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Social Science Research Analyst (Recent Graduate)

Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Inspector General
Office of Evaluation and Inspections
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Employees selected for this position are eligible for promotion up to GS-12 while in the Pathways Program and up to GS-13 after successful completion of the Program.

The announcement will close at 11:59p.m. EST on the date the applicant limit has been reached which may be sooner than the closing date.

Salary Range:
Atlanta, GA - $60,314 to $94,863 Per Year
Boston, MA - $64,251 to $101,055 Per Year
Chicago, IL - $63,633 to $100,084 Per Year

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
03/16/2023 to 03/18/2023
This job will close when we have received 250 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$64,251 to - $101,055 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 11
Locations
5 vacancies in the following locations:
Atlanta, GA
Chicago
Boston
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Recent graduates
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
12
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
HHS-OIG-DE-23-11864130
Control number
712806600

This job is open to

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Recent graduates

Individuals who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last 2 years or 6 years for Veterans.

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens who have graduated from an accredited educational institute or certificate program within the last two years or six years for Veterans. No Prior Federal Experience is Required.

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Duties

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This position is located in the Department of Health And Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Office of Evaluations and Inspections.

Participates in all aspects of the inspection process. The incumbent works with a project lead to identify potential inspection assignments related to Medicare, Medicaid, and public health and human services programs. Responsible for conducting pre-inspection research of laws and regulations; GAO reports; OIG audits, investigations and inspection report; other studies conducted within or outside the Department; and pending or recently enacted regulations or legislation related to the assigned inspections on Medicare, Medicaid, and public health and human service programs. Engages in a variety of research, evaluation, analysis assignments in the Medicare and Medicaid and public health and human service programs to gain broader knowledge of the programs and experience in the inspection process.

Works with a project lead to identify appropriate study methodologies and techniques to be utilized in submitting proposed designs and conducting assigned studies. Incumbent is responsible for collecting data, conducting statistical analysis, and evaluating this information to create findings and recommendations. Responsible for interpreting findings resulting from studies that are independently developed. Interprets data and findings to form the development of agency initiatives, policies, and practices. Communicates and disseminates study findings in forms useful to federal, state, and local research, program, and policy audiences to inform assessment and improvement of programs and policies.

Assists in developing findings and recommendations for program evaluations and reporting of results to officials and stakeholders. Incumbent is actively engaged in environmental research involving Medicare programs, Medicaid services, and public health and human service programs to identify potential areas for future studies and evaluations.

Analyzes and prepares program studies for review of all levels. Reviews internal HHS processes and procedures, making recommendations for improvements to promote efficiency and cost savings. Researches and evaluates processes and makes recommendations for effective organizational changes.

Prepares reports and briefs for project lead and higher management. Develops various statistical tables and reports, new or modified work methods, processes and procedures for evaluating program services, guidelines, and procedures for program operations. Maintains up-to-date expertise in social science, data analytics, research/evaluation, and measurement methods. Recommends areas and methods by which efficiency or operation can be improved.

Advises management on routine aspects of health care or human services program-related policies and procedures. Works with managers and program specialists in determining steps or actions to be taken to accomplish work in adherence to requirements for the OIG strategic plan.

Participates in discussions, meetings, conferences, and conference calls with administrative, senior subject matter, and technical personnel, and other federal agency officials to secure and provide information; to evaluate and inspect facts; to present conclusions, recommendations, and alternatives; to obtain concurrence and develop alternate courses of actions; and to mutually resolve problems. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S Citizenship is required.
  • Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
  • Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
  • One-year probationary period may be required.

Qualifications

Positive Education Requirement: This position has a position education requirement, as indicated below. A complete transcript showing relevant coursework and degrees must be submitted with your application package. A list of completed courses or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted.

Recent Graduate Requirements:
Applicants must have completed within the previous two years a qualifying associate, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution; OR must be a veteran, as defined in 5 U.S.C.2108, who due to military service obligation, was precluded from applying to the Recent Graduate Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period. Veterans who were not able to apply during the two-year eligibility period due to service obligation shave a two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty HOWEVER the eligibility period may not extend beyond six years from the date on which the academic requirements were completed.

**Applicants that are expected to graduate by June 30, 2023 may apply and be considered for the recent graduate program, however you will not be appointed until your degree/certificate has been conferred. In addition to a copy of your current transcripts (unofficial) you must submit proof of enrollment on university letterhead which includes your expected date of graduation**

Basic Requirements:
Applicants must have completed a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a behavioral or social science; or related discipline appropriate to this position (must submit copy of unofficial transcripts) OR;

Must have 4 years of appropriate experience that demonstrates you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field OR;

Must have a combination of the education and experience described above (must submit a copy of unofficial transcripts).

Specialized Experience: In addition to meeting the basic requirements above all applicants must meet the additional requirements for each grade level you wished to be considered for.

GS-9: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include:

  • Conducting program evaluations or social science research;
  • Developing written and/or oral presentations of the results; and
  • Conducting quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of data.
Applicants may substitute 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree for the required specialized experience at the GS-9 grade level. (must submit a copy of unofficial transcripts).

Applicants may substitute a combination of the specialized experience and education above to qualify for the GS-9 grade level Only graduate education in excess of the first year may be substituted for specialized experience (must submit a copy of unofficial transcripts).

GS-11: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Conducting program evaluations or social science research;
  • Developing written and/or oral presentations of the results;
  • Assisting in identifying and applying appropriate study methodologies to program evaluation or social science research design; and
  • Conducting quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of data.
Applicants may substitute a master's or equivalent graduate degree for the required specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level (must submit a copy of unofficial transcripts).

Applicants may substitute a combination of the specialized experience and education above to qualify for the GS-11 grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the first year may be substituted for specialized experience (must submit a copy of unofficial transcripts).

Education that is substituted for specialized experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx.

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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.

Education

Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accrediting organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.

Additional information

Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Private sector work experience may be approved as credit for your Annual Leave accrual.

Security and Background Requirements: A background security investigation will be required for all appointees. 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.

E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.

Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Career Transition Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Documentation: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility. Appropriate documentation such as a reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, an SF-50 reflecting your RIF separation, or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function to another commuting area. You MUST also submit documentation to reflect your current (or last) performance rating of record along with your application package. Those eligible for consideration will need to be rated as well-qualified at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position in order to exercise selection priority. For more information about ICTAP, go to: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition.

EEO Statement: HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your experience, education, and training will be rated by a Subject Matter Expert panel. You will be evaluated on the following competencies:

  • Collaboration With Others
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Collection and Analysis
  • Research
This agency uses Category Rating Procedures. Under Delegated Examining (All U.S. Citizens), we will use your responses to the job questionnaire to place you in one of three categories. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be placed in one of the following categories:
  • Best Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a superior level of all evaluation criteria.
  • Well Qualified: Applicants possessing a background that demonstrates a satisfactory level of evaluation criteria.
  • Qualified: Applicants possessing the basic qualifications, with general knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

If, after reviewing your resume and any supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses will be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

Your resume must document specialized experience and support your responses to the vacancy questions.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11864130

Selections may be made for vacancies across the entire Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). By applying, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more HHS hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

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