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International Student Support Specialist

Department of Defense
Defense Security Cooperation Agency

Summary

This position is part of the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU). The incumbent serves as as the International Student Support Specialist and provides expert advice, guidance, and recommendations for courses of action to leadership, staff, and faculty for accomplishing annual and long-range objectives for the administration and management of the international students' program, inclusive of mobile and resident education and training programs and related alumni outreach activities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$77,161 - $145,468 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 12
Promotion potential
12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
DSCA-27-13093880-MP
Control number
889885800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current and former permanent competitive service employees. Veterans eligibilities include 30% or more Disabled Vet, Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), and Eligible Veterans (VRA)(VRA GS-9 and GS-11 only). Special authorities mean those eligible under an Interchange agreement (i.e., NAF, TSA, U.S. Postal Service, FAA, VA, etc.). Military Spouse Preference (MSP), Retained Grade Preference (RGP), and Military Reserve and National Guard Technician may also apply.

Duties

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As a International Student Support Specialist at the GS-0301-9/11/12 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Analyzes administrative requirements for international student participation in organizational programs to develop, plan, and establish program milestones.
  • Plans and conducts studies and projects to measure program effectiveness and determine the degree to which overall program objectives are achieved.
  • Advises and collaborates with management and staff regarding related international student support and administration, training modifications, and program management issues and concerns.
  • Collects metrics-based analysis of current and proposed program efforts to ensure compliance with management objectives, assigned resources/funding, and other policy and legal requirements.
  • Serves as an expert to leadership, staff, and faculty for effectively dealing with international students regarding the observance and preparation for a wide range of language, cultural, and religious differences, as well as disciplinary problems and other sensitive areas associated with international student program administration.
  • Plans and coordinates Field Study Program (FSP) activities, including details such
    as transportation, lodging and meals, scheduling escort personnel, disbursement of funds and maintenance of required documentation.
  • Assists with developing forecasts and budget plans, validating spending priorities, and preparing International Students Program spending plan to the Financial Office for funding.
  • Manages the entire arrival, residence, and departure processes to include completion of passports, visas, and applicable security and/or other vetting requirements, verification of funding for training, travel order preparation and voucher processing assisting with securing lodging, transportation, medical support, and other requirements for daily living.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • Recruitment/Relocation Incentives: MAY be authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt:GS-11/GS-12 Non-Exempt: GS-9
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is telework eligible

Qualifications

To qualify for an International Student Support Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:

A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. To qualify at the GS-09 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:

  • GS-12:
    • Administering an education or training program for international students
    • assisting with program budget formulation and execution
    • analyzing data to determine issues or problems and providing input on resolutions
    • coordinating support services and orientation programs for international students.
  • GS-11:
    • Administering and coordinating functions for international education and training programs
    • applying international training policies and procedures
    • coordinating student nominations, selection, travel, orientation, academic support, lodging, activities, and in/out-processing
    • analyzing data and developing schedules, reports, and performance measures
    • supporting program budgets, expenditures and travel claims.
  • GS-09:
    • assisting with the administration and coordination of education or training programs for international military, government, or civilian participants
    • supporting student in/out-processing, orientation, travel, lodging, transportation, and academic records
    • applying established policies and procedures; and maintaining program files, student records, schedules, correspondence, reports, and financial documentation.
B. Education Substitution: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the
work. Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S.
Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. If using education to meet basic
qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation. To qualify based on education in
lieu of specialized experience, you must possess:
  • GS-11: Ph.D., equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a doctorate in a directly related field.
  • GS-09: master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D
C. Combination: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to
meet total qualification requirements for grade levels GS-09 and GS-11, and may be computed by first determining
the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then
determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then
adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that
grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to
qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-09 and GS-11

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; religious; 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.

Additional Information:
Incumbent must attain DoD Security Cooperation Workforce (SCW) Certification and complete related continuous learning requirements in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017, Title 10 United States Code, Section 384, and Security Cooperation Certification Program 2.0 requirements. Requirements for Proficiency Level 2 - At least 1 year of successful SC work experience with a performance appraisal rating of 3 or better. Incumbent must complete DoD SCW Practitioner level certification requirements within two years of entering the SC position. In addition, 60 hours of continuing education (CUE) every two years.

Education

GS-12 only: Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.

Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.

When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities. For further information, visit: Foreign Education

Additional information

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.
NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

For more information, please visit

https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Re-employed Annuitant: This position Does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities. All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application. NOTE: Resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To preview the questionnaire, please go to https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13093880.

To review the status of an application through USAJOBS:
1. Log into your USAJOBS account
2. Click Application Status within your profile to expand your application
3. Locate the job announcement and click the more information link under the Status column for this position. You will be routed to Application Manager. The Details tab displays by default. The Details tab displays comprehensive information about the selected Application Package including: assessment(s) and the status, supporting documents and their status, correspondence sent to you by the hiring agency, and your application processing status. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf . Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144. You are highly encouraged to submit your application package and complete your assessment questionnaire on-line.

Please review the General Application Information and Definitions at:
https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

DSCU is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). DSCA's mission is to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by building the capacity of foreign security forces to respond to shared challenges. DSCA leads the broader U.S. security cooperation enterprise in its efforts to train, educate, advise, and equip foreign partners. DSCA administers security cooperation programs that support U.S. policy interests and objectives.

DSCU is the Department of War's Security Cooperation educational institution. Its mission is to advance the knowledge and practice of Security Cooperation through education, training, workforce development, advising, research, analysis, and lessons learned

Agency contact information

DSCA Servicing Team
Phone
614 692-0252
Email
DHRS-D-DSCA@DLA.MIL
Address
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
1851 S. Bell
Room 501
Arlington, VA 22240
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Security Cooperation Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.dscu.edu/

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