The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual to serve as Writer-Editor.
This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement FRTIB-18-AS-08-MP-10222142 under merit promotion procedures. Please review that announcement to see if you are eligible for consideration under merit promotion procedures. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.
Summary
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) is looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual to serve as Writer-Editor.
This vacancy is also being announced concurrently with vacancy announcement FRTIB-18-AS-08-MP-10222142 under merit promotion procedures. Please review that announcement to see if you are eligible for consideration under merit promotion procedures. NOTE: Applicants must apply separately for each announcement in order to be considered.
As a Writer/Editor you will be responsible for performing the following duties:
Acts as the Agency's leading source for the correct use of composition, grammar, punctuation, and language.
Edits written material to ensure that it is well organized and grammatically correct, and that sentence structure and choice of words is clear, simple, appropriate, and unambiguous.
Proofreads draft and final copy; reviews final copy for print accuracy and quality, and facilitates corrections or approves proofs.
Develops, writes, reviews, and revises booklets, forms, fact sheets, tax notices, participant correspondence, marketing, education, and other informational material that is distributed to participants (and potential participants) through a variety of media, including the agency website, social media, briefings or presentations, etc. Proposes new topics, publications, or other educational materials based on discussions with Office, Agency, or contractor staff or in support of new initiatives.
Crafts social media content to educate participants about saving for retirement through the agency's defined contribution plan.
Develops specifications for print projects that include detailed information about quantity, description, deadlines, and distribution. Ensures that specifications are developed and quotes for the project are obtained well in advance of final production.
Participates in the identification of target groups and solicitation of participant feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the Agency's communication programs and initiatives.
Coordinates communication projects with Agency staff and representatives from the public and private sectors, as required.
All qualification requirements must be met by 06/28/2018. Your application package will not receive consideration if it lacks any of the required documents under the "Required Documents" tab.
Probationary Period: One-year trial/probationary period may be required.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/
Background Suitability Investigation: Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation and the granting of a Federal suitability or security clearance. If selected, you may be offered tentative employment until the background investigation has been fully adjudicated.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the specialized experience as described below.
Specialized Experience: Experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position typically in or directly related to writing and editing and is equivalent to the work performed at the next lower grade level.
GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level.
The Specialized Experience is defined as experience which involves interpreting difficult and complex material and applying the information to creating, writing, and editing material intended for a general or targeted audiences; integrating the principles of Plain Language and the rules of English composition, grammar, and sentence structure into a variety of media; and applying knowledge of the different techniques used for various communications media (print, web, social media), and tailoring the product to the assigned medium.
GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level.
The Specialized Experience is defined as experience which involves: 1) integrating the principles of Plain Language and the rules of English composition, grammar, and sentence structure into a variety of media; 2) writing and editing products, including booklets, fact sheets, forms, tax notices, web content, marketing materials, and video scripts; 3) copyediting and correcting grammar, punctuation, style, and format, according to the style conventions of the agency; 4) analyzing complex information, interpreting the information, and applying it to writing and editing material for a variety of media; 5) interpreting difficult and complex material and applying the information to creating, writing, and editing material intended for a general or targeted audiences; 6) experience applying different writing and editing techniques used for various communications media (print, web, social media), tailoring the product to the assigned medium; and 7) assessing information needs and identifying the best strategies and media to be used to achieve desired goals and objectives.
Your qualifications will also be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Editing: Ability to apply Plain Language principles to all written communications and materials. Ability to use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Planning and Evaluating: Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements. Ability to coordinate with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes.
Writing: Recognizes and uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a brief, clear, and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
*Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (i.e Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. 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.
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.
Education
Education may not be substituted for experience for this series and grade combination.
Additional information
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off*, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the 3-tier Federal Retirement System. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board also has wonderful benefits and work/life-balance flexibilities that may be right for you. We offer:
Flexible Work Schedule options: FRTIB offers two flexible work schedules, the Gliding Schedule and the Flexible 5-4/9 Schedule. Employees on the Gliding Schedule must arrive between 7 am and 9:30 am and work 8 hours plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch period. Employees on the Flexible 5-4/9 Schedule work eight 9-hour days and one 8-hour day (plus the 30-minute unpaid lunch period) in each biweekly pay period and receive one scheduled day off; and must arrive between 6:30 am and 9:30 am on 9-hour days; or 7 am and 9:30 am on the 8-hour day;
Limited Telework opportunities;
Employee Assistance Program: The program provides employees with free confidential assistance for help with personal issues that may be affecting work life. The program also provides consultation to supervisors who are trying to best help an employee with performance and/or attendance problems. More information on the Employee Assistance Program can be found on the Federal Occupational Health website;
Work Life 4 You: FRTIB provides all employees and their family members with access to the Federal Occupational Health managed referral and information service to assist in dealing with Life, Family, Health, Education, Work, and Finance. This service is provided at no cost to the employee;
*Annual and Sick Leave (paid time off): Employees of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) accrue both annual and sick leave depending on years of service with the Federal government. Annual leave may be used for vacation or other personal reasons. Sick leave may be used when you are ill, when you have a doctor, dental, or optical appointment, or when you need to provide care to an ill family member. More information can be found on OPM's website;
Fitness Center: FRTIB employees, at no cost, have access to the fitness center conveniently located on the main level of the building featuring state of the art weight training and cardiovascular equipment;
Extensive Training programs and tools supportive of enhancing organization effectiveness and employee development;
A monthly transit subsidy for a portion of your commuting costs to help defray the commuting costs of employees who use mass transportation, including commuter bus, Metrorail or Metrobus, or commuter rail systems;
Child Care Program: FRTIB's childcare subsidy program offers up to $600 in monthly subsidy paid to qualified child care providers of employees meeting the eligibility requirements; and
Student loan repayment or recruitment bonus, when applicable.
FRTIB offices are conveniently located within a few blocks of the Union Station metro station. In addition, private parking is available in the building at the posted daily and monthly rates.
Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position; however, other recruitment incentives may be authorized.
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
For Delegated Exam referral lists, Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Qualified candidates will be ranked into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified or Qualified. If you are found Best-Qualified for this vacancy, your application will be referred to the selecting official for further review. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. When a sufficient pool of candidates has been determined, then only that group will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
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. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. Well-qualified means, you must meet all the minimum qualification standards listed above and be assessed and assigned the rating of at least Well-Qualified to receive special selection priority. Well-Qualified is further defined as possessing the Basic Qualifications and meeting the specialized experience noted above.
You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Information about ICTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
Veteran's Preference: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit documentation described in the "Required Documents" section. For more information regarding veteran's preference please go to http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx
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.
Please be advised, the following documents are required even if you are already a current Federal or FRTIB employee:
1. Resume (Please include on your resume the experience you wish to be considered for the review of your qualifications, the dates of employment with month and year, and hours worked per week). Resumes that do not contain all of the necessary information to determine qualifications may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position.
Your latest resume submission is the one that will be used to determine your qualifications.
2. Responses to questionnaire.
3. You must submit supporting documents verifying your eligibility or any preference eligibility along with your application package. These documents may include, but are not limited to:
Veterans documentation: All veterans MUST submit a DD-214, MEMBER 4 copy, If you are currently on active duty, you must submit an official statement of service from your command or other official documentation that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions, etc...
Preference eligible documentation: such as the adjudicated SF-15, final VA letter including percentage (please do not include letter from VA noting specific private medical information);
ICTAP documentation: RIF separation notice along with last performance rating or appraisal.
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.
You must apply through the USA jobs on-line job application system, complete the occupational questionnaire, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/28/2018 to receive consideration.
* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
* Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
* It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to 06/28/2018.
* 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.
* 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 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.
Applicants please note: To assist us with an expeditious application review process, please do not submit additional documentation from what is being requested in the announcement. The following documents are not required and do not need to be submitted with your resume:
Diplomas of any type (When education documents are required, you must submit unofficial transcripts)
Letters of Recommendation, Reference, or Congratulations, etc.
Any documents with a picture of the applicant
Awards documentation, including SF-50's for Awards
Performance Appraisals (ONLY ICTAP/CTAP eligible applicants need to submit their latest performance appraisal)
Evaluations of any type
This and other positions announced by the FRTIB may be filled under Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). Schedule A is an excepted service hiring authority used to appoint persons with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Such individuals may qualify for conversion to permanent status after two years of satisfactory service. Documentation of disability is required, i.e., Schedule A Letter. Such documentation is used to verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. This documentation must be provided to the hiring agency at the time of application, before an individual can be hired. Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Submission of a VA letter does not qualify as a "Schedule A" letter. If you are a person with a disability that requires an accommodation for the application process, please include that request with your request for consideration documentation. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Since the vacancy announcement you are viewing is a competitive announcement, if you wish to be considered under schedule A authority, you must email your supporting documentation and Resume to Nancy Williams at hroperations@tsp.gov for consideration.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
77 K Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. If your final rating places you among the top candidates, your application will be referred to the selecting official for further review. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by the office for a possible interview. You may also check the status of your application through your USAJobs profile.
Once this process has been completed, you will receive notice via email (or by mail if no email address was provided during the application process). Please allow at least 4-6 weeks after the vacancy has closed to inquire about the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please be advised, the following documents are required even if you are already a current Federal or FRTIB employee:
1. Resume (Please include on your resume the experience you wish to be considered for the review of your qualifications, the dates of employment with month and year, and hours worked per week). Resumes that do not contain all of the necessary information to determine qualifications may be marked as insufficient and applicants may not receive consideration for this position.
Your latest resume submission is the one that will be used to determine your qualifications.
2. Responses to questionnaire.
3. You must submit supporting documents verifying your eligibility or any preference eligibility along with your application package. These documents may include, but are not limited to:
Veterans documentation: All veterans MUST submit a DD-214, MEMBER 4 copy, If you are currently on active duty, you must submit an official statement of service from your command or other official documentation that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions, etc...
Preference eligible documentation: such as the adjudicated SF-15, final VA letter including percentage (please do not include letter from VA noting specific private medical information);
ICTAP documentation: RIF separation notice along with last performance rating or appraisal.
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.
You must apply through the USA jobs on-line job application system, complete the occupational questionnaire, and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 06/28/2018 to receive consideration.
* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
* Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
* It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to 06/28/2018.
* 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.
* 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 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.
Applicants please note: To assist us with an expeditious application review process, please do not submit additional documentation from what is being requested in the announcement. The following documents are not required and do not need to be submitted with your resume:
Diplomas of any type (When education documents are required, you must submit unofficial transcripts)
Letters of Recommendation, Reference, or Congratulations, etc.
Any documents with a picture of the applicant
Awards documentation, including SF-50's for Awards
Performance Appraisals (ONLY ICTAP/CTAP eligible applicants need to submit their latest performance appraisal)
Evaluations of any type
This and other positions announced by the FRTIB may be filled under Schedule A, 5 CFR 213.3102(u). Schedule A is an excepted service hiring authority used to appoint persons with severe physical disabilities, psychiatric disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. Such individuals may qualify for conversion to permanent status after two years of satisfactory service. Documentation of disability is required, i.e., Schedule A Letter. Such documentation is used to verify that the individual being hired is indeed a person with an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. This documentation must be provided to the hiring agency at the time of application, before an individual can be hired. Documentation of eligibility for employment under Schedule A can be obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Submission of a VA letter does not qualify as a "Schedule A" letter. If you are a person with a disability that requires an accommodation for the application process, please include that request with your request for consideration documentation. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Since the vacancy announcement you are viewing is a competitive announcement, if you wish to be considered under schedule A authority, you must email your supporting documentation and Resume to Nancy Williams at hroperations@tsp.gov for consideration.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
77 K Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. If your final rating places you among the top candidates, your application will be referred to the selecting official for further review. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by the office for a possible interview. You may also check the status of your application through your USAJobs profile.
Once this process has been completed, you will receive notice via email (or by mail if no email address was provided during the application process). Please allow at least 4-6 weeks after the vacancy has closed to inquire about the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
