This position provides for the assignment of the incumbent to the Social Security Administration's Pathways Internship Program. This program provides substantive, developmental work assignments that prepare incumbents for placement in a target position in one of the occupational series covered by the 0299 Human Resources Management Group. The incumbent will be given orientation to SSA and basic orientation in the functions and operations of the organization to which the incumbent is assigned.
Summary
This position provides for the assignment of the incumbent to the Social Security Administration's Pathways Internship Program. This program provides substantive, developmental work assignments that prepare incumbents for placement in a target position in one of the occupational series covered by the 0299 Human Resources Management Group. The incumbent will be given orientation to SSA and basic orientation in the functions and operations of the organization to which the incumbent is assigned.
The SSA Internship Program (Program) provides individuals who are currently enrolled in or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate in qualifying educational institutions/programs with developmental experiences in the Federal Government. The Program is intended to provide clear paths and potential careers in the civil service.
Compiling background information and data from files, correspondence, and reports for use in studies, meetings, and conferences. Resolving problems and discrepancies in data.
Assisting permanent professional or technical staff in their regular assignment or works as a team member on projects.
Advises on, administers, or performs work involved in the various phases of human resources management.
Work consists of performing a full range of standard clerical assignments and resolving recurring problems.
Work consists of related steps, processes, or methods that require the employee to identify and recognize differences among a variety of recurring situations.
Actions to be taken or responses to be made differ in nature and sequence because of differences in the particular characteristics of each case or transaction.
Must be enrolled in a qualifying educational institution.
Must be in good academic standing.
Current grade report must show a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required.
Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results.
Selectees are required to serve a trial period.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Program participant(s) are placed on excepted service appointments for an initial period not-to-exceed 13 months. Appointments may be extended. Appointments may be terminated earlier due to budgetary restrictions.
Qualifications
To qualify for the Program, applicants must be a student currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate in a qualifying educational institution or program (including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled.
Proof of education must be submitted with your application package and received by the closing date of the announcement.
Candidates must meet the basic qualification requirements for the positions being filled, including any positive education requirements and/or selective placement factors.
To qualify for the GS-4 Student Trainee Position, applicants must possess one of the following:
Completed 2 academic years or more of post-high school study leading to a bachelor's degree directly related to the field of the position. (Note: Transcripts are required to substantiate possession of the claimed education.)
An associate's degree leading to a bachelor's degree directly related to the field of the position. (Note: Transcripts are required to substantiate possession of the claimed education.)
A bachelor's degree or higher directly related to the field of the position. (Note: Transcripts are required to substantiate possession of the claimed education.)
Additionally, to qualify for the SSA Pathways Internship Program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Be at least 16 years old (minors under the age of 18 must submit a work permit if selected).
Be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled). Note: Transcripts are required to substantiate possession of the claimed education if the student is currently enrolled, or a letter of acceptance is required to substantiate claim of enrollment if the student has just been accepted to an educational institute.
Be in good academic standing (e.g., Not on Academic Probation, Academic Warning, Academic Suspension, Academic Dismissal, Disqualification, etc.).
Have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above as documented on the most recent grade report. (YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR MOST RECENT GRADE REPORT THAT SHOWS YOUR GPA BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.)
Carry at least a half-time course load as defined by the education institution (may carry less than half-time in the term immediately prior to graduating).
Submit a copy of your transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.
Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) prior to being appointed.
Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation that 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 a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
Up to 150 selections may be made from this announcement
This is a non-bargaining unit position..
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
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.
The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the desired competencies for this position. These competencies include:
Ability to read and interpret information
Ability to communicate in writing
Ability to communicate orally
Accountability
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Decision Making
Flexibility
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12348211
Numerical scores will be assigned on a scale of 100. Each applicant who meets the qualification requirements for the position will be assigned a rating of 70 or more and will be eligible for appointment. Preference eligible veterans scoring 70 or more will receive additional points for veterans' preference.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request an RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire
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.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Internship Program and claim certain types of preference.
RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: Please see Qualifications and Education sections for details.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters.
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 provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
Transcript(s)
Proof of Enrollment (Letter and/or statement from college or university verifying enrollment).
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 03/19/2024
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 occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. You may check Computer System Requirements here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements. Note: Set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact OPE Talent Team DCHR at DCHR.OPE.SSA.Talent.Team@ssa.gov or 410-965-1234.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Talent Teams
6401 Security Blvd
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive a least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position.
Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Internship Program and claim certain types of preference.
RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: Please see Qualifications and Education sections for details.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15)and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
Note: If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters.
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 provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
Transcript(s)
Proof of Enrollment (Letter and/or statement from college or university verifying enrollment).
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 03/19/2024
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 occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you both on screen and via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. You may check Computer System Requirements here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements. Note: Set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact OPE Talent Team DCHR at DCHR.OPE.SSA.Talent.Team@ssa.gov or 410-965-1234.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Talent Teams
6401 Security Blvd
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your results will be kept on record for one year when applying for future jobs that require the same USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive a least two or more of the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Qualifications status and whether your application has been Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (3) Selection status for the position.
Selection interviews may be conducted with one or more of the candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews. Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing software, if technically feasible. Applicants referred for consideration will receive a final disposition notice after selections have been made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
