The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is in search of a Social Science Analyst, who will serve as a senior advisor to the NIJ Director on programs and policies related to criminal and juvenile justice problems, trends, and issues.
Summary
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is in search of a Social Science Analyst, who will serve as a senior advisor to the NIJ Director on programs and policies related to criminal and juvenile justice problems, trends, and issues.
(The duties described reflect the full performance level of this position)
Scientific Program Evaluation (Criminal Justice): Provides technical expertise on criminal justice research and scientific programs of significance to the agency. Conducts analyses of the National Institute of Justice's wide-ranging science programs, proposed program modifications and reforms, demonstration program models, and policy changes to evaluate their actual or potential ability to make measurable improvements in criminal justice systems and social well-being of victims, offenders, practitioners, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system. Provides guidance to the NIJ Director, and participates with internal and external agency stakeholders on potential solutions to complex state, local, or tribal criminal justice problems. Engages in analysis of substantive agency programs and makes recommendations on planning efforts that can be undertaken within existing resource levels and advises on the impact of efforts that require additional resources. Works closely with the NIJ Executive Science Advisor and the NIJ Office Director to ensure that NIJ's concerns, such as specific policy and program considerations, are aligned to mission goals. Advises on the scientific review of research grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts, and as applicable, participates in the research design and technical aspects of final awards.
Criminal Justice Policy Advisement: Serves as an expert advisor and technical authority on complex and continually evolving federal, state, and local criminal justice policy and program issues. Develops policies, strategies, requirements, and plans for forensic, physical, or social science research programs/projects for agency-wide application. Researches approaches to evaluations and develops techniques suitable for evaluating the programs and processes and impact on policy. Analyzes criminal and juvenile justice problems, trends, and issues, and recommends decisions on the formulation and implementation of agency-wide policies as well as accompanying legislative or regulatory proposals. Produces reports and/or written analysis regarding DOJ OJP policies and positions on difficult or complex matters, such as the preparation of long-range strategic research goals and objectives; reviewing Federal, state, and local criminal justice policy. Collaborates with stakeholders at all levels, including agency heads, top congressional staff officials, state government executives, legislative leaders, and criminal justice academics and researchers. Consults with individuals in stakeholder organizations, and executives in state, local, and tribal governments.
Special Project Planning: Participates in the analysis of NIJ projects, programs and research agendas. Analyzes or synthesizes a cross section of criminal justice issues, with consideration of DOJ priorities and the mission and needs of OJP programs. Coordinates the work of a variety of project participants. Leads discussion and development of solutions to major criminal justice issues and works with a team to develop national policy solutions to resolve complex, controversial, or unusual matters of major consequence or importance to the NIJ and OJP. Presents findings and recommendations at national and international seminars and symposia. Identifies and collects necessary data including statutory requirements, program data and conducts interviews with senior management, program officials, employees and supervisors. Directs the capture, reporting, and analysis of statistical data relating to the organization's mission and directs or personally performs special studies regarding this data
Program Planning and Managemen (Human Subects Protection)t: Provides management and planning guidance in one or more major forensic, physical, or social science disciplines or program areas. Reviews productivity in all areas, monitors problem areas, and oversees implementation of solutions to problems. Conducts periodic and comprehensive evaluations of ongoing functions to ensure that the organization meets its stated goals, and identifies areas where operational efficiency can be enhanced. Supports NIJ's Human Subject and Privacy Lead to plan, organize, and effectuate all general programmatic, administrative, and organizational functions necessary to facilitate accomplishment of the human subject protection program's scientific and public policy purposes. Advises and assists researchers, grants administrators, and program managers in understanding the exemption categories, determining whether one or more applies, and preparing appropriate documentation to support and explain an exemption. Performs other duties as assigned.
Subject to background/suitability investigation/determination.
Submit all required documents and Online Assessment Questionnaire.
Federal payments are required to be made by Direct Deposit.
Requires registration for the Selective Service. Visit www.sss.gov.
Pre-employment drug testing required.
1-year probationary period may be required.
Position requires confidential financial disclosure.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENTS A. Successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in the behavioral or social sciences, or in a related discipline that included at least 24 semester/36 quarter hours in the behavioral or social sciences. OR B. Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR C. Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS In addition to meeting the basic entry qualification requirements, applicants must have had one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-13. Specialized experience is experience which is in or related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of Specialize Experience for this position include: 1) Evaluated scientific programs to determine their effectiveness in improving criminal justice systems and/or well-being of victims, offenders, practitioners, and/or other stakeholders in the criminal justice system; 2) Formulated and recommended decisions on organizational policies, legislative proposals, or regulatory proposals related to criminal justice research; 3) Conducted studies, analyzed data trends, developed projections of requirements, and/or recommended strategies to stakeholders, in order to meet criminal justice research program requirements; 4) Evaluated the scientific aspects of criminal justice program grants, research-based grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements in order to determine the significance of its objectives to the agency's mission; AND/OR 5) Recommended further scientific research or redirection of efforts in the area of criminal justice, that have been relatively unsuccessful or largely inapplicable and proposes new or revised plans, research methods, and actions that address deficiencies and needs.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications as described above will be further evaluated based upon the following technical qualifications:
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to plan and execute work
- Ability to manage scientific research grants and other social science extramural resources
- Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop solutions
- Ability to communicate in writing
- Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing
- Ability to meet and deal with others
- Knowledge of social science principles, concepts, practices, methods, and techniques as they relate to the field of criminal justice research
- Ability to provide advice and guidance on federal criminal justice policy
- Ability to advise program officials on statutes, policies, and/or procedures that are in or related to human subjects protection.
Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website:https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.
Additional information
This position is included in the bargaining unit.
TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Status applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade by the closing date.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position may be eligible for telework per agency policy.
OJP offers opportunities for flexible work schedules.
Relocation expenses may be authorized.
Recruitment incentives may be authorized.
This position requires confidential financial disclosure.
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.
To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc.
Fitness Reimbursement: OJP offers a fitness reimbursement program for employees' individual fitness-related expenditures.
OJP also offers credit union services; ATM machine on-site; a health unit and on-site nurse for your usage.
Transit Benefits: To defray your commuting cost, we are pleased to offer the Employee Transit Benefit Program.
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.
You will be considered under all categories for which you are eligible.
For All U.S. Citizens: Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Names of all candidates in the best qualified category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
For Status/Merit Promotion/VEOA candidates:Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on the announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online assessment questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your resume and application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
For Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) applicants: The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice 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, or if your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP/CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. Under merit promotion procedures, to be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. Under category rating procedures, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified or better category using established category rating criteria.
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.
To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit the Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc.
Fitness Reimbursement: OJP offers a fitness reimbursement program for employees' individual fitness-related expenditures.
OJP also offers credit union services; ATM machine on-site; a health unit and on-site nurse for your usage.
Transit Benefits: To defray your commuting cost, we are pleased to offer the Employee Transit Benefit Program.
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.
REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (ALL APPLICANTS): 1. Resume, 2. Responses to the online questions, 3. Unofficial Transcript, 4. Veterans' Preference Documentation (if applicable; see below for more information).
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (FEDERAL EMPLOYEES): 5. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (for current and former federal employees; see below for more information), and 6. Performance Appraisal (for current federal employees) Note: if not provided, will be required at time of interview.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Veterans Preference In order to verify your veteran preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the natural mother of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.
Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under How You Will Be Evaluated, veterans' preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which qualified. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e., Best Qualified).
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act To be eligible for a Veteran Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(u) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the Agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action for Competitive Appointment.
Non-competitive Eligibility You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; veterans with service-connected disabilities of 30% or more; returning volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, Veterans' Recruitment Appointment, etc. Appropriate documentation to support your claim must be included in your application, along with the type of special appointment you are seeking.
Current/Former Federal Employees If you are a current Federal employee in a permanent, competitive service position, you must submit document to confirm your status. Failure to submit an appropriate SF-50 will automatically disqualify you from further consideration. - Submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or other official agency documentation that shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".). - Submit your most recent Performance Appraisal (dated within the last 18 months) or a separate statement explaining why you are unable to submit your appraisal. If not provided at time of application, it will be required at time of interview.
If you are a former Federal employee who is reinstatement eligible based on prior federal permanent competitive service, you must submit documents to confirm your eligibility. - Submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or other official agency documentation that shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".)
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.
If you are unable to apply online, you may contact Avue Digital Services for alternate application procedures. Please call Monday thru Friday at 253-573-1877 or email at joeavue@avuetech.com
Office of Justice Programs
810 7th Street NW
Washington D.C., Dist of Columbia 20531
US
Next steps
Once your completed application is certified and received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
REMINDER: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MIDNIGHT Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) ON THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (ALL APPLICANTS): 1. Resume, 2. Responses to the online questions, 3. Unofficial Transcript, 4. Veterans' Preference Documentation (if applicable; see below for more information).
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (FEDERAL EMPLOYEES): 5. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (for current and former federal employees; see below for more information), and 6. Performance Appraisal (for current federal employees) Note: if not provided, will be required at time of interview.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Veterans Preference In order to verify your veteran preference entitlement, please submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty); official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty; or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that shows your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the natural mother of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim.
Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under How You Will Be Evaluated, veterans' preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which qualified. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e., Best Qualified).
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act To be eligible for a Veteran Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) appointment, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed three (3) or more years of continuous active military service. If applying for a Merit Promotion announcement and wish to be considered under the VEOA, you must submit a copy of the Member Copy 4 of your DD-214, in addition to any other required documents listed on this announcement.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)/Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit proof by the closing date of the announcement that you meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605(u) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP or you will not receive priority consideration. The proof includes a copy of the Agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action for Competitive Appointment.
Non-competitive Eligibility You can apply for a non-competitive appointment if you meet the basic eligibility requirements and you are eligible for special appointment such as those authorized for the severely disabled; veterans with service-connected disabilities of 30% or more; returning volunteers from the Peace Corps or Vista, Veterans' Recruitment Appointment, etc. Appropriate documentation to support your claim must be included in your application, along with the type of special appointment you are seeking.
Current/Former Federal Employees If you are a current Federal employee in a permanent, competitive service position, you must submit document to confirm your status. Failure to submit an appropriate SF-50 will automatically disqualify you from further consideration. - Submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or other official agency documentation that shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".). - Submit your most recent Performance Appraisal (dated within the last 18 months) or a separate statement explaining why you are unable to submit your appraisal. If not provided at time of application, it will be required at time of interview.
If you are a former Federal employee who is reinstatement eligible based on prior federal permanent competitive service, you must submit documents to confirm your eligibility. - Submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) or other official agency documentation that shows your current (or most recent) grade and competitive service status. (The "position occupied" block on the SF-50 should show a "1" and your "tenure" block should show a "1" or "2".)
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.
If you are unable to apply online, you may contact Avue Digital Services for alternate application procedures. Please call Monday thru Friday at 253-573-1877 or email at joeavue@avuetech.com
Office of Justice Programs
810 7th Street NW
Washington D.C., Dist of Columbia 20531
US
Next steps
Once your completed application is certified and received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. We expect to make a final job offer within 80 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
