The Senior Congressional Program and Administrative Policy Analyst in Law & Policy (LP) Legislative Affairs supports the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, the Chief of Law & Policy, and other agency executives and staff in a wide variety of complex, and highly sensitive duties.
Summary
The Senior Congressional Program and Administrative Policy Analyst in Law & Policy (LP) Legislative Affairs supports the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, the Chief of Law & Policy, and other agency executives and staff in a wide variety of complex, and highly sensitive duties.
Serves as a technical expert on a wide variety of SSA legal and policy areas, including Retirement, Survivors and Disability benefit programs, needs-based programs (e.g., SSI), Medicare, and/or program administration,
(Cont'd) such as budget, finance, human resources, data exchange, and service delivery.
Drafts legislation related to SSA programs and/or administrative policies.
Assists Senior Advisor and LP executives in developing the agency’s legislative agenda and related proposals by evaluating issues, presenting analyses,
(Cont'd) and preparing information that will used to establish agency positions on policy and confidential legislative proposals.
Independently handles high-profile, sensitive and confidential assignments.
Assists Director in planning, organizing and coordinating work activity and may act on behalf of the Director as requested.
Reviews the work of lower-graded staff for accuracy, completeness, and possible sensitivities as requested; provides guidance, feedback, edits, and corrections as needed.
Assists LP executives with preparing agency witnesses to testify before Congress, including developing strategies for handling sensitive issues;
(Cont'd) drafting agency testimony, key messages and talking points; and preparing briefing materials, including electronic and hard copy briefing books, key messages, crib sheets, and Questions and Answers.
Provides expert advice and recommendations to executives, congressional staff, and to other external stakeholders based on experience and subject matter expertise of issues that could generate Congressional interest.
Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required
Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results
Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period
Relocation expenses will not be paid
Complete the initial online assessment and USA Hire Assessment, if required
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
Qualifications
Resumes exceeding two pages in length will not be considered, please visit the new resume guidance for more information.
To qualify at the GS-14 level: applicants must have 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-13 level, or equivalent, which is in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Such experience must include at least 3 of the 4 following:
Developing, examining, investigating, and adjudicating legislation impacting organizational programs and explaining the impacts to all stakeholders;
Understanding the inner workings of Congress and program policies related to government benefit programs,
Drafting legislation, and analyzing the impacts of legislation, regulations, and policy change; and
Serving as a subject matter expert on all issues that could generate Congressional interest.
NOTE: Your resume must specifically address the required experience, supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held including full start and end dates (day, month, and year). If your resume lacks this information, you will be found ineligible. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience based on job titles alone.
Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience at this grade level.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
The applicant must relocate to the selected city or be willing to commute.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Occasional travel may be required.
This position is eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy.
LOCALITY PAY: Salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions. Candidates currently receiving a higher locality pay than the office applied for are advised that should they be selected, they will lose entitlement to the higher locality pay.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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:
Ability to represent the agency in high-stakes negotiations and briefings.
Knowledge of congressional policies and procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work activity.
Skill in written and oral communication.
Skill in analyzing and interpreting complex legislative proposals and their impact on agency operations.
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/13001198
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Other documents supporting qualifications and/or preference, if applicable.
You must submit ALL supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered. To be considered, your resume must:
Be no longer than two pages
Clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the position
Include your contact information
We recommend using a clear, easy-to-read format and focusing on information most relevant to the job announcement.
RESUME: Include the following: 1) personal information including full name, and contact details; 2) work experience (paid and unpaid), including job title, series and grade level if Federal, detailed duties, employer's name, and start and end dates (mm/dd/yy) for each position, for part-time employment you must include the number of hours worked per week. Please note that providing the mm/dd/yy for all work experience is critical for evaluating your application. If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes. Please refer to How to Build a Resume for instructions.
INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified category as described in the vacancy announcement. Candidates must also provide:
proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and
proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent.
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.For more information visit the Vet Guide.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 08/28/2026.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
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 and include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line of your email.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive notification via email explaining the status of your application. If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you an electronic receipt of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If your status has not been updated, then no changes have occurred since your referral.
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.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Your resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
Other documents supporting qualifications and/or preference, if applicable.
You must submit ALL supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered. To be considered, your resume must:
Be no longer than two pages
Clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the position
Include your contact information
We recommend using a clear, easy-to-read format and focusing on information most relevant to the job announcement.
RESUME: Include the following: 1) personal information including full name, and contact details; 2) work experience (paid and unpaid), including job title, series and grade level if Federal, detailed duties, employer's name, and start and end dates (mm/dd/yy) for each position, for part-time employment you must include the number of hours worked per week. Please note that providing the mm/dd/yy for all work experience is critical for evaluating your application. If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes. Please refer to How to Build a Resume for instructions.
INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PLAN (ICTAP): ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority for competitive service vacancies. To receive selection priority, candidates must meet the requirements for the Well Qualified category as described in the vacancy announcement. Candidates must also provide:
proof of eligibility with your application. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation Notice of Personnel Action, (SF-50); and
proof of your most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent.
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.For more information visit the Vet Guide.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume
The Occupational Questionnaire
Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 08/28/2026.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
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 and include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line of your email.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Law and Policy
6401 Security Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
After all of the applications have been evaluated, you will receive notification via email explaining the status of your application. If you applied incorrectly or submitted an incomplete application, we will be unable to send you an electronic receipt of your application. Please read the How to Apply instructions carefully to ensure that you submit a complete application.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If your status has not been updated, then no changes have occurred since your referral.
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.
