Summary

This is a Pathways Internship Program opportunity with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Program provides students enrolled in a variety of educational institutions, (e.g. high school) with paid opportunities to explore Federal careers while still in school.

This position is Not to Exceed 13 months. Students interested only in summer employment for 8-10 weeks should also apply. Students may decide whether they wish to continue for the fall semester at the end of the summer.

This job is open to

• Students
  
  Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.

Duties

• Work is designed to provide experience and gain knowledge in the functions of the assigned component.
• Work consists of simple, routine, or repetitive tasks or operations. Procedures are few and unchanging. Prepares repetitive, standardized reports.
• Searches files, contacts others for information, or compiles reference materials.
• Compiling background information and data from files, correspondence, and reports for use in studies, meetings, and conferences. Resolving problems and discrepancies in data.
• Performing research and providing backup material for segments of projects.
• Performs work involving processing mail and file work; the operation of office equipment; answering the office telephones: duplicating equipment; and other work of a general clerical and administrative nature.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Must be enrolled in a qualifying educational institution.
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Current grade report must show a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• 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.
• Program participant(s) are placed on excepted service appointments for an initial period not-to-exceed 13 months. Appointments may be extended. Appointments may be terminated earlier due to budgetary restrictions.
• Students are able to work full-time (40 hours per week) during the summer months.

Qualifications

To qualify for the SSA Pathways Internship Program at the GS-1 or GS-2 Student Trainee Position, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

GS-01 - Enrollment in a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) program.

GS-02 - Completion of high school or GED diploma or enrolled and seeking a degree from a college and/or university.

• Be at least 16 years old (minors under the age of 18 must submit a work permit if selected).
• Students enrolled in or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution.
• School Transcripts and/or Report card are required to substantiate possession of the claimed education if the student is currently enrolled, or a letter of acceptance is required to substantiate claim of enrollment if the student has just been accepted to an educational institute.
• Be in good academic standing (e.g., Not on Academic Probation, Academic Warning, Academic Suspension, Academic Dismissal, Disqualification, etc.).
• Have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above as documented on the most recent grade report. (YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR MOST RECENT GRADE REPORT THAT SHOWS YOUR GPA BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.)
• Carry at least a half-time course load as defined by the education institution (may carry less than half-time in the term immediately prior to graduating).

Education

Providing Proof of Education or Substituting Education

For information on providing proof of education or substituting for experience, visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-CSST

Submit a copy of your transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail.

Applicants selected for the position must provide an official transcript(s) 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.

Additional information

Salary for Baltimore/Washington DC area - GS-01 - $14.04 - $17.56 per hour - GS-02 - $15.79 - $19.87 per hour.

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

This is a non-bargaining unit position.

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.

The students will be given an orientation to SSA's organization functions.

• 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.
  
  Review our 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.

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/12386350

• 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.
  
  Review our 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.
• 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.
  
  You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Internship Program and claim certain types of preference.
  
  RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed.
  
  PROOF OF EDUCATION: Please see Qualifications and Education sections for details.
  
  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.
  
  
  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 apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  1. Your Resume
  2. Transcript(s) and/or Report card
  3. Proof of Enrollment (statement or letter verifying enrollment).
  4. The Occupational Questionnaire
  5. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
     
     The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 06/28/2024
     
     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 OPE Talent Team DCHR at DCHR.OPE.SSA.Talent.Team@ssa.gov.
  
  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.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  OPE Talent Team DCHR
  
  Email
  
  DCHR.OPE.SSA.Talent.Team@ssa.gov
  
  Address
  
  Talent Teams
  
  6401 Security Blvd
  
  Woodlawn, 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.
  
  
  • 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

You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to qualify for the Internship Program and claim certain types of preference.

RESUME: All applicants must submit a resume showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed.

PROOF OF EDUCATION: Please see Qualifications and Education sections for details.

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.


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 apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your Resume
2. Transcript(s) and/or Report card
3. Proof of Enrollment (statement or letter verifying enrollment).
4. The Occupational Questionnaire
5. Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
   
   The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 06/28/2024
   
   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 OPE Talent Team DCHR at DCHR.OPE.SSA.Talent.Team@ssa.gov.

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.

Agency contact information

OPE Talent Team DCHR

Email

DCHR.OPE.SSA.Talent.Team@ssa.gov

Address

Talent Teams

6401 Security Blvd

Woodlawn, 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 & 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