and included as part of your complete application. Please number each narrative response with the corresponding questionnaire number and limit your responses to 250 characters.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please send an email to the CMS HR Helpdesk (HRCenterHelpdesk@cms.hhs.gov). You may also contact the CMS HR Helpdesk at 1(888)423-2737 or (410)786-3936. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing should contact the CMS HR Helpdesk via 1(888)423-2737 using of your relay service provider (Video Relay Services or Teletype Services). The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
HHS CMS Center
7500 Security Boulevard
Mail Stop C4-14-15
BALTIMORE, MD 21244
Next steps
Within 15 business days of the closing date, Friday, June 30, 2017 you may check your status online at USAJOBS. We will update your status after each key stage in the application process has been completed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required: 1. Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must indicate your citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume should also list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy or mm/yyyy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). For resume and application tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Most_Effective_Resumes.
2. A complete Occupational Questionnaire.
3. Supporting Documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214, SF-15), if applicable. Supporting documents may be required to be considered for this vacancy announcement. Click here for a detailed description of the required supporting documents. Failure to provide appropriate documentation WILL result in an ineligible rating OR non-consideration.
Contact Information: CMS HR Center Helpdesk Phone: 1(888)423-2737 or (410)786-3936 Email: HRCenterHelpdesk@cms.hhs.gov Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from 8:00AM ET to 5:00PM ET (excludes all federal holidays)
PLEASE NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application package. This position requires the completion of the assessment questionnaire, transcripts and submission of supplemental documents, as described under the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Please carefully review the complete job announcement and the "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to provide the required information and/or documents will result in you not being considered for employment.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package (to include resume, occupational questionnaire, transcripts and other applicable supporting documents) must be received by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, June 30, 2017 to receive consideration.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION.
We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. Please ensure EACH work history includes ALL of the following information: * Job Title (include series and grade if Federal Job) * Duties (be specific in describing your duties) * Employer's name and address * Supervisor name and phone number * Start and end dates including month, day and year (e.g. June 18 2007 to April 05 2008) * Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) * Salary
Determining length of general or specialized experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL of this information may result in a finding of ineligible.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
1. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details 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.
4. 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.
If you complete the occupational questionnaire online and are unable to upload transcripts or supporting document(s), you may fax the document.
**To fax your documents, you must use the following cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf and provide the required information. The Vacancy ID is 1974426.
**Fax your supporting documents to 1(478)757-3144.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, you may fax all of your materials. The complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM ET on Friday, June 30, 2017 to receive consideration. Keep a copy of your fax confirmation in the event verification is needed. If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
To complete the occupational questionnaire and submit complete application package via fax:
**Click the following link to view and print the full occupational assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire;
**Fax the complete 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1(478)757-3144. Your narrative responses are a required document when submitting a 1203FX application. Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. The narrative responses must be addressed on a separate document and included as part of your complete application. Please number each narrative response with the corresponding questionnaire number and limit your responses to 250 characters.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please send an email to the CMS HR Helpdesk (HRCenterHelpdesk@cms.hhs.gov). You may also contact the CMS HR Helpdesk at 1(888)423-2737 or (410)786-3936. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing should contact the CMS HR Helpdesk via 1(888)423-2737 using of your relay service provider (Video Relay Services or Teletype Services). The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
HHS CMS Center
7500 Security Boulevard
Mail Stop C4-14-15
BALTIMORE, MD 21244
Next steps
Within 15 business days of the closing date, Friday, June 30, 2017 you may check your status online at USAJOBS. We will update your status after each key stage in the application process has been completed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
