Clarification from the agency

All groups of qualified individuals may apply. Current career Senior Executive Service (SES) members, OPM certified graduates of an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility may be considered noncompetitively.

The Associate Commissioner is responsible for advising senior Agency officials on research findings relating to Social Security reform; responding to information requests from Agency, Administration and Congressional policy makers; and participating in formulating Agency-level policy and program planning. S/he plans, directs, coordinates, and ensures the quality of activities of the office in formulating SSA's broad research, evaluation, and statistical goals and policies.

The incumbent promotes improved use of research results within the Office and the other organizational units of the Agency. The Associate Commissioner provides advice with regard to research techniques and methodology for studies and projects, and fosters the use of the office's professional resources in the conduct of such studies.

The incumbent represents the research, evaluation, and statistical interests of SSA at meetings or on committees with other Government agencies, including the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy colleges and universities, research centers, and other professional organizations. S/he makes commitments concerning research, evaluation and statistical projects and activities to be carried out, and the products to be supplied. The incumbent fosters, through cooperative research and demonstration grants, independent study of Social Security-related problems by public and private organizations, institutions, and colleges/universities.

The Associate Commissioner also arranges for other public agencies or private research groups to conduct research, evaluation and statistical projects that tie into the Social Security research program. S/he interprets the Social Security research interests to university and other professional groups, and organizes and fosters both formal and informal professional discussions, joint conferences, and study programs involving a number of social science disciplines and interests.

Conditions of employment

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan).

Qualifications

*NOTE: Veteran's Preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service. Please do not submit a DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty form. Any documents submitted, not listed in the "Required Documents" section of this vacancy announcement will not be considered during the evaluation process.

The application process used to recruit for this position is the RESUME BASED method. Although applicants cannot address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) separately, evidence of each must be clearly demonstrated in the five (5) page resume and throughout the rest of the application package.

Candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan).

MANDATORY EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): The ECQs describe the leadership skills needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service (SES). Your resume and application must demonstrate and address the ECQs and include examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities; address the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services managed; program accomplishments; describe policy initiatives undertaken; define level of contacts; convey the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and identify the results of actions taken. The five ECQs are as follows:

(1) Leading Change - Ability to develop and implement an organizational vision with integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity. Includes the ability to formulate effective program strategies consistent with the overall goals of the organization.
(2) Leading People - Ability to design and implement strategies which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission and goals. Includes leveraging diversity and other differences, promoting developmental opportunities for staff, fostering commitment and team spirit, and constructively resolving conflicts.
(3) Results Driven - Stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of program and policies. Includes the ability to address and balance complex and diverse program requirements within available resources in response to major changing needs in the diverse field of social insurance/welfare reform and the interdisciplinary impact on social insurance programs.
(4) Business Acumen - Ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making. Includes demonstrated ability in recruiting and selecting staff, allocating resources, and/or managing budgetary processes.
(5) Building Coalitions - Ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization. Includes ability to interact constructively with Federal officials, representatives of professional organizations and the public sector.

MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): A supplemental narrative must be submitted separately addressing each Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification (MTQ) below. No more than one (1) page per MTQ is allowed; additional information will not be considered.
1. Senior level experience which has provided a broad working knowledge and understanding of current and emerging issues related to federally administered insurance program(s)
2. Senior level experience directing the use of research and/or data to drive policy and/or quality outcomes

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS (DQs):
1. Senior level experience directing high-level research and statistical development activities impacting regulations and/or legislation dealing with social insurance programs

How you will be evaluated

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

As part of the Resume Based recruitment method, applicants must submit a five (5) page resume and a separate narrative addressing each MTQ (maximum of one (1) page per MTQ). Pages submitted in excess of the limits described above will not be considered. Do not list a Social Security Number or Date of Birth on any attachment.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your accomplishments and experience. Your application will be rated and ranked by an SES Rating Panel, comprised of at least three SES members, using only the information submitted within the application package. Applicants who do not demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs and MTQs will be deemed ineligible for further consideration. Applicants determined to be Highly Qualified may undergo an interview and a reference check. If you are the recommended selectee, you may be asked to submit a written narrative statement addressing each of the ECQs, which must be certified by an OPM Qualifications Review Board prior to appointment, unless you are a current SES executive or have successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program.