This vacancy is for an Associate Omuds position in the Office of the Ombuds located at the U.S. Census Bureau in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Associate Ombuds, GS-0301-14/15, FPL 15 positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.
Summary
This vacancy is for an Associate Omuds position in the Office of the Ombuds located at the U.S. Census Bureau in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Associate Ombuds, GS-0301-14/15, FPL 15 positions within the Census Bureau in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.
Current Federal employees serving under a career/career-conditional appointment in the competitive service; Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; CTAP/ICTAP eligibles; Applicants eligible under special hiring authorities; Veterans who are preference eligible, or separated from the U.S. Armed Forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service may apply under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act.
Provides informal communication channels between affected parties and uses applicable alternative dispute resolution techniques to minimize the escalation of conflict and achieve conflict resolution and problem solving.
Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates all sides of an issue in an informed and unbiased fashion.
Seeks the informal resolution of problems and differences between employees, supervisors, and other Bureau officials.
Promotes a conflict resolution program and creates an impartial environment for staff, managers, and executives to discuss resolution of issues.
Maintains statistical data, analyzes systemic problems and identifies patterns of conflict, emerging policy issues, and recurring problems.
Registered for Selective Service, if applicable. (www.sss.gov)
You may be required to complete a financial disclosure (OGE-450).
Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the announcement closing date.
Requirements:
As required by Executive Order 14043, Federal employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 regardless of the employee’s duty location or work arrangement (e.g., telework, remote work, etc.), subject to such exceptions as required by law. If selected, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination by November 22, 2021, or before appointment or onboarding with the Census Bureau, if after November 22. The Census Bureau will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation is required and how you can request a legally required exception, upon request.
Due to COVID-19, the Census Bureau is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement within 30 calendar days. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework one or more days a pay period consistent with the Census Bureau's telework policy and approval from your supervisor.
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
A probationary period may be required.
This position is ELIGIBLE for telework; additional criteria will be required (e.g., supervisory approval).
This is a NON-BARGAINING unit position.
Relocation expenses may be paid.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience: For the GS-14, you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: Advising heads of agencies on effective policy changes; resolving employee concerns as a neutral party; communicating orally to provide involved parties clear and precise information in addressing problems and complaints; analyzing and maintaining statistical data to provide recommendations on policy issues and problems; and/or communicating in writing to provide clear and precise information in addressing problems and complaints.
Education:Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
Specialized Experience: For the GS-15 you must have one year of experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal service. Experience for this position includes: Resolving complex conflicts as a neutral party between management and staff; analyzing and evaluating issues to make unbiased recommendations; advising senior leadership on implementing processes and procedures designed to assure a systematic approach for dealing with problems and issues affecting employees and the interests of the agency; advising heads of agencies on effective policy changes; and/or experience collaborating with staff, supervisors/managers, senior leadership, and other supporting resource programs to resolve complex and sensitive workplace conflicts.
Education:Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level.
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.
Additional information
The following links provide information on various hiring authorities that may enable you to apply through merit assignment procedures, or be eligible for a non-competitive appointment.
The Department of Commerce provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources Office. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. TTY users can contact the Human Resources Office via the Federal Relay Service, 1-800-877-8339.
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.
Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the job opportunity announcement, we will compare your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation to your responses on the scored occupational questionnaire (True/False, Yes/No, Multiple Choice questions). Your resume and/or optional cover letter must support your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire, or your score may be lowered. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.
Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3).
The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies; please do not provide a separate written response:
Knowledge in conflict management.
Ability to use relevant alternative dispute resolution techniques to address problems and complaints.
Ability to develop compromises and to influence others as to the necessity, validity, or feasibility of available options to resolve conflicts.
Skill in leadership, management, supervision, conflict coaching, and negotiating practices in order to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors/managers, and executives on a wide variety of complex issues that are highly sensitive or emotional in nature.
Knowledge of problem solving/organizational management principles and practices in order to identify complex, difficult problems and recommend practical, effective solutions and approaches for dealing with issues.
Ability to analyze complex data regarding policy and issues and provide recommendations for improvement.
We recommend that you preview the online questions for this announcement before you start the application process.
Do NOT include the following types of information in your application:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Date of Birth (DOB)
Photos of yourself (if included on your resume you will not be considered for this position)
Personal information: such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
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.
Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility, with the exception of current Census Bureau employees.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc).
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement.
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
NOTE: You will not be considered if you fail to provide all required documents.
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.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply online, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov/. To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit," you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.)
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email 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.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please contact: Karen Gross at 301-763-3082 or karen.j.gross@census.gov.
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
4600 Silver Hill Road
Room 2K038D
Attn-Human Resources
Washington, District of Columbia 20233
United States
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov and clicking on "Applications" The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:
Application Received or Application Incomplete;
Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
Referred or not referred; and
Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must list your educational and work experience including the dates (mm/dd/yy) of each employment along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s). Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire. Your resume should also indicate your citizenship and if you are registered with the Selective Service System if you are a male born after 12/31/59.
SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," supporting your eligibility, with the exception of current Census Bureau employees.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable (see other information).
Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment, (Schedule A disability, 30 percent disabled veteran, certain military spouses, etc).
You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice).
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.
ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents:
A copy of your RIF separation notice; notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; notice of disability annuity termination; certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement.
A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action", documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.;
A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
NOTE: You will not be considered if you fail to provide all required documents.
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.
Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
To apply online, you must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://www.usajobs.gov/. To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to register into your USAJOBS account, answer the questions, and submit all required documents. (After registering in your USAJOBS account and clicking "Submit," you will automatically transition to the Department of Commerce's specific site where you will complete your application. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.)
To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, and then select "Update Application."
If you have problems completing your online application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email 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.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online; however, if you are unable to apply online, please contact: Karen Gross at 301-763-3082 or karen.j.gross@census.gov.
BUREAU OF THE CENSUS
4600 Silver Hill Road
Room 2K038D
Attn-Human Resources
Washington, District of Columbia 20233
United States
Next steps
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov and clicking on "Applications" The status will be visible next to the corresponding position. The four points of notification are:
Application Received or Application Incomplete;
Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;
Referred or not referred; and
Selected or Not Selected.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
