Current Federal employees serving under career or career-conditional competitive service appointments, former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, or persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under special appointment authorities. Veterans who are preference eligible or separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA).
APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 100 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 100th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first.
The incumbent serves as a Writer-Editor for ES. This position involves proofreading and editing materials, such as reports, publications, regulations, articles, news releases, training materials, letters, memoranda, brochures, administrative policy, testimony, and presentations.
Prepares various types of correspondence, ensuring that products are tailored specifically to the format and style conventions established by the Director of ES. Works closely with authors during the revision process to achieve a substantial degree of balance between the often-differing opinions of command and staff so that each viewpoint is presented fairly. Incumbent also assists staff and technical subject matter experts in preparing clear, accurate, and concisely written documents in the appropriate style for release to multiple audiences via the media. Examines the content of documents for clarity and length and organizes the material structurally in terms of the order of sentences, paragraphs, sections, and findings to improve presentation. Assesses whether technical matters can be clearly understood and determines whether findings support the recommendations and the overall conclusions of the document. Assures information presented is complete, accurate, up-to-date and fully supportive of OIG's position.
Reviews the work of ES staff in their preparation of correspondence by advising and assisting them during the writing stage of referral letters and editing the text for clarity, accuracy, and grammatical correctness before preparation for the signature of the ES Director or others. The incumbent will proofread and edit material and, when appropriate, rewrite all or portions of correspondence that do not require technical or professional knowledge of the subject, coordinate with the writer to address unanswered questions and resolve unclear language, monitor the status of correspondence and other documents, and follow through to ensure that deadlines are met.
Exercises judgment in determining whether to return to components material for rewriting; maintains liaison with other HHS agencies to ensure that guidelines, procedures, and policies concerning the preparation and control of correspondence are compatible. The incumbent will ensure that all documents are error free and that document packages include requisite background materials, appropriate signature clearances, and are otherwise complete before submission for final signatures.
Determines the adequacy of content and source materials used, as well as the amount and type of information required by the audience. Provides comprehensive editorial and production support required for hardcopy and electronic publication. The incumbent also assists staff and subject matter experts in preparing clear, accurate and concisely written documents representing OIG. Examines the content of documents for clarity and length and organizes the material structurally in terms of the order of sentences, paragraphs, sections and findings to improve presentation. Ensures documents are suitable in terms of coverage, balance, method of expression, and presentation, and adheres to document objectives.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Suitability for Federal employment determined by background investigation.
One-year probationary period may be required.
Time in grade must be met within 30 days of closing date of announcement.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements, including education, and any selective placement factors described below within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Education used as part of an application package will only be considered if complete transcripts are submitted and must be from an accredited institution as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. To see if your institution is accredited, please follow this link: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx
Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
GS-12: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) which demonstrates experience proofreading and editing materials, such as reports, publications, regulations, articles, news releases, training materials, letters, memoranda, brochures, administrative policy, testimony, and presentations with minimal supervision; and experience reviewing correspondence and making recommendations to address unanswered questions and resolve unclear language.
GS-13: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) which demonstrates experience proofreading and editing materials, such as reports, publications, regulations, articles, news releases, training materials, letters, memoranda, brochures, administrative policy, testimony, and presentations; and experience working closely with authors to rewrite correspondence to address unanswered questions and resolve unclear language.
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; religious; 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. Your resume should include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
Additional information
Recruitment Incentives: Payment for relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. A recruitment bonus will not be offered. Repayment of student loans will not be offered. Private sector work experience may be approved as credit for your Annual Leave accrual.
Security and Background Requirements: A background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements may be grounds for appropriate personnel action. In addition, if hired, a background security reinvestigation or supplemental investigation may be required at a later time. Applicants are also advised that all information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection and/or appropriate disciplinary action.
E-Verify: If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System. Federal law requires DHS to use the E-Verify System to verify employment eligibility of all new hires, and as a condition of continued employment obligates the new hire to take affirmative steps to resolve any discrepancies identified by the system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is an E-Verify Participant.
Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Career Transition Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Documentation: If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the CTAP or ICTAP, you MUST submit proof of eligibility. Appropriate documentation such as a reduction-in-force (RIF) separation notice, an SF-50 reflecting your RIF separation, or a notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function to another commuting area. You MUST also submit documentation to reflect your current (or last) performance rating of record along with your application package. Those eligible for consideration will need to be rated as well-qualified at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position in order to exercise selection priority. For more information about ICTAP, go to: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition.
EEO Statement: HHS is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, or other differences.
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.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions. Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate possession of any specialized experience and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement.
The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSA's). You do not have to provide a narrative response to the KSA's.
Attention to Detail
Manages and Organizes Information
Writing
Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions, or your score may be adjusted or lowered accordingly which may affect your overall final rating. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or for changing your scored responses to questions you've answered, which may affect your overall final score.
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the "Required Documents" section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).
Selections may be made for vacancies across the entire Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). By applying, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more HHS hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume
Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire
Cover Letter
Writing Sample
Federal Employees - Most Recent SF-50 (indicating time in grade, highest grade and step attained)
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, COULD AFFECT YOU RECEIVING CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
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.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
A complete application package for this vacancy must be received on-line via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/06/2021 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application you may use the following link: https://applicationmanager.gov.
If you are unable to apply online and have the required information, please call 1-478-744-2360 to start your Alternate Application. You will connected with a member of our staff who will initiate the Alternate Application process. More information on the Alternate Application process can be viewed at the following link: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.
Questions regarding this vacancy or the application process should be directed to the HR Specialist. The HR Specialist can be reached at (855) 291-2284. Someone is available to answer phone calls and emails from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday excluding Federal holidays.
This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
OIG Immediate Office
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
All applicants are required to submit the following supporting document type(s):
Resume
Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire
Cover Letter
Writing Sample
Federal Employees - Most Recent SF-50 (indicating time in grade, highest grade and step attained)
Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ("position occupied" block 34 on the SF-50 should show a "1"), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, COULD AFFECT YOU RECEIVING CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document type(s), which may not be required for all applicants:
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.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
A complete application package for this vacancy must be received on-line via the USA Staffing web site by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/06/2021 to receive consideration. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application you may use the following link: https://applicationmanager.gov.
If you are unable to apply online and have the required information, please call 1-478-744-2360 to start your Alternate Application. You will connected with a member of our staff who will initiate the Alternate Application process. More information on the Alternate Application process can be viewed at the following link: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Alternate_Application_Information.
Questions regarding this vacancy or the application process should be directed to the HR Specialist. The HR Specialist can be reached at (855) 291-2284. Someone is available to answer phone calls and emails from 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday excluding Federal holidays.
This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.
OIG Immediate Office
330 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
