The SSA Recent Graduates Program provides Recent Graduates with entry-level developmental experience and is designed to lead to a career in the Federal government. Program participant(s) are placed in excepted service appointments, not-to-exceed 1 year.
Note: This position is being filled on a full-time basis. This is a 1-year developmental program. After successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment.
Summary
The SSA Recent Graduates Program provides Recent Graduates with entry-level developmental experience and is designed to lead to a career in the Federal government. Program participant(s) are placed in excepted service appointments, not-to-exceed 1 year.
Note: This position is being filled on a full-time basis. This is a 1-year developmental program. After successful completion of the program, you may be non-competitively converted to a term (not to exceed 1-4 years) or permanent appointment.
Evaluates, develops the technician design codes, and implements software using programming languages and command language. Creates new programs and/or modifies existing programs using programming and structured query languages.
Translates systems requirements into application prototypes. Writes, debugs, and maintains code and implements programs or directs others in this phase of work.
Performs computer programming in any of several languages. Selects the most effective language for the purpose based upon a thorough analysis of objectives, costs, compatibility of languages and long-term viability of programs.
Reviews proposals for major projects, special studies or special computer programming requests. Determines the feasibility and cost effectiveness of such projects and recommends approval or denial to their line management.
Directs the maintenance of all regional software programs used locally, regionally, and nationally. Conducts local analyses of systems resources utilization and performs or coordinates system software support as needed.
Serves as a technical expert of locally developed software processes. Provides technical guidance and recommendations to RO, PSC, TSC, FO and CO components.
Provides technical direction and guidance to lower graded programmers. Coordinates and integrates the work of multiple programmers responsible for segments of projects. Assists management in identifying training needs.
Must have a qualifying degree or certificate at the time of appointment.
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.
Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion or national origin.
Qualifications
Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.
To be considered for selection, you must be eligible for the Recent Graduate Program AND meet the qualifications specified for the posted position(s).
Recent Graduate Program Eligibility
To qualify for appointment to the Recent Graduates Program, you must have completed all requirements of an academic course of study leading to an associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational, or technical degree or qualifying certificate program from an accredited educational institution. Your graduation (degree conferred) date must be within the 2 years preceding your application to this announcement.Note: See Required Documents section to ensure you provide the correct documentation to prove your Recent Graduates Program eligibility.
Preference-eligible veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period are entitled to a full 2-year period of eligibility upon release or discharge from active duty. In no event, however, may the eligibility period extend beyond 6 years from the date on which the preference eligible veteran completed the requirements of an academic course of study, when a qualifying degree or certificate was conferred. Note: See Required Documents section to ensure you provide the correct documentation to prove your Recent Graduates Program and preference eligibility.
Qualifications
You must also meet the below qualifications for the posted position(s) by the closing date of this announcement, 04/20/2026.
Applicants must qualify for the series and grade of the posted position. Your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and proficiency of any required competencies to perform the specific position for which you are applying. Experience must be IT-related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies as they relate to this position. Your resume and supporting documents must specifically address the evaluation criteria for the position. Describe duties you perform (not just knowledge, skills and abilities) as they relate to the specialized experience required for this position. Be clear, accurate and specific when describing your experience; e.g., list all positions separately, include full start and stop dates for each position, your work schedule (number of hours per week), your grade (if your position is federal), and a comprehensive description of the relevant duties you performed in each position.
This information is instrumental in determining the highest quality candidates to be referred to the Selecting Official. Please submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position. If your application materials do not demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and/or education needed for this position, your application will be ineligible for consideration.
To qualify for the 2210 IT Specialist series, applicants must demonstrate the following IT-related competencies:
Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Minimum Qualifications: Grade 9 To qualify at the GS-9 level, you must have one of the following:
A master's or equivalent graduate degree (see Education section); OR
Successful completion of two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent graduate degree (see Education section); OR
At least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-7 level, or equivalent. Such IT-related experience must include:
Assisted in the development and implementation of IT products using basic product management principles and methodologies.
Supported product lifecycle activities, including ideation, development, and post-launch evaluation, under supervision.
Participated in gathering and documenting stakeholder requirements for IT projects.
Used programming languages and structured query languages to modify and maintain software applications with guidance.
Conducted preliminary analyses of user needs and system requirements to support application design.
Assisted in preparing presentation materials and reports for team meetings and stakeholders.
Demonstrated effective communication skills in providing updates and information to team members.
Minimum Qualifications: Grade 11 To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have one of the following:
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (see Education section); OR
Successful completion of 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (see Education section); OR
At least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-9 level, or equivalent. Such IT-related experience must include:
Participated in the planning, development, and delivery of IT products, applying product management tools and methodologies.
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to integrate stakeholder requirements into product strategies and plans.
Developed and maintained software applications, selecting appropriate programming languages based on project objectives.
Conducted analyses of market trends, user feedback, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for product improvement.
Assisted in organizing and facilitating meetings to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Prepared and delivered presentation reports and briefings to senior leadership and stakeholders.
Applied problem-solving and decision-making skills to address product challenges and recommend solutions.
Supported the maintenance and analysis of software programs, providing technical guidance to users as needed.
Proof of education or education substitutions must be submitted with your application package and received by the closing date of the announcement. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. Note: See Required Documents section to ensure you provide the correct documentation.
Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) including the date the degree or certificate was conferred 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. NOTE: It is your responsibility to acquire U.S. Certification and provide it at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
Additional information
See announcement cutoff dates below under How to Apply
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Program participants serving on appointments for 1 year or less are generally ineligible for coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System and unable to participate in the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program, and the Thrift Savings Program.
Participants serving on appointments for more than 90 days may be eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
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.
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.
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:
Knowledge of systems analysis and programming principles, methods, and tools to analyze and develop software test and evaluation procedures.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to communicate orally.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to analyze data and make recommendations.
The USA Hire assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.
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/12917121
Your application will be evaluated under the Category Rating method, based on your responses to the Assessment Questions. If you meet the basic requirements for the position, your application will be evaluated and placed into one of three categories:
1 - Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
2 - Well Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and demonstrate a satisfactory level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
3 - Best Qualified Category - Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and demonstrate a high level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.
Candidates eligible for veterans' preference will be placed ahead of other candidates in the appropriate category for which they have been rated. Additionally, preference eligibles who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent and who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements will automatically be placed in the Best Qualified Category.
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.
Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered.
You must submit all supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement (04/20/2026) to support your eligibility for the Recent Graduates Program, meet specified qualifications for the posted position(s), and claim certain types of preference.
Note: Failure to provide required documents may result in non-consideration for the posted position(s).
RESUME: You must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position being filled, including any positive education requirements and/or selective placement factors. All applicants must submit a resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. Your resume must provide specific details as to how your experience meets the qualifications for the posted position(s). When describing your experience in your resume, please be specific; we will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Ensure that your resume includes the grade (if you are a current or previous federal employee) and month, day, and year that you began and ended each position held. Without this information, the experience gained while in that position may not be credited toward meeting the qualifications requirements. The resume should indicate if the work is full-time or part-time. Part-time work is prorated (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period, you will be credited with 6 months of experience).
Experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You resume must provide context and sufficient detail of your experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.
Your resume must also support your responses to the online questionnaire. Failure to provide support may result in a lower rating and/or you may be excluded from consideration.
TRANSCRIPTS: Unofficial transcripts from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable to verify that you meet Recent Graduate Program eligibility and specified qualifications requirements. You must submit a legible copy of transcripts or list of college courses with your name, school name, credit or semester hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Copies of degrees, certificates, and diplomas are not considered acceptable documents to determine Recent Graduate Program eligibility.
Note: Your transcripts must show the date the degree was conferred. If you have recently graduated or will soon graduate and the date the degree is conferred is not yet on your transcript, your transcript must be accompanied by a letter from your educational institution (e.g., a letter from the Registrar, Student Counselor, Dean of College, etc.) verifying your degree completion and the date of completion in order to be acceptable. Failure to provide transcripts with proper accompanying documentation may result in non-consideration for this position.
Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) including the date the degree or certificate was conferred prior to the effective date of their appointment.
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) and other educational documentation
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the cut-off date or the announcement closing date to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the cut-off date or announcement closing date.
Announcement first cutoff date: 4/3/2026
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. 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/.
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 Careers at SSA at Careers@ssa.gov.
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.
OCIO Front Office
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
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.
Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered.
You must submit all supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement (04/20/2026) to support your eligibility for the Recent Graduates Program, meet specified qualifications for the posted position(s), and claim certain types of preference.
Note: Failure to provide required documents may result in non-consideration for the posted position(s).
RESUME: You must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position being filled, including any positive education requirements and/or selective placement factors. All applicants must submit a resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed. Your resume must provide specific details as to how your experience meets the qualifications for the posted position(s). When describing your experience in your resume, please be specific; we will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Ensure that your resume includes the grade (if you are a current or previous federal employee) and month, day, and year that you began and ended each position held. Without this information, the experience gained while in that position may not be credited toward meeting the qualifications requirements. The resume should indicate if the work is full-time or part-time. Part-time work is prorated (e.g., if you work 20 hours per week for a 12-month period, you will be credited with 6 months of experience).
Experience statements (i.e., duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire) copied from this announcement and pasted into your resume will not be considered as a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You resume must provide context and sufficient detail of your experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.
Your resume must also support your responses to the online questionnaire. Failure to provide support may result in a lower rating and/or you may be excluded from consideration.
TRANSCRIPTS: Unofficial transcripts from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable to verify that you meet Recent Graduate Program eligibility and specified qualifications requirements. You must submit a legible copy of transcripts or list of college courses with your name, school name, credit or semester hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Copies of degrees, certificates, and diplomas are not considered acceptable documents to determine Recent Graduate Program eligibility.
Note: Your transcripts must show the date the degree was conferred. If you have recently graduated or will soon graduate and the date the degree is conferred is not yet on your transcript, your transcript must be accompanied by a letter from your educational institution (e.g., a letter from the Registrar, Student Counselor, Dean of College, etc.) verifying your degree completion and the date of completion in order to be acceptable. Failure to provide transcripts with proper accompanying documentation may result in non-consideration for this position.
Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) including the date the degree or certificate was conferred prior to the effective date of their appointment.
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) and other educational documentation
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the cut-off date or the announcement closing date to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the cut-off date or announcement closing date.
Announcement first cutoff date: 4/3/2026
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Update Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application. 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/.
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 Careers at SSA at Careers@ssa.gov.
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.
OCIO Front Office
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
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.
