Clarification from the agency

Only open to current permanent Title 5 VA employees with at least two years of service with the VA. Eligible employees must be a GS-11 to GS-14 grade levels. Title 38 employees are not currently eligible for the program.

You will be a Fellow and will act as a Policy Advisor to Congress and showcase the quality of the Department's workforce. You will be assigned to the staff of a VA oversight committee or appropriations subcommittee, staff of a Member of a VA oversight committee or appropriations subcommittee, the staff of the House or Senate Majority or Minority Leader, or the staff of the Speaker of the House. Your duties as a Fellow will vary depending on the Legislative and policy agenda of the specific assignment.

The VA Congressional Fellowship Program is an Employee Developmental Program that is 12-15 months in duration and consists of three components: (1) training through the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA), (2) a legislative operations seminar through the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, and (3) working on Capitol Hill. You may be required to work away from the Department of VA for a specified time not to exceed 12-15 months..

You will be placed based on the assessed needs of the participating offices. You will most likely meet with your prospective office prior to the beginning of the program.

You will learn the workings of the Legislative Branch of the federal government and will serve in a position that capitalizes on the education and experience gained. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of the legislative process that will help the VA interact more effectively with Congress.


Please ensure to read this advertisement in its entirety before submitting an application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Relocation is not authorized; however, home office may temporarily fund relocation for the duration of the program.

For purposes of this program, you will be considered a Fellow.

This fellowship program does not include a follow-on assignment.

Telework may be available on occasion but not guaranteed.

Your will remain on your home office's payroll while participating in the program.

Your home office will be responsible for:

• Any relocation costs or payroll adjustments.
• Any travel while participating in the program or during the application and training period.

You will be responsible for determining your home office's ability to fund your participation in the fellowship program prior to applying which requires supervisory approval to meet the program's eligibility requirements.

You will be responsible for setting up your own living accommodations.

This fellowship program does not include a follow-on assignment. You will return to your original position at your home office.

You may be required to sign a continuing service agreement.

Conditions of employment

Permanent Career or Career Conditional (including Veterans Readjustment Act) VA employees, who are GS-11 through GS-14 with strong written and oral communication abilities and a keen sense to detail, are invited to apply. Parent organizations are responsible for funding costs associated with selected candidates. The ideal candidate is an employee who meets the eligibility criteria and works in the Washington, DC area.

Qualifications

Permanent VA employees with at least two years of service working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, who are GS-11 through GS-14 with strong written and oral communication abilities and a keen sense to detail, are encouraged to apply.

Applications
The application deadline is July 28th, 2023.

The application must contain:

1. One to two-page resume.
2. A one-page 250 words or less personal statement indicating how your skills and abilities apply to the program's purpose.
3. Written supervisory approval.
4. One to two letters of recommendation.
5. Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
6. Most recent Performance Appraisal.

Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Title 38 employees are not currently eligible for the program.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated and selections will be made without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, political preference, color, marital status, age, disabling condition, sexual orientation, parental status, and with proper regard for privacy and rights as set forth in 5 USC 2302(b).

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.