We are looking to fill Social Science Research Analyst, GS-0101-7/9, positions in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Click on "Learn more about this agency" for more details!
What is an SSRA?
Social Science Research Analysts (SSRAs) perform qualitative and quantitative analysis in social science areas. At CMS, SSRA's focus on human and health research.
Summary
We are looking to fill Social Science Research Analyst, GS-0101-7/9, positions in the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Click on "Learn more about this agency" for more details!
What is an SSRA?
Social Science Research Analysts (SSRAs) perform qualitative and quantitative analysis in social science areas. At CMS, SSRA's focus on human and health research.
Utilize appropriate market research and qualitative or statistical techniques to identify ways to improve communication, outreach, and education to these program populations.
Interpret data including routine data tabulations and graphs; identify factors such as data limitations, biases, sampling errors, and inconsistencies.
Apply qualitative and quantitative methods when participating in the review and assessment of management program operations, policies, and projects determined to be high-priority.
Conduct portions of program studies and projects related to the mission of the organizational unit and agency.
Prepare and coordinate a variety of written products, including position papers and briefing materials for senior officials to use as background information on program policy-related activities.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or National to apply for this position.
You must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
You must meet all program, qualification and education requirements.
You will be subject to a background and suitability investigation.
You must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement before starting employment.
Qualifications
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: You must be ELIGIBLE and QUALIFIED in order to be referred to Hiring Managers.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:Am I considered a Recent Graduate?
GPA Requirement: You must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the unweighted 4.0 scale upon completion of your academic degree or certificate program. (GPA 2.95 is rounded to 3.0 and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9.)
To be eligible as a Recent Graduate:
Individuals who within the previous 2 years, completed a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Therefore, you must have completed your educational program no earlier than March 6, 2024. Veterans who were precluded from applying due to their military service obligation, begin their 2-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for veterans cannot exceed 6 years from the date on which they completed their degrees (or certification). Therefore, veterans must have completed your educational program no earlier than March 6, 2020.
To verify your eligibility as a Recent Graduate, you must submit the following at the time of application: A copy of your unofficial transcripts from the educational institution you attended attesting to your possession of the required education. Your unofficial transcripts must reflect: (1) your name; (2) overall grade point average (GPA); and (3) Degree Type (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, etc.) and Degree Major; AND (4) the date your Degree was conferred. Failure to submit proof of degree/certificate completion at time of application will result in the withdrawal of your application from consideration for this position.
To be eligible as a Degree Candidate for Spring 2026:
Individuals who are degree candidates for this current semester/term, i.e., Spring 2026, scheduled to complete a qualifying Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, professional, vocational, or technical degree or certificate program, AND the degree/certificate has not been conferred at the time of application.
To verify your eligibility as a Degree Candidate for Spring 2026, you must submit the following at the time of application: A copy of your unofficial transcripts from the educational institution you attended attesting to your education completed to date. Your unofficial transcripts must reflect: (1) your name; (2) overall grade point average (GPA); (3) current enrollment; AND (4) Degree Type (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's, etc.) and Degree Major. If referred and selected, you must submit an additional unofficial transcript that confirms the date your degree was conferred before an Official Offer can be made. Degree must be conferred by June 30, 2026. Failure to submit proof of degree/certificate completion will result in the withdrawal of your application from consideration for this position.
Note: For those applying as Degree Candidates for Spring 2026, you will be required to submit an additional transcript that confirms the above major or course requirements and the date your degree was conferred. Degree requirements must be completed during the Spring 2026 semester, and the degree must be conferred by June 30, 2026. Failure to submit proof of degree/certificate completion will result in the withdrawal of your application from consideration for this position.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Do I qualify at the GS-07 or GS-09 Grade Level?
In order to qualify for the GS-07, you must meet one of the following:
Specialized Experience: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: 1) collecting information that will be used to conduct studies or surveys, and 2) assisting in preparing reports of findings related to data analysis. - OR -
Substitution of Education for Experience: You may substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level by possessing at least one full year of graduate-level education. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended - OR -
Superior Academic Achievement: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university AND one of the following provisions of superior academic achievement:
A grade-point average of "B" (3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale) for all completed undergraduate courses or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study. For example, 2.95 is rounded to 3.0, and 2.94 is rounded to 2.9.
A grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all required courses completed in your major field of study, or those required courses in your major completed in the last two years of your undergraduate study.
Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision.
Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. - OR -
Combination of Experience and Education: Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements at the GS-07 grade level. The percentage of your total qualifying experience the education must equal to 100% to qualify for this grade.
In order to qualify for the GS-09, you must meet one of the following:
Specialized Experience: You must demonstrate in your resume at least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal government, obtained in either the private or public sector, to include: 1) Utilizing surveys, market research, or statistical techniques to assist with conducting studies or surveys; and 2) assisting with preparing draft operational or program policies. - OR -
Substitution of Education for Experience: You may substitute education for specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level by possessing a Master's Degree or equivalent graduate degree or at least 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. - OR -
Combination of Experience and Education: Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the GS-07 grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at the GS-09 grade level. Therefore, only education in excess of one full year of graduate-level education may be used to combine education and experience.
ALL TRANSCRIPTS are requiredat the time of application to verify satisfactory completion of the educational requirement related to substitution of education for experience and combination of experience and education. Please see "Required Documents" section below on what documentation is required.
NOTE: If you are using specialized experience to qualify for this position, your resume must include detailed information as it relates to the responsibilities and specialized experience for this position. Evidence of copying and pasting directly from the vacancy announcement without clearly documenting supplemental information to describe your experience will result in an ineligible rating. This will prevent you from receiving further consideration.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the qualification requirements, all candidates must have the following educational requirements:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
-OR-
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
-OR-
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
NOTE: A certificate program is defined as post-secondary education, in a qualifying educational institution, equivalent to at least one academic year of full-time study (30 undergrad credits/18 grad school credits) that is part of an accredited college-level, technical, trade, vocational, or business school curriculum.
Additional information
Bargaining Unit Position: Yes-American Federation of Government Employees, Local 1923 Tour of Duty: Flexible Recruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure: Not Required
Workplace Flexibility at CMS: This position has a regular and recurring reporting requirement to the CMS office listed in this announcement. CMS offers flexible working arrangements and allows employees the opportunity to participate in alternative work schedules at the manager's discretion.
Conversion Eligibility: Recent Graduates may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a career, career-conditional, or term appointment after successful completion of the Pathways Recent Graduate program. The position to which converted may have a full-performance level up to a GS-12.
NOTE - Full Performance Level (FPL): Employees selected for this position may be eligible for promotion up to the GS-11 level while in the Pathways Program and up to the GS-12 level after successful completion of the Program. There is no obligation to provide future promotions if you are selected.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Attention to Detail
Customer Service
Flexibility
Influencing/Negotiating
Integrity/Honesty
Interpersonal Skills
Learning
Reading Comprehension
Self-Management
Stress Tolerance
Teamwork
In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
Recent Graduate candidates will meet the qualification requirement consistent with the OPM qualification standards applicable to the position being filled. Recent Graduate candidates who meet all requirements will be placed in one of the following categories based on category rating and selection procedures:
Well Qualified - for those who excel in the evaluation criteria
Qualified - for those who only meet the minimum qualification requirements
If you are found to be among the top qualified candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.
The category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of professional or scientific positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Veterans' preference applies to selections made under the Pathways authority in accordance with Part 302 of 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
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. Resumeshowing relevant experience; cover letter optional. NOTE: As of September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes that are two pages or less in length.Your resume must indicate your citizenship and whether you are registered with the Selective Service if you are a male born after December 31, 1959. Your resume must also list your work experience and education (if applicable), including the start and end dates (mm/yyyy) of each employment, along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, you must include the series and grade level for the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). For resume and application tips, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include.
2. CMS Required Documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214, SF-15, etc.). Supporting documents may be necessary to be considered for this vacancy announcement. Click here for a detailed description of the required supporting documents. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation WILL result in an ineligible rating OR non-consideration.
3. All College Transcripts. Since this position requires specific education, you must submit a transcript attesting to your possession of the required education. You must submit an unofficial transcript at the time of application. If you have preceding education, ensure that you submit ALL transcripts to potentially receive credit. An official transcript is required if you are selected for the position. If selected, you must provide an original document before the final job offer may be extended.
College Transcripts and Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. For a listing of services that can perform this evaluation, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website. This list, which may not be all-inclusive, is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of any specific agency.
4. 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, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, along with the appropriate supporting documentation for RA, must be received prior to commencing 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, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need an RA, please click here to review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/06/2026.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION. We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. Determining length of general or specialized experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL information WILL result in a finding of ineligible.
Official Position Title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
Employer's name and address
Supervisor name and phone number
Start and end dates by month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Salary
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation in USA Staffing.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 03/06/2026.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Commissioned Corps Officers (including Commissioned Corps professionally boarded applicants) who are interested in applying for this position must send their cover letter and professional resume (not PHS Curriculum Vitae) to CMSCorpsJobs@cms.hhs.gov in lieu of applying through this announcement. The resume should specifically explain how you are qualified for this position and draw specific attention to your skills and experiences that demonstrates these qualifications. Also send any transcripts, licenses or certifications as requested in this announcement. Please send all documents in 1 PDF file. In the subject line of your e-mail include only the Job Announcement Number. In the body of your e-mail include your current rank name and serial number. Failure to provide this information may impact your consideration for this position.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
Pathways Recent Graduates Program
7500 Security Blvd
Woodlawn, MD 21244
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
Within 30 business days of the closing date 03/06/2026, you may check your status online by logging into your USAJOBS account (https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/). We will update your status after each key stage in the application process has been completed.
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. Resumeshowing relevant experience; cover letter optional. NOTE: As of September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes that are two pages or less in length.Your resume must indicate your citizenship and whether you are registered with the Selective Service if you are a male born after December 31, 1959. Your resume must also list your work experience and education (if applicable), including the start and end dates (mm/yyyy) of each employment, along with the number of hours worked per week. For work in the Federal service, you must include the series and grade level for the position(s). Your resume will be used to validate your responses to the assessment tool(s). For resume and application tips, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include.
2. CMS Required Documents (e.g., SF-50, DD-214, SF-15, etc.). Supporting documents may be necessary to be considered for this vacancy announcement. Click here for a detailed description of the required supporting documents. Failure to provide the appropriate documentation WILL result in an ineligible rating OR non-consideration.
3. All College Transcripts. Since this position requires specific education, you must submit a transcript attesting to your possession of the required education. You must submit an unofficial transcript at the time of application. If you have preceding education, ensure that you submit ALL transcripts to potentially receive credit. An official transcript is required if you are selected for the position. If selected, you must provide an original document before the final job offer may be extended.
College Transcripts and Foreign Education: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. For a listing of services that can perform this evaluation, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services website. This list, which may not be all-inclusive, is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of any specific agency.
4. 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, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments, along with the appropriate supporting documentation for RA, must be received prior to commencing 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, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency-Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need an RA, please click here to review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents sections. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/06/2026.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION. We strongly encourage applicants to utilize the USAJOBS resume builder in the creation of resumes. Determining length of general or specialized experience is dependent on the above information and failure to provide ALL information WILL result in a finding of ineligible.
Official Position Title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties (be specific in describing your duties)
Employer's name and address
Supervisor name and phone number
Start and end dates by month and year (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
Salary
The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation in USA Staffing.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on 03/06/2026.
If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Commissioned Corps Officers (including Commissioned Corps professionally boarded applicants) who are interested in applying for this position must send their cover letter and professional resume (not PHS Curriculum Vitae) to CMSCorpsJobs@cms.hhs.gov in lieu of applying through this announcement. The resume should specifically explain how you are qualified for this position and draw specific attention to your skills and experiences that demonstrates these qualifications. Also send any transcripts, licenses or certifications as requested in this announcement. Please send all documents in 1 PDF file. In the subject line of your e-mail include only the Job Announcement Number. In the body of your e-mail include your current rank name and serial number. Failure to provide this information may impact your consideration for this position.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with any interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
Pathways Recent Graduates Program
7500 Security Blvd
Woodlawn, MD 21244
US
Next steps
Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.
Within 30 business days of the closing date 03/06/2026, you may check your status online by logging into your USAJOBS account (https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/). We will update your status after each key stage in the application process has been completed.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
