The Readjustment Counceling (RCS) Communication Officer is responsible for overseeing both the internal and external communication functions for this national organization. You will have responsibility for planning, designing, and executing complementary programs to inform / educate eligible individuals, RCS / VA staff, external stakeholders, and the general public about RCS programs, benefits, activities, and services. You will assess and evaluate public affairs trends and attitudes which may affect RCS to provide input for program planning, direction and delivery.
You will provide oversight and expertise on a variety of levels regarding public affairs. You will be the national RCS subject matter expert on marketing, promotion and communication. You are responsible for all RCS Public Affairs Program policies, procedures and guidelines.
You serve as the primary point of contact for all RCS media relations. You are responsible for developing and managing news releases, scheduling and coordination of in-person television, newspaper, and radio interviews, filming on-site, managing the RCS social media presence, and responding to any media inquiries in a timely and efficient manner.
Work Schedule: Administrative tour 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; May be required to work some evenings and weekends. Compressed/Flexible: Negotiable with Supervisor Telework: Available (ADHOC) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Communication Officer/50002-O Bargaining Unit Status: This position is not part of the Bargaining Unit Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Summary
The Readjustment Counceling (RCS) Communication Officer is responsible for overseeing both the internal and external communication functions for this national organization. You will have responsibility for planning, designing, and executing complementary programs to inform / educate eligible individuals, RCS / VA staff, external stakeholders, and the general public about RCS programs, benefits, activities, and services. You will assess and evaluate public affairs trends and attitudes which may affect RCS to provide input for program planning, direction and delivery.
You will provide oversight and expertise on a variety of levels regarding public affairs. You will be the national RCS subject matter expert on marketing, promotion and communication. You are responsible for all RCS Public Affairs Program policies, procedures and guidelines.
You serve as the primary point of contact for all RCS media relations. You are responsible for developing and managing news releases, scheduling and coordination of in-person television, newspaper, and radio interviews, filming on-site, managing the RCS social media presence, and responding to any media inquiries in a timely and efficient manner.
Work Schedule: Administrative tour 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; May be required to work some evenings and weekends. Compressed/Flexible: Negotiable with Supervisor Telework: Available (ADHOC) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Communication Officer/50002-O Bargaining Unit Status: This position is not part of the Bargaining Unit Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Stakeholder Relations, Crisis Communication, Media Relations, Congressional Relations, Internal and External Communications.
Public Affairs Planning, VA Protocol Compliance, Special EventsPlanning, Social Media Management
Advises and consults with management officials at RCS / VA field facilities (RCS District offices, Vet Centers) on public affairs matters / approaches resulting from crisis situations.
Functions as an on- call crisis intervention and resource person for RCS leadership.
Provides oversight and expertise on a variety of levels regarding public affairs.
Responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the RCS social media presence.
Develops and conducts training of all public affairs staff located in field facilities.
Transmits professional and technical advice, and agency and regional policy and plans to public affairs staff.
Directs a large national program conveying complex agency information that affects most the country?s population.
Responsible for major special events to include the coordination and execution of public ceremonies such as dedication and ribbon cuttings, and other celebrations.
Ensures that national and district level programs are compatible with local situations and media, and that they conform to applicable RCS and VA policy.
Performs other duties as the needs arrive to meet mission goals.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to background/security investigation
Must be in possession of valid Driver's License
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/02/2018.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-14 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
You may qualify based on your experience as described below:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Directing a large national program conveying complex agency information that affects most the country's population. Informs news media about programs and policies providing benefits and services to the customer. The program segment and work directed typically has national coverage.
Performance requires mastery of the principles, methods, practices and techniques of communication so that incumbent functions as the technical / professional authority on public affairs and community / consumer relations and issues.knowledge that allows incumbent to use multiple software packages to manage social media, electronic message boards, electronic signage marquee, and a variety of office packages. Working knowledge that allows incumbent to use multiple software packages to manage social media, electronic message boards, electronic signage marquee, and a variety of office packages.
Mastery of layout, format, grammar, and punctuation skills are required for written material and applicable for development of oral presentations. An understanding of market studies and other analytical methods is crucial in carrying out assigned tasks. Skill in good interpersonal relations is paramount in the role of Communications Officer. Interactions at many levels of the organization and with community leaders and dignitaries is vital in building coalitions and ongoing business partnerships.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Communications and Media
External Awareness
Oral Communication
Planning and Evaluating
Writing
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; religions; 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.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Requirements: The position is primarily sedentary with much of the work being performed on a keyboard. Some periods of walking, standing, bending, lifting is required for special events, media visits, and presentations. Incumbent is required to lift up to 15-20 pounds in the form of document copies, community relations materials, or other shipments. Incumbent is required to push carts and set up public relations venues such as a booth to share RCS or VA information.
Work Environment: The work is primarily in an administrative office setting. Occasionally the incumbent must travel in government vehicles, airplanes, taxis, buses, and other automobiles. Work space has adequate lighting, heat, and ventilation, which provides for a comfortable environment. Work may sometimes require incumbent to hold events outdoors or accompany media or others on tours that may require walking outside.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service 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 found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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.
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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Proof of Status (SF50 or SF-15/DD214)
Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
OF-306
Proof of Status (SF50 or SF-15/DD214)
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
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.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/02/2018 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10185277.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Readjustment Counseling Service
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Proof of Status (SF50 or SF-15/DD214)
Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
OF-306
Proof of Status (SF50 or SF-15/DD214)
Other Veterans Document
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
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.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/02/2018 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10185277.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Readjustment Counseling Service
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
