The Administrative Officer (Chief, Support Services Division) directs a broad and multifaceted program of services and management programs in the Chicago Regional Office. The Chief plans, manages and evaluates the administrative and finance sections through subordinate supervisors.
Summary
The Administrative Officer (Chief, Support Services Division) directs a broad and multifaceted program of services and management programs in the Chicago Regional Office. The Chief plans, manages and evaluates the administrative and finance sections through subordinate supervisors.
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for the Buyer Value Offer Program (BVO) reimbursement of relocation in accordance with agency policy. A recruitment incentive is authorized for $25,000; 3 year agreement must be signed, payable in one lump sum.
ONLY open to current permanent career/career-conditional employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and displaced employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently residing in the local Chicago, IL commuting area that are eligible for hire under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP). CTAP applicants MUST submit their agency issued displacement letter with application.
Keeps the Director and Assistant Directors informed on matters that affect the station or require attention;
Gives advice and recommendations on the administrative feasibility of operating plans, suggestions, and proposals;
Reviews existing support services programs and recommends modifications for improvement as needed;
Develops, recommends and implements a variety of programs, the failure of which would have extreme adverse impact on the overall operating capacity of the office serviced;
Presents regular briefings to the Director and/or Assistant Directors, providing workload status, progress on projects, and making upper management aware of all issues or problems with which he/she should be acquainted or must become involved;
Conducts detailed studies and analysis of organizational functions and work processes during all phases of RO activities and provides appropriate recommendations;
Oversees the financial and budgetary operations through the subordinate supervisor and is responsible for coordinating and managing the exchange of information between the Finance staff, the Director's Office and the operating divisions;
Acts in an advisory capacity to the Director and/or Assistant Directors relative to availability of funds for personnel additions, procurement of equipment and significant expenditures for contractual services;
Serves as Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Official who manages the PIV issuance process at the Regional Office and is responsible for the total scope of the chain trust of the process.
Assign to and review work of subordinates, train and work effectively with subordinates from a variety of backgrounds and with different levels/areas of training;
Accomplish the quality and quantity of work expected within set limits of cost and time;
Plan own work and carry out assignments effectively;
Communicate with others effectively both orally and in writing in working out solutions to problems or questions relating to the work;
Understand and further management goals as these affect day-to-day work operations; and
Develop improvements in, or design new work methods and procedures.
Selectees are subject to a background/suitability investigation
Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A probationary period may be required for employees and supervisors
Qualifications
Specialized Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
PLEASE NOTE: To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (An award or general adjustment SF-50 does NOT meet this requirement). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility.See the required documents section for more information.
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; religions; 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.
The Office of Personnel Management's group coverage qualification standards, associated individual occupational requirements (IOR), and individual qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found here.
GS-13
To qualify, applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-12) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience is defined as work that involves experience in a multifaceted program of services, management programs, and budget/fiscal and administrative operations for a large Federal office. Experience must demonstrate all of the following:
Preparing administrative study findings, recommendations, plans, and reports;
Providing advice on programs and procedures pertaining to facilities, budgets, security, safety, and other administrative program functions;
Presenting position papers and technical presentations to top management or the public involving administrative program issues;
Conducting independent evaluations of administrative functions; and
Preparing and monitoring complex budgets and resolving financial management issues.
Candidates must also have demonstrated in their work experience or training that they possess, or have the potential to develop, the qualities to successfully supervise subordinates and to operate and manage a successful program operation to include making and/or approving selections and promotions; preparing performance ratings and awards; making decisions on non-routine training needs, training requests, extensive overtime and employee travel.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Supervisory Probationary Period: This is a supervisory/managerial position. If appointed to this position, you must serve a one-year probationary period, unless you have already completed one as a supervisor or manager.
Education
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
Work Schedule: 8:00a - 4:30p Title/PD#: Administrative Officer (SSD Chief) GS - 13; PD 37527-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Approved Financial Disclosure Report: Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450, prior to entering on duty and annually thereafter. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Time-in-grade: Applicants who are/were federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information.
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Please contact the special placement coordinator or the human resources specialist listed on this vacancy for more information regarding applying for consideration under schedule A or as a 30% disabled Veteran.
Displaced federal employees: The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. A well-qualified candidate is defined as meeting all of the minimum qualification standards and eligibility requirements as well as possessing skills that clearly exceed the minimum qualifications requirements for this position. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility can be found here.
Service credit for leave: Veterans Affairs offers creditable service for annual leave accrual for non-federal work experience to eligible employees. For more information about crediting experience for annual leave visit here.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies and other vacancies in the same series, grade, and location.
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.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the specialized experience needed for the position (as described above in the job announcement) in their resume or who do not possess the education to substitute for it will not be referred for consideration.
After you have met the minimum qualifications, you will be rated on the following competencies based on your application for this position:
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE: Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, regulations and policies related to VBA financial and administrative programs and other Federal (or similar) programs.
LEADERSHIP: Inspires, motivates and guides others toward goal accomplishment; coaches, mentors, and challenges subordinates; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations; models high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for the individual by applying these values to daily behaviors.
ORAL COMMUNICATION: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear, convincing and organized manner.
PROBLEM SOLVING: Identifies and analyzes problems; uses sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions; finds alternative solutions to complex problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical decisions; provides solutions to individual and organizational problems.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job-related information, which may include, but is not limited to responses to the knowledge, skills, and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview.
Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
Notice to Applicants: It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual's employment experience will be used only to determine the person's qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual's personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.
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.
The following documents are required for all applicants:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Review the information below and submit any additional documents (as needed) to demonstrate your eligibility and/or qualifications for the position: Current Federal Employees:
If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee or as a VEOA candidate (who is a current federal employee) you must submit an SF-50.
To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 in order to demonstrate their eligibility.
If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
Resume
Your resume may be submitted in any format, however we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Applicants claiming Veterans' preference must also submit:
A legible copy of your DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable. Copies of DD-214's can be requested here.
Current active duty members must submit a signed statement of service from their commander dated within the last 120 days that contains their expected discharge date, their release from active duty under honorable conditions, any medals awarded, and the timeframe of their service so eligibility can be determined.
Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit an SF-15 and all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference. This includes a VA letter supporting your disability claim with the overall percentage listed.
If you are unsure as to whether you qualify for Veterans' preference, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor here.
Transcripts
If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted, however it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must also submit:
Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Or
Worker's compensation separation: agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50. Or
Disability annuity termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held. Or
Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. You will not be contacted for additional information.
In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
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 https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12356714 and submit the documentation specified in the job announcement. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/29/2024 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click submit my answers to submit your application package.
Note: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the application status link and then select the more information link for this position. The details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Chicago Regional Benefit Office
2122 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60612
US
Next steps
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your resume and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJOBS Resource Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for all applicants:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Review the information below and submit any additional documents (as needed) to demonstrate your eligibility and/or qualifications for the position: Current Federal Employees:
If you are applying using your status as a current federal employee or as a VEOA candidate (who is a current federal employee) you must submit an SF-50.
To support your claim that you have the required time-in-grade, you must submit your most recent promotion, within-grade increase, or appointment SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 in order to demonstrate their eligibility.
If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit an SF-50 showing that grade.
Resume
Your resume may be submitted in any format, however we strongly recommend using USA Jobs resume builder as it contains all of the information required on federal resumes.
For qualifications determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week, the dates of employment, and the level of your experience. If your resume does not contain this information you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent version will be reviewed. The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent." It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
Applicants claiming Veterans' preference must also submit:
A legible copy of your DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," showing all dates of service, as well as character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). The member 4 copy of your DD Form 214 is preferable. Copies of DD-214's can be requested here.
Current active duty members must submit a signed statement of service from their commander dated within the last 120 days that contains their expected discharge date, their release from active duty under honorable conditions, any medals awarded, and the timeframe of their service so eligibility can be determined.
Veterans claiming 10 point preference must also submit an SF-15 and all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference. This includes a VA letter supporting your disability claim with the overall percentage listed.
If you are unsure as to whether you qualify for Veterans' preference, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Preference Advisor here.
Transcripts
If you are basing all or some of your qualifications on education or if a degree is required for the position, a transcript must be included as part of your application package.
Unofficial transcript(s) may be submitted, however it must contain the course names, levels, credits earned, and grades received.
Your transcript must contain the degree conferred date if you are substituting a degree for experience.
If you are claiming superior academic achievement (SAA) ensure you submit completed transcript(s) to demonstrate it. The requirements for superior academic achievement can be viewed here.
A photocopy of your degree is not acceptable in place of a transcript.
An official transcript will be required at a later date if you are selected for the position.
Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must also submit:
Certification of expected separation, reduction-in-force separation notice, or notice of proposed removal; and your most recent performance evaluation; and an SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from. Or
Worker's compensation separation: agency certification of inability to place employee and notification of separation or a separation SF-50. Or
Disability annuity termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination and separation SF-50 of the last position held. Or
Military reserve or National Guard technician special disability retirement annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard bureau and separation SF-50 of the last position held
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. You will not be contacted for additional information.
In addition to the information listed above, please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application.
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 https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12356714 and submit the documentation specified in the job announcement. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date of the announcement.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/29/2024 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click apply online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click submit my answers to submit your application package.
Note: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the application status link and then select the more information link for this position. The details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS accountand click update application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Chicago Regional Benefit Office
2122 W Taylor St
Chicago, IL 60612
US
Next steps
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your resume and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided). Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
