This position is located in the Applied Research and Methods (ARM), Center for Design, Methods, and Analysis (CDMA). The CDMA contributes to the quality of GAO's work by providing methodological, analytical, and technical assistance to teams by developing strong job designs, introducing innovative methods, and transferring skills and knowledge to team members. To learn more about ARM and its Centers, please visit: ARM
Summary
This position is located in the Applied Research and Methods (ARM), Center for Design, Methods, and Analysis (CDMA). The CDMA contributes to the quality of GAO's work by providing methodological, analytical, and technical assistance to teams by developing strong job designs, introducing innovative methods, and transferring skills and knowledge to team members. To learn more about ARM and its Centers, please visit: ARM
The GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Applicants employed by other federal excepted service agencies who do not have status gained in the competitive service must apply to GAO-21-ARM-0101-01DEU to receive consideration.
The Center for Design, Methods, and Analysis is seeking an experienced professional to serve as a Senior Social Science Analyst; responsible for providing consultative services to engagement teams and assisting in the selection and implementation of appropriate methodologies for engagements in accordance with GAO and professional standards. Duties involve, but are not limited to, the following:
Participating in design, researchable question development, data collection and analysis, message development, and report writing; and ensuring the quality and value of the final product;
Providing advice on data collection methods for engagements. Selects, refines, organizes and presents factual information and analysis in support of engagement objectives. Collaborates with engagement team members on the scope, form, content, and depth of analysis;
Contributing to primary data collection. In conjunction with team members and other specialists, develops and pretests questionnaires, structured interviews, and other data collection instruments used to collect primary data to meet the goals of the engagement. Evaluates and analyzes data to determine relevance and reliability;
In conjunction with team members, develops findings and recommendations and prepares products that provide factual and analytical information in a clear, balanced manner that meets the needs of congressional clients;
Ensuring products meet GAO standards for quality and are in conformance with policy and requirements.
Completion of a financial disclosure statement is required.
Must be able to meet/maintain suitability & security requirements.
Completion of a probationary period is required.
Registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
You must possess the education and specialized experience as described to be determined basically qualified for this position.
All requirements must be met before the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifications
In addition to the education requirement, you must have 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower band level, or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal Service, or comparable private or public sector experience which has equipped you with the skills and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience developing quantitative and qualitative social science research design approaches, and applying judgment and ingenuity in using, and/or guiding others to use, these approaches to effectively perform evaluations or other applied research.
Education
Basic Requirement:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
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
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPTS VERIFYING YOU MEET THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN AN INELIGIBLE RATING.
Additional information
This is a bargaining unit position.
Based on the staffing needs, additional selections may be made through this vacancy announcement.
Selectee will be required to file a Financial Disclosure Statement. (if applicable)
Travel and relocation expenses will not be paid for by the GAO.
Males born after 12/31/59 and at least 18 years of age must be registered with the Selective Service System. Visit SSS.
Selectees will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) at the time a tentative job offer is made. At the time of appointment, selectees will be required to update the OF-306.
Selectees will be subject to a determination of suitability for Federal employment.
GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodation@gao.gov.
GAO's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
GAO is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. Initial appointments, permanent or indefinite, to the GAO require completion of a probationary period.
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.
Individuals selected will be eligible for a full range of federal employment benefits including vacation and sick leave, retirement coverage and Thrift Savings Plan, and health and life insurance. 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.
If you meet the qualification requirements stated, you will be further rated based on your responses to the assessment questions. Please make sure that your responses to the assessment questions are supported in your resume.
Please follow all instructions carefully. If you provide incomplete answers, fail to provide a narrative response to any assessment question(s) that requires further explanation, or if your response to an assessment question is "see resume”, your rating may be affected or you may be determined ineligible.
All applicants will be rated based on their responses to the assessment questions, in conjunction with the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s):
Mastery of social science concepts, practices, and techniques.
Thorough knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques for analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of government programs and operations.
Thorough knowledge of techniques for developing and fielding surveys and similar methodologies used to collect primary data.
Skill in selecting, organizing, and presenting information in a concise and balanced manner and to communicate such information to target audiences.
Ability to conduct research and develop reliable evidence to support report findings and recommendations.
Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a group setting.
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.
Individuals selected will be eligible for a full range of federal employment benefits including vacation and sick leave, retirement coverage and Thrift Savings Plan, and health and life insurance. 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.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: Must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- Transcripts: If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service.
- Veterans: VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. To claim 5-Point veterans' preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of the DD - 214 or if you are currently active duty: an official statement of service from your command.
- SF-50: Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent), showing tenure, type of service (competitive/excepted) and the highest grade held.
- Disability: If you are applying under the Schedule A hiring Authority for individuals with disabilities, you must submit proof disability.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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 are required to apply online for this announcement.
1. To apply on-line, you must create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET 1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." 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.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete application package which includes:
- Resume: Must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder and show relevant work experience.
- Transcripts: If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you will be required to provide official transcripts. Foreign Education: If you are submitting a transcript from a non-US educational institution, applicants must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials, commonly called a credential evaluation service.
- Veterans: VEOA, VRA, and 30% Disabled Veterans must submit adequate proof of active service in the Armed Forces including Member 4 copy of your DD-214, which indicates character of service. To claim 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15 and a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the percentage of your disability and preference in hiring. To claim 5-Point veterans' preference, you must submit a Member 4 copy of the DD - 214 or if you are currently active duty: an official statement of service from your command.
- SF-50: Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent), showing tenure, type of service (competitive/excepted) and the highest grade held.
- Disability: If you are applying under the Schedule A hiring Authority for individuals with disabilities, you must submit proof disability.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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 are required to apply online for this announcement.
1. To apply on-line, you must create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov. To begin, click the Apply Online button near the bottom of this screen and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. Follow the prompts to begin the application process.
2. You will be redirected to the Career Connector website to complete the application process.
3. Click on "Submit" to transmit your complete application package to GAO.
Can I send my application package documents to the agency point-of-contact via email or mail?
Your application package must be submitted online through Career Connector. We are unable to accept mailed or emailed documents.
What is a complete application package?
1. Your resume. This must be created using the USAJOBS resume builder. Resumes created outside USAJOBS (e.g., uploaded resumes) will not be accepted.
2. The assessment questionnaire.
3. The documentation listed in the Required Documents section. You only need to submit the documents listed.
When is the application package due?
It must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure all the documents are received and the information is readable. Your application may not be considered if it doesn't meet the criteria. Requests for extensions will not be granted.
If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET 1. Sign into your USAJOBS account.
2. If your application package was successfully transmitted, you will see "Received" beside the position title. Keep in mind, this may take a couple hours because your documents undergo a virus scan.
3. To view your documents or the complete application package received by GAO, select "Application Status." 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.
If you have questions about: • The vacancy announcement or the position: The agency contact is listed at the bottom of the announcement. • Technical issues with USAJOBS: Please refer to the USAJOBS Help page. • Technical issues with Career Connector: Please contact CareerConnectorHelp@do.treas.gov.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
441 G Street NW
Room 1157
Washington, District of Columbia 20548
United States
Next steps
After the closing date of this announcement, GAO's Human Capital Office will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications by reviewing your assessment questionnaire and resume. Please be as complete and thorough as possible. If your application is rated "best-qualified," your name will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. At this point you may be contacted for an interview.
If you do not meet the key requirements, and/or basic qualifications or you fail to submit all required application materials, your application will not be considered.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
