See QUALIFICATIONS for information about this position.
Conducts studies, analyses and process improvement initiatives related to the assigned program area. Provides recommendations to management on program effectiveness, efficiency and compliance, and supports the development and implementation of agency policies and initiatives.
See DUTIES for responsibilities.
See 6F1020 at SSA Position Description Search.
See QUALIFICATIONS for information about this position.
Conducts studies, analyses and process improvement initiatives related to the assigned program area. Provides recommendations to management on program effectiveness, efficiency and compliance, and supports the development and implementation of agency policies and initiatives.
See DUTIES for responsibilities.
See 6F1020 at SSA Position Description Search.
Vacancy is open to employees assigned to the Chief of Finance and Management (FM) only. Your resume must identify your Chief Level assignment and geographic location. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA-HQ / Woodlawn, Maryland. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the assigned ODS.
To qualify for this GS-12 Program Analyst position you must demonstrate at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-11 OR (if your position and/or experience is on another federal pay scale OR outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level of responsibility and difficulty equivalent to GS-11 or above.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work that primarily consists of conducting research, analyzing data, preparing reports and making recommendations that help inform policy formulation, program alignment and decision-making.
If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that demonstrate it.
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
TIME IN GRADE REQUIREMENT
Applicants for promotion must have at least 52 weeks at GS-11 by the closing date of this announcement.
A resume* (2-page maximum) is required for this vacancy. An SSA-45 is optional and can be used to provide additional details about your experience. Your resume (and SSA-45, if submitted) must clearly show the information required for HR to assess your ELIGIBILITY (current Chief Level assignment and geographic location, grade and full TO and FROM dates for each position) and QUALIFICATIONS for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS). Your resume and SSA-45 must not show conflicting information.
*See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for additional information.
This position does not have an educational requirement.
Education cannot be used in lieu of (or in addition to) Specialized Experience to meet Minimum Qualifications.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Only applicants who demonstrate eligibility will be considered.
(1) We will use your claim under the ELIGIBILITY SECTION at the beginning of the online questionnaire, your responses to Questions #3 (AOC / Assignment), #4 (Appointment) and #5 (Appraisal) and the documents you submit to determine your eligibility.
You will not receive further consideration if you
-- don't choose an Eligibility at the beginning of the online questionnaire,
-- choose an incorrect Eligibility at the beginning of the online questionnaire,
-- provide a response that indicates you are not eligible,
-- fail to provide documents to support your claim OR
-- are otherwise found ineligible during this part of the review.
(2) If rated 'eligible' you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions.
Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13094600
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume.
(3) If you are among the highest-ranked applicants based on your score, your resume (and optional SSA-45, if submitted) will be reviewed by HR.
Your resume (and optional SSA-45, if submitted) must clearly show the information required for HR to assess your ELIGIBILITY (i.e., current Chief Level assignment [both permanent and temporary] and geographic location, grade and TO and FROM dates for each position held) AND your QUALIFICATIONS (i.e., duties you perform that demonstrate the Specialized Experience) for this position. Your resume and SSA-45 must not show conflicting information.
The grade-relevant duties you describe to demonstrate Specialized Experience should also demonstrate the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience.
-- Knowledge of facility design (possible 12 points)
-- Ability to use Computer Assisted Design software (possible 12 points)
-- Ability to read architectural drawings (possible 12 points)
-- Ability to communicate orally and in writing (possible 12 points)
Total Possible Points = 48
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more resume requirements.
(4) The highest-ranked applicants who demonstrate the required Eligibility and Qualification requirements will be referred to the hiring manager and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.
Review this information carefully to ensure you submit appropriate documents and avoid being disqualified from consideration for this position.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
(1) RESUME (maximum 2 pages): a resume associated with your USAJobs Account must be uploaded to this vacancy announcement as part of your application. You can create and upload your own resume or build a resume using the USAJobs Resume Builder, but in either case, specific information is required to demonstrate your eligibility and qualifications for this position.
The RESUME you upload must clearly show:
-- your name and contact information
-- current Chief Level assignment and geographic location (both permanent and temporary, if applicable)
-- full TO and FROM dates (month/day/year) and grade for each position you describe and
-- a clear description of the duties you perform that demonstrate the required Specialized Experience
Since Specialized Experience has a time element, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks. If you no longer hold a position, it must show an ending date.
Although OPM recommends the 'month/year' date format that doesn't always demonstrate the full 52 weeks required for Specialized Experience. We highly recommend using the month/day/year format.
If you use a federal career-ladder position towards meeting Specialized Experience, separate the duties performed at the qualifying grade from the duties performed at the lower grades. Career-ladder duties described in a single narrative (even if dates at each grade are provided) will not satisfy the requirement to demonstrate 52 weeks performing qualifying duties at the required level.
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement, a position description or the rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that demonstrate the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE required for this position.
Affirmative responses to the online questionnaire are not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
See QUALIFICATIONS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
(2) SF-50: recommended for all applicants; Excepted Service employees must submit the SF-50 received at the time of your appointment plus a current SF-50 showing that you are still serving in an Excepted Service appointment.
(3) OPTIONAL SSA-45: if you opt to submit your SSA-45 to expound on your qualifying experience, it must be uploaded under the Document Type "Other" and must follow the requirements shown under RESUME above.
ELIGIBILITY and QUALIFICATIONS information in your application documents must not be conflicting.
Do not submit narrative responses to the experience questions in lieu of a properly completed resume and/or SSA-45 or provide narrative responses as your description of duties.
If you choose to provide optional narrative responses to the experience questions, you must first complete your resume (and SSA-45 if you opt to submit one) per the requirements above and then provide narrative responses in a separate document. Optional narrative responses to the experience questions cannot be used by HR to verify Specialized Experience due to the breakdown in the way this experience is shown.
Applications that don't clearly demonstrate eligibility and qualifications will not receive consideration for this position.
Your resume, optional SSA-45 and/or optional narrative responses can be updated any time during the open period of this announcement, but no new documents or new information can be submitted once the announcement closes. You are advised to review your documents to ensure they show all the required eligibility information (current Chief Level assignment and geographic location, grade and full TO and FROM dates for each position) and clearly describe, in your own words, the grade-relevant duties you perform that demonstrate the Specialized Experience required for this position.
Employees' Official Personnel Folders will not be reviewed for purposes of obtaining missing or incomplete information. You will be evaluated only on the documents you submit.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJOBS Account or log into your existing account
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy.
(4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents.
(5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional)
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) October 30, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume that demonstrates (a) your eligibility and (b) your qualifications
(3) uploaded eligibility documents, if applicable
NOTE: Your SSA-45 is optional and must be uploaded under the Document Type "Other." If submitted, it must show all required information (see Required Documents) and must not conflict with other documents submitted.
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for eligibility and qualifications requirements that must be demonstrated.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your application documents.
See QUALIFICATIONS, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS before you submit your application.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
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
SSA employees may access IVOL and apply for vacancies from outside of SSA via this link: http://ssai.usajobs.gov. If your application documents (i.e., resume, SSA-45, SF-50, etc) are not already uploaded to your USAJobs Account, be sure to forward them to an accessible source in order to submit an application from outside of SSA.
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire or your resume/SSA-45 is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email joann.casswell@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "APPLICATION ISSUE 1309 4600" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions under HOW TO APPLY and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS to ensure you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Best Qualified List will be issued and you will be notified of your status (e.g., highly qualified and referred to the Selecting Official; qualified but not referred; or ineligible).
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
