Program Support Specialist

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Administrative Law Judges.

This job is open to

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

Clarification from the agency

Open to current/former Federal employees with competitive/reinstatement eligibility; ICTAP and CTAP eligibles; Veterans' Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) eligible; Eligible military spouses; Schedule A eligibles.

Duties

• Maintains records/case files in accordance with organization directives, disposes of records/case files as appropriate. Converts manual records to electronic formats, and ensures records that are intended for share purposes are available to staff members as needed. Maintains security and confidentiality of records and their contents at all times.
• Performs proofreading and detailed and accurate review of citations in documents (including citations to the record) in conformity with Blue Book rules, including recognizing substantive questions regarding the appropriateness of particular citations.
• Prepares and maintains a motions log for each investigation, which includes tracking filing dates, response deadlines, and the disposition of all motions, utilizing case files and/or other material to obtain case status.
• Prepares and maintains time and attendance records for staff as assigned. Makes travel arrangements, reservations and related actions for official travel including ethics documentation, and other administrative documents. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
• You may be required to serve a one-year probationary period.
• You are required to register for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/03/59.
• You will be required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.

Qualifications

You must meet all the requirements below by the closing date of the announcement and they must be clearly identified in your application, resume, or supporting documents. This includes any general and specialized experience, education, and/or selective placement factors mentioned. These are used to determine if you possess the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to successfully perform in this position.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

To qualify at the GS-09 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:

(1) Experience maintaining records in accordance with office policy, (2) experience conducting searches for information utilizing a variety of sources, such as legal databases, (3) experience proofreading and checking citations, (4) experience utilizing software (i.e., Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint) to create documents, format documents (including formatting of tables of citations and table of contents) and sharing documents, (5) experience preparing and maintaining motion logs to track filing dates, response deadlines, and dispositions of motions to maintain case status, and (6) experience maintaining an executive's calendar.

OR

GS-9 level, you may qualify using one of the following options:

• 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., if related

To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 obtained in the federal or private sector which demonstrates all of the following:(1) Experience maintaining records in accordance with office policy, (2) experience conducting searches for information utilizing a variety of sources, such as legal databases, (3) experience proofreading and checking legal citations in accordance with the BlueBook system of citations, (4) experience developing, drafting, and formatting reports, tables, records, briefing material, and statistical and narrative material required to support office staff, (5) experience acting as a liaison to facilitate communications with practitioners during all phases of an investigation, (6) experience preparing and maintaining motion logs to track filing dates, response deadlines, and dispositions of motions to maintain case status, and (7) experience maintaining an executive's calendar.

OR

GS-11 level, you may qualify using one of the following options:

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M., if related.

If you have a combination of graduate-level education and specialized experience (as described above), which, when combined, are equivalent to 100% of the requirement. (YOU MUST SUBMIT A LEGIBLE COPY OF YOUR TRANSCRIPT).

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.

Education

GS-9 level, you may qualify using one of the following options:

- 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., if related

GS-11 level, you may qualify using one of the following options:

- Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M., if related.

You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website - US Department of Education. Another listing of services that an perform this evaluation is available at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. https://myiee.org/naces.php

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you are registered with the Selective Service or are exempt under Selective Service regulations. For additional information concerning Selective Service requirements, please visit https://www.sss.gov

Foreign Education Credential Interpretation: https://www.naces.org/members

DD-214: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

SF-15 (veterans claiming 10-point preference): https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/SF15-13.pdf

Special hiring authorities for veterans: https://www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/special-hiring-authorities/#content

Severely disabled persons program information: https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/individuals-with-disabilities/

Cover page to fax paper application - OPM Form 1203fx: Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX

This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).

If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by the Commission. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.

Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.

Assessment Question: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12529649

Vacancy ID number: MP-24-068-SP

Reasonable accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact listed on the vacancy announcement. The decision to grant a reasonable accommodation is made on a case-by-case basis.

Verification of information: Any information claimed on your resume and in application materials, such as education, credentials, employment history, etc., will be verified as part of the security clearance process.

• 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.

The self-assessment questions are related to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies (KSA's). You do not have to respond to the KSA's.

• Experience proofreading legal documents for accuracy in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and citation
• Proficient knowledge of accepted legal citation formats
• Ability to articulate whether a citation appropriately supports text in legal documents
• Experience with understanding, organizing, and maintaining documents in a court docket
• Experience advising attorneys and judges concerning legal regulations and court decisions
• Ability to track and complete a variety of overlapping critical assignments
• Knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint and other document software
• Experience with software systems for managing travel

Your responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions.

Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview.

If referred all relevant documents submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the selecting official. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or for changing your scored responses to questions you've answered, which may affect your overall final score.

Due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3).

Your experience is also evaluated using an assessment questionnaire, which is available at the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12529649

• 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.
  
  To receive consideration, you must complete the self-assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified below by
  
  1. Resume: Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying.
  
  2. Self-assessment questionnaire: A completed job-specific questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.
  
  3. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles.
  
  You must submit the following documents:
  
  • a copy of your agency notice;
  • a copy of your most recent performance rating; and
  • a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location
  
  4. Cover Letter. This is optional.
  
  5. Special hiring authority applicants. If you are applying under the special appointing authority such as those authorized for the severely disabled (Schedule A) or Vietnam era and disabled veterans (VRA), you will be asked to submit documents showing eligibility to non-competitively apply under Merit Assignment announcements. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application. For more info on non-competitive appointments and supporting documents, please visit Federal Employment of People with Disabilities or Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans.
  
  6. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation: Must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service,
  
  7. 30% Disabled Veterans must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and VA Disability Letter with percentage of disability OR documentation of disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces which reflects a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more
  
  8. SF-50. current and former federal employees must submit a copy of an SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," which documents your highest permanent grade/step/salary held. Award SF-50s typically don't contain your grade/step/salary.
  
  9. Due Weight: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
  
  10. Performance Appraisal. if you're a current or former federal employee, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal dated within 18 months. If you do not have one, you must submit a statement.
  
  11. Transcripts: (for Individual Occupational Requirements and/or Substitution of Education for specialized experience): You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.
  
  
  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 complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
  
  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/09/2024 to receive consideration.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  
  2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  The Vacancy ID is 12529649
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Steve Parker
  
  Email
  
  Steve.Parker@usitc.gov
  
  Address
  
  Office of Administrative Law Judges
  
  500 E St SW
  
  Washington, DC 20436
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
  
  To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.
  
  You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
  
  1. Upon receipt of your application
  2. Upon minimum qualifications determination
  3. After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
  4. Once a selection has 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

To receive consideration, you must complete the self-assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified below by

1. Resume: Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience(s) as it relates to this job opportunity. In order to fully evaluate your application and receive proper credit, your resume should include: (1) paid and non-paid experience, job title, dates held (month and year for qualifying purposes to receive credit), number of hours worked per week, and salary (2) knowledge of the subject matter and technical skills pertinent to this position; (3) specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work; and (4) names and phone numbers of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the basic/specialized experience requirements as stated in this job opportunity announcement for each grade level(s) for which you are applying.

2. Self-assessment questionnaire: A completed job-specific questionnaire should be submitted through your Application Manager account.

3. Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) Eligibles.

You must submit the following documents:

• a copy of your agency notice;
• a copy of your most recent performance rating; and
• a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location

4. Cover Letter. This is optional.

5. Special hiring authority applicants. If you are applying under the special appointing authority such as those authorized for the severely disabled (Schedule A) or Vietnam era and disabled veterans (VRA), you will be asked to submit documents showing eligibility to non-competitively apply under Merit Assignment announcements. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application. For more info on non-competitive appointments and supporting documents, please visit Federal Employment of People with Disabilities or Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans.

6. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documentation: Must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service,

7. 30% Disabled Veterans must submit their Member Copy 4 DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, and VA Disability Letter with percentage of disability OR documentation of disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces which reflects a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more

8. SF-50. current and former federal employees must submit a copy of an SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," which documents your highest permanent grade/step/salary held. Award SF-50s typically don't contain your grade/step/salary.

9. Due Weight: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

10. Performance Appraisal. if you're a current or former federal employee, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal dated within 18 months. If you do not have one, you must submit a statement.

11. Transcripts: (for Individual Occupational Requirements and/or Substitution of Education for specialized experience): You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.


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 complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/09/2024 to receive consideration.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.

3. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

4. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

The Vacancy ID is 12529649

Agency contact information

Steve Parker

Email

Steve.Parker@usitc.gov

Address

Office of Administrative Law Judges

500 E St SW

Washington, DC 20436

US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After a review of your complete application is made, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the More Information link under the application status for this position.

You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:

1. Upon receipt of your application
2. Upon minimum qualifications determination
3. After candidates have been referred to the hiring official
4. Once a selection has 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