This position is located in the Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE), within the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP), Federal Trade Commission (FTC). DCBE is a dynamic communications shop, responsible for developing and marketing culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate educational materials to help consumers know their rights in the marketplace, and to help businesses comply with the FTC laws and regulations.
Summary
This position is located in the Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE), within the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP), Federal Trade Commission (FTC). DCBE is a dynamic communications shop, responsible for developing and marketing culturally relevant and linguistically appropriate educational materials to help consumers know their rights in the marketplace, and to help businesses comply with the FTC laws and regulations.
The Consumer Education Specialist (Languages) in DCBE helps implement education and outreach programs for national and regional campaigns on consumer protection topics that reach audiences that speak languages other than English and Spanish (e.g., Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese); writes plain-language, persuasive education materials designed to reach specific audiences; researches effective methods to reach intended audiences; and collects and analyzes information and statistics from a variety of sources to evaluate campaign results.
The Consumer Education Specialist (Languages):
Participates in developing mission-critical education programs related to consumer protection issues, including fraud, privacy, advertising, credit, technology, and mobile issues. Collaborates to create new consumer education methods and strategies - including identifying new audiences, new ways to reach existing audiences, new styles of writing and outreach to reach those audiences, and education campaigns on new topics. Demonstrates familiarity with language usage in communities across the United States in general, how to reach audiences in-language with educational messages, and relevant communications tools. Drafts plain language materials including articles, blog posts, presentations, video scripts, and talking points. Ensures written materials adhere to Division standards to more effectively promote the agency's efforts in-language to reach communities of widely diverse cultures and needs.
Presents ideas for new articles and blogs to convey consumer-friendly messages to speakers of languages other than English. Works closely with staff in the Divisions to develop new content regarding consumer privacy, fraud, advertising, credit, technology, mobile and other issues. Proofreads and copy edits a wide variety of consumer education publications in English and at least one other language other than English or Spanish. Ensures accuracy and cultural appropriateness of in-language communications in languages other than English and Spanish.
Participates in the planning, management, and evaluation of national and regional consumer and business education campaigns to reach audiences in-language with educational messages, and relevant communications tools. Speaks, reads, and writes fluently in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. Advises DCBE on best practices to communicate effectively, persuasively, and appropriately with speakers of other languages. Identifies relevant communities and helps build relationships, including planning, attending, and participating in community events. Develops and disseminates materials and presentations in-language.
Sets deadlines and goals and ensures they are met. Coordinates projects and works to resolve conflicting priorities. Uses project management skills in teams of specialists and contractors to help plan, develop, execute, and evaluate culturally relevant education campaigns in languages other than English or Spanish, preferably including Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. Works with the language access team to develop creative strategies and coordinates work. Establishes partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profits and other groups, to extend the reach of the agency.
Creates web content, blogs, and websites, including www.consumer.ftc.gov. Advises the team on when to develop new, culturally, and linguistically relevant content or when to revise existing content. Skillfully creates culturally appropriate plain language content and helps division members better target plain language, culturally appropriate content to audiences. Participates in establishing best practices for BCP, which are used in developing FTC content to reach consumers who speak languages other than English or Spanish.
U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
Position is subject to a background investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
You may serve a one-year probationary period under this appointment.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply).
This position is in the bargaining unit.
This position is designated as eligible for remote work. If selected, you must be approved for remote work prior to onboarding in accordance with FTC's Workplace Flexibilities Policy.
If approved for remote work or telework from a regional office, your salary may change based on your official duty station.
Qualifications
To qualify for a Consumer Education Specialist at the GS-09 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and have completed a Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or have two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or an LL.B. or J.D., if related.
Or; you must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: contributing to the design, implementation of high-impact communication campaigns; helping develop a variety of consumer informational and educational materials and products for print, web, and video; responding to inquiries regarding standard consumer education issues; participating in the modification of standard communication practices and approaches to increase awareness among a variety of audiences; and assist in developing partnerships with stakeholders at the federal, state and/or local levels.
Or; you must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and have a combination of post baccalaureate education and experience that meets 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.
To qualify for a Consumer Education Specialist at the GS-11 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
Or; you must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal Service, obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: working in teams to design, implement and evaluate high-impact communications campaigns; contributing to the development of a variety of consumer informational and educational materials and products for print, web, and video; developing partnerships with stakeholders at the federal, state and/or local levels; and working in teams to develop consumer education campaign plans, including writing blog posts or other web/print/video materials about consumer education topics.
Or; you must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and have a combination of education and experience, which qualify me for this position.
To qualify for a Consumer Education Specialist at the GS-12 level, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in English and at least one other language, preferably Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese; and demonstrate in your resume at least one (1) year of qualifying experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal Service, obtained in either the private or public sector, performing the following types of tasks: designing, implementing, and evaluating high-impact communications campaigns; developing a variety of consumer informational and educational materials and products for print, web, and video; developing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders at the federal, state and/or local levels; and creating consumer education campaign plans, including writing blog posts and publications about consumer education topics.
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.
Education
If you qualify on the basis of education in lieu of experience, you must submit a copy of your transcripts . Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: FOREIGN EDUCATION
Additional information
If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: VETERANS GUIDE
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see SELECTIVE SERVICE).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 87 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: CAREER TRANSITION.
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.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your level of experience. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
All qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category.
Best-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate high proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Well-Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies.
Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrate basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies.
Veterans: Qualified veterans who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% are listed in the best-qualified category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level, or higher. Other 10-point preference eligibles and veterans with 5-point preference who meet the eligibility and qualification requirements are placed above non-preference eligibles within the category in which they qualify. View information on veterans' preference.
The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Foreign Language, Marketing and outreach, Oral Communication, Planning and Evaluating, Problem Solving, and Writing
Ability to communicate fluently in English and at least one additional language (other than Spanish).
Knowledge of the marketing of education and outreach campaigns, including targeting specific audiences.
Ability to analyze and synthesize data to communicate effectively in non-technical language and make actionable recommendations.
Skill in Written Communication.
Skill in Oral Communication.
Ability to assess the effectiveness of consumer education programs and make recommendations for improvement.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) - Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)
- Demonstration of your language fluency, including, for example, copies of or links to presentations, documents, webinars, or articles you created in-language.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:
- Cover Letter, optional
- College Transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
- Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
- Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) - Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)
- Demonstration of your language fluency, including, for example, copies of or links to presentations, documents, webinars, or articles you created in-language.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Suite H-723
Washington, DC 20580
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
