Internal Ombudsman Specialist, CG-0301-13

Summary

This position is located in the Office of the Internal Ombuds, Headquarters of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and provides Internal Ombuds services by serving as a neutral source for internal agency employees to raise concerns, identify options, and request assistance to informally resolve conflict and problems.

Additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement to fill identical vacancies that occur subsequent to this announcement.

This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees - Competitive service
  
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Land & base management
  
  Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
• Military spouses
• Family of overseas employees
  
  Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.
• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• Special authorities
  
  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to applicants with status (i.e., current permanent Federal employees in the competitive service and former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility); those eligible for appointment under special hiring authorities; and veterans eligible for VEOA appointment.

Duties

• Serves as an impartial, neutral and independent communications channel and intermediary for resolving conflict.
• Works with FDIC staff to analyze and develop options for addressing complaints, issues and concerns.
• Uses alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation, negotiation, problem solving, active listening, counseling, empathy and facilitation to informally resolve complex, unique, and often confidential problems and issues.
• Provides advice on a broad range of workplace issues and helps to promote a fair and open atmosphere throughout the agency.
• Develops and analyzes aggregate metrics on workplace issues and trends and prepares quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc reports on issues and trends for the Chairman's office and other Divisions/Offices.
• Develops and manages the Office of the Internal Ombuds database to track inquiries, complaints and disputes to determine patterns and issues that need to be addressed.
• Conducts analysis of trends to identify potential systemic issues, develops strategies and approaches to address these issues, and identifies and recommends courses of action.
• Researches factual issues and prepares appropriate responses to sensitive inquiries and concerns raised.
• Evaluates and analyzes information to arrive at sound proposals or recommendations for program and policy improvements for minimizing future problems.
• Develops and manages the Office of the Internal Ombuds website and conducts outreach and marketing activities to educate FDIC employees about services provided through the Office of the Internal Ombuds.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Registration with the Selective Service.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

Employment Conditions.

Completion of Financial Disclosure may be required.

Minimum Background Investigation (MBI) required.

Qualifications

Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. 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 qualifications information can be found here.

To qualify, applicants must have completed at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS/CG-12 grade level or above in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience serving as an organizational ombudsman, dispute resolution specialist, conflict management specialist, or third party neutral that works with individuals or groups to resolve conflict, mediate disputes, and ensure fair processes; addressing and facilitating the resolution of organizational or workplace issues and concerns while promoting a fair, open, and productive workplace environment; collaborating with senior management in developing solutions to organizational issues including those related to human capital programs, processes, and procedures.

Applicants must have met the qualification requirements for this position within 30 calendar days of the closing date of this announcement.

Applicants eligible for ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program) must achieve a score of 85 "well qualified" for this position. For more information, Click Here.

Education

There is no substitution of education for the experience for this position.

Additional information

Selectee(s) for this position will be required to report to their duty station office two days per week.

If selected, you may be required to serve a probationary or trial period as applicable to appointment type.

To read about your rights and responsibilities as an applicant for Federal employment, click here.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  In addition to the regular benefits offered by Federal agencies, the FDIC offers additional benefits to its employees. These benefits, some at minimal cost, are some of the best and most competitive in both the private and public sectors.
  
  To find out more, click here.
  
  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.

Your resume and the online assessment questionnaire will be reviewed, to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements outlined in this announcement. Therefore, it is imperative that your resume contain sufficiently detailed information upon which to make the qualification determination. Please ensure that your resume contains specific information such as position titles, beginning and ending dates of employment for each position, average number of hours worked per week, and if the position is/was in the Federal government, you should provide the position series and grade level.

Your resume will also be evaluated to measure your responses to the assessment questions. If you rated yourself higher on the questionnaire than what is supported by your resume, your overall qualifications assessment may be adversely affected.

Top ranked candidates will be referred to the selecting official for further review and consideration.

The competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) you will be assessed on are listed below.

1. Knowledge of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, facilitation, coaching, negotiation, and other problem solving processes, and related laws and/or practices.
2. Ability to resolve conflict through utilizing alternative dispute resolution techniques including negotiation, mediation, facilitation, coaching, and other problem solving processes.
3. Ability to maintain communications with employees in confidence and take the necessary steps to safeguard confidentiality.
4. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to conduct research and analysis of employee related issues.
5. Ability to develop metrics, analyze data, and develop reports outlining trends and activities and systemic issues and recommending courses of action to address those issues.
6. Ability to prepare and produce reports to assess and improve programs, policies, processes and systems.
7. Ability to develop marketing materials, conduct outreach, and manage website content.
8. Skill in written communication.

You do not need to respond separately to these KSAs. Your answers to the online questionnaire and resume will serve as responses to the KSAs.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits
  
  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.
  
  In addition to the regular benefits offered by Federal agencies, the FDIC offers additional benefits to its employees. These benefits, some at minimal cost, are some of the best and most competitive in both the private and public sectors.
  
  To find out more, click here.
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  If you are applying under any special hiring authority you MUST submit proof of eligibility with your application.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required documentation as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible determination or may affect your consideration status. Please review the following to determine your eligibility and which document(s) is required to complete your application:
  
  VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ACT (VEOA) ELIGIBLES AND SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES FOR VETERANS: If you are applying for consideration under VEOA and special hiring authorities for veterans, click here. You must submit documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, SF-15, etc.) to demonstrate veterans' eligibility.
  
  SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you are applying for consideration under special appointing authorities for people with disabilities, you will be required to provide proof of disability documentation to specify that you are a person who (1) has a severe physical disability; (2) an intellectual disability; or (3) a psychiatric disability. The documentation does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history, or need for accommodation, however; the letter MUST clearly state that you are eligible for appointment under this authority and that your eligibility is based on a severe physical disability; an intellectual disability; or a psychiatric disability. THE DOCUMENTATION MUST HAVE BEEN OBTAINED FROM: (a). Licensed medical professionals; or (b). State or private vocational rehabilitation specialists; or (c). Any Government agency (e.g., VA, etc.) that issues or provides disability benefits. THE DOCUMENTATION MUST INCLUDE: a statement that you are eligible based on one of the following: severe physical disability, an intellectual disability, or a psychiatric disability. To view sample Schedule A proof of disability letters, click here, and for more information on this special appointing authority, click here. Please note that employees hired under this Schedule A hiring authority will be required to complete a Standard Form 256 to identify their disability status.
  
  INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICTAP): If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the ICTAP, you must submit proof of eligibility. For more information, click here.
  
  CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES OR REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLES WITH COMPETITIVE STATUS: A copy of your most recent SF Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action that shows: (1) permanent or career-conditional tenure (codes 1 or 2, in block 24), and (2) position occupied in the competitive service (code 1, in block 34). If reinstatement eligible, include your Career/Career conditional SF-50. To be considered as a non-competitive eligible candidate, the SF-50 must show the highest grade level or full performance level applicant has attained competitively on a permanent basis, and grade must be equivalent or higher than the grade for which applying.
  
  NONCOMPETITIVE CONVERSION ELIGIBLES UNDER A PATHWAYS PROGRAM: If you are applying under this noncompetitive conversion authority, you must provide proof of program completion. A letter from your current agency certifying completion is acceptable documentation.
  
  FDIC EMPLOYEES: If you want to be considered non-competitively include a copy of your SF-50. The SF-50 must show the highest grade level or full performance level applicant has attained competitively on a permanent basis, and grade must be equivalent or higher than the grade for which applying.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  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.
• How to Apply
  
  To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts. If you haven't already, register and establish a USAJOBS account. After you register online, click the "Apply" button to complete the online assessment questionnaire, and submit all required documents. Please be sure to click "Submit Application" to complete the application process. You must apply online.
  
  Applicants requesting an exception from the online process must contact the Human Resources Specialist or point of contact listed in this announcement prior to 12:00 noon local time on the closing date.
  
  To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account and click on "Applications" tab. Click on the "Position Title," and then select "Update Application" or "Additional Application Information" to continue.
  
  You have until 11:59 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
  
  Please ensure you have completed the application process by verifying the status of your application on-line to reflect: "Received". Failure to complete the application process will result in an incomplete application and you will not be considered for the position.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Sarah Chow
  
  Phone
  
  1-227-200-3246
  
  TDD
  1-800-925-4618
  Fax
  000-000-0000
  Email
  
  sachow@fdic.gov
  
  Address
  
  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  
  FDIC Human Resources Branch
  
  3501 Fairfax Drive
  
  HRB (PA-1730-5007)
  
  Arlington, Virginia 22226
  
  United States
  
  Next steps
  
  The Fair Chance Act prohibits inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal history information unless the hiring agency has made a conditional (tentative) offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non-compliance by contacting the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Human Resources Staffing Policy and Accountability team at HRPolicyTeam@fdic.gov
  
  You may check the status of your application on-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through USAJOBS by signing in and selecting "Application Status." Thank you for your interest in working for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

If you are applying under any special hiring authority you MUST submit proof of eligibility with your application.

Failure to provide all of the required documentation as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible determination or may affect your consideration status. Please review the following to determine your eligibility and which document(s) is required to complete your application:

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY ACT (VEOA) ELIGIBLES AND SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES FOR VETERANS: If you are applying for consideration under VEOA and special hiring authorities for veterans, click here. You must submit documentation (e.g., DD-214, VA Letter, SF-15, etc.) to demonstrate veterans' eligibility.

SPECIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you are applying for consideration under special appointing authorities for people with disabilities, you will be required to provide proof of disability documentation to specify that you are a person who (1) has a severe physical disability; (2) an intellectual disability; or (3) a psychiatric disability. The documentation does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history, or need for accommodation, however; the letter MUST clearly state that you are eligible for appointment under this authority and that your eligibility is based on a severe physical disability; an intellectual disability; or a psychiatric disability. THE DOCUMENTATION MUST HAVE BEEN OBTAINED FROM: (a). Licensed medical professionals; or (b). State or private vocational rehabilitation specialists; or (c). Any Government agency (e.g., VA, etc.) that issues or provides disability benefits. THE DOCUMENTATION MUST INCLUDE: a statement that you are eligible based on one of the following: severe physical disability, an intellectual disability, or a psychiatric disability. To view sample Schedule A proof of disability letters, click here, and for more information on this special appointing authority, click here. Please note that employees hired under this Schedule A hiring authority will be required to complete a Standard Form 256 to identify their disability status.

INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICTAP): If you are a displaced or surplus Federal employee eligible for consideration under the ICTAP, you must submit proof of eligibility. For more information, click here.

CURRENT FEDERAL EMPLOYEES OR REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBLES WITH COMPETITIVE STATUS: A copy of your most recent SF Form 50, Notification of Personnel Action that shows: (1) permanent or career-conditional tenure (codes 1 or 2, in block 24), and (2) position occupied in the competitive service (code 1, in block 34). If reinstatement eligible, include your Career/Career conditional SF-50. To be considered as a non-competitive eligible candidate, the SF-50 must show the highest grade level or full performance level applicant has attained competitively on a permanent basis, and grade must be equivalent or higher than the grade for which applying.

NONCOMPETITIVE CONVERSION ELIGIBLES UNDER A PATHWAYS PROGRAM: If you are applying under this noncompetitive conversion authority, you must provide proof of program completion. A letter from your current agency certifying completion is acceptable documentation.

FDIC EMPLOYEES: If you want to be considered non-competitively include a copy of your SF-50. The SF-50 must show the highest grade level or full performance level applicant has attained competitively on a permanent basis, and grade must be equivalent or higher than the grade for which applying.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

To begin, click the "Apply" button and follow the prompts. If you haven't already, register and establish a USAJOBS account. After you register online, click the "Apply" button to complete the online assessment questionnaire, and submit all required documents. Please be sure to click "Submit Application" to complete the application process. You must apply online.

Applicants requesting an exception from the online process must contact the Human Resources Specialist or point of contact listed in this announcement prior to 12:00 noon local time on the closing date.

To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account and click on "Applications" tab. Click on the "Position Title," and then select "Update Application" or "Additional Application Information" to continue.

You have until 11:59 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.

Please ensure you have completed the application process by verifying the status of your application on-line to reflect: "Received". Failure to complete the application process will result in an incomplete application and you will not be considered for the position.

Agency contact information

Sarah Chow

Phone

1-227-200-3246

TDD
1-800-925-4618
Fax
000-000-0000
Email

sachow@fdic.gov

Address

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

FDIC Human Resources Branch

3501 Fairfax Drive

HRB (PA-1730-5007)

Arlington, Virginia 22226

United States

Next steps

The Fair Chance Act prohibits inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal history information unless the hiring agency has made a conditional (tentative) offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non-compliance by contacting the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Human Resources Staffing Policy and Accountability team at HRPolicyTeam@fdic.gov

You may check the status of your application on-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through USAJOBS by signing in and selecting "Application Status." Thank you for your interest in working for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request