Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

As a global leader in public health & health promotion, CDC is the agency Americans trust with their lives. In addition to our everyday work, each CDC employee has a role in supporting public health emergency management, whether through temporary assignments to emergency responses or sustaining other CDC programs and activities while colleagues respond. Join our team to use your talent, training, & passion to help CDC continue as the world's premier public health organization. Visit www.cdc.gov

This job is open to

• The public
  
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Videos

Duties

As a Public Affairs Specialist, you will:

• Lead the collaboration and development of strategic media plans to support the agency's programs, policies, and activities.
• Plan, design, and execute a comprehensive, nationwide media relations campaigns.
• Actively pitch and secure media placements in national, multicultural, trade, scientific, and/or local/regional media outlets.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of national print and broadcast media and other media organizations interested in the aspects of the agency's programs.
• Conduct media trainings with program staff, agency leaders and executives as necessary.
• Provide consultation to agency directors in developing direction in media outreach activities to support the total management effort.
• Evaluate media outreach efforts to identify any gaps and information problems encountered.
• Make an appropriate determination for which media materials to develop for any media outreach endeavor, which may include the development of fact sheets, news releases, feature articles for magazines and trade papers, radio and television scripts, motion pictures and other materials to support storytelling.
• Perform above duties in support of media during a public health emergency response and/or preparedness activities.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) process enhancement to use Shared Certificates throughout the Agency, some of the requirements below may differ:

• US Citizenship required.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (http://www.sss.gov).
• May be subject to a Background/Security Investigation. Security clearance level may differ from the position announced when certificates are shared.
• CDC participates in the USCIS Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). If selected, CDC will determine your employment eligibility using your social security number.
• Direct deposit is required.
• One-year probationary period may be required.
• This position may be subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Qualifications

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the next lower grade level, which must include the following experience: developing, executing and managing strategic media relations plans in support of an organization and/or health and science media outlets.

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

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Telework: This position has been designated as telework eligible and:

• May include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These options may be requested once you have become an employee and you will be required to sign a Workplace Flexibilities Agreement that details remote or telework working conditions and expectations in accordance with the HHS Workplace Flexibilities Policy
• This position is eligible for inclusion in the Bargaining Unit.This position is eligible for inclusion in the Bargaining Unit.The duty station is in Atlanta, Georgia, employees in this position will be represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE ), Local 2833, (BU Code - 1872).
• For more information visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/job-announcement/telework/

May be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace if declared a drug-testing position. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.

Incentives:

• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.
• Annual Leave for non-federal service may be authorized.
• Student loan repayment incentive may be authorized.
• Travel, transportation, and moving expenses may be paid.
• PCS Expenses may be authorized, subject to the terms of the Joint Travel Regulation (JTR).

• 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.

Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.

The utilization of shared certificates for additional selections within the same geographical area can be made from multiple Centers of the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

The category assignment is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the competencies required for this position. Qualified candidates will be ranked into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified or Qualified. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-9 level or higher).

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Foundations in Health Communication and Marketing
• News Media Information Dissemination
• Public Affairs Science and Decision Making

Once the application process is complete, a review of the resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Category rating procedures will be used to rate and rank candidates.

• 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 apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English.
  
  1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed.
  
  Current/former Federal employee:
  
  • Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9.
  
  Dos and Don'ts:
  
  
  • www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
  • www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-leave-out/
  
  Cover Letter is optional.
  
  2. Transcripts (if applicable) - You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.
  
  3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/ Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):
  
  
  • Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:
    
    
    • Current annual performance appraisal
    • SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)
  
  4. Veteran:
  
  
  • DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or other Armed Forces/Department of Veterans Affairs official documentation reflecting dates of service and type of discharge, AND if applicable:
  • 10-point preference eligible:
    
    • Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, AND
    • Any required documentation listed on the SF-15 - Veterans Affairs/Armed Forces certification must include the total percentage of the service-connected disability(s)
  • Serving under Active Duty:
    
    • Certification from Armed Forces reflecting rank, dates of service, and discharge/release will be within 120 days from date of certification under honorable conditions
  • Visit FedsHireVets
  
  Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
  
  For Resume and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.
• How to Apply
  
  PHS Officers:
  
  • This is a Delegated Examining (DE) announcement. Current, active duty PHS officers applying to this announcement are expected to decommission from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps if selected.
  • Current, active duty PHS officers interested in performing the duties of this position while remaining active duty (not as a civilian) are encouraged to apply under the Merit Promotion announcement (MP) (if applicable).
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.
  
  A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 09/19/2024, of this announcement to receive consideration.
  
  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Please ensure that a personal email address is linked to your USAJOBS/login.gov account.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
  
  To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
  
  If you are unable to apply online:
  
  • Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by phone (770) 488-1725 or email HRCS@CDC.GOV.
  • Applicants internal to CDC - Contact the OHR Service Desk.
  
  Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.
  
  To view the questionnaire, click on the following link:
  
  https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12526188
  
  Agency contact information
  
  CDC HELPDESK
  
  Phone
  
  (770) 488-1725
  
  Email
  
  HRCS@CDC.GOV
  
  Address
  
  OC-DMR-MEDIA SUPPORT BRANCH
  
  1600 CLIFTON RD NE
  
  ATLANTA, GA 30333
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
  
  If selected, you will be contacted with a job offer. Please ensure that your USAJOBS profile is setup with a personal email address prior to acceptance.
  
  HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
• 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 apply for this position, you MUST submit a complete Application Package which includes the following. Note: All documents must be in English.

1. Resume - Must reflect name, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates (month/year) of employment and duties performed.

Current/former Federal employee:

• Must reflect pay plan, series and grade, i.e., GS-0301-9.

Dos and Don'ts:

• www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include/
• www.usajobs.gov/Help/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-leave-out/

Cover Letter is optional.

2. Transcripts (if applicable) - You may submit an unofficial transcript. An official transcript from an accredited educational institution is required if you are selected.

3. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/ Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP):

• Supporting documentation i.e., Reduction in Force (RIF) notice or Certificate of Expected Separation (CES), AND most recent:
  
  
  • Current annual performance appraisal
  • SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action)

4. Veteran:

• DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or other Armed Forces/Department of Veterans Affairs official documentation reflecting dates of service and type of discharge, AND if applicable:
• 10-point preference eligible:
  
  • Application for 10-point Veteran Preference, SF-15, AND
  • Any required documentation listed on the SF-15 - Veterans Affairs/Armed Forces certification must include the total percentage of the service-connected disability(s)
• Serving under Active Duty:
  
  • Certification from Armed Forces reflecting rank, dates of service, and discharge/release will be within 120 days from date of certification under honorable conditions
• Visit FedsHireVets

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents will result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

For Resume and Application Tips visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Tips.

How to Apply

PHS Officers:

• This is a Delegated Examining (DE) announcement. Current, active duty PHS officers applying to this announcement are expected to decommission from the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps if selected.
• Current, active duty PHS officers interested in performing the duties of this position while remaining active duty (not as a civilian) are encouraged to apply under the Merit Promotion announcement (MP) (if applicable).

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

A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date, 09/19/2024, of this announcement to receive consideration.

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Please ensure that a personal email address is linked to your USAJOBS/login.gov account.
• Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you are unable to apply online:

• Applicants external to CDC - Contact the CDC Helpdesk by phone (770) 488-1725 or email HRCS@CDC.GOV.
• Applicants internal to CDC - Contact the OHR Service Desk.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Applying online, through your USAJOBS account, will expedite the application process and allow you to check your application. If you utilize the Alternate Application method, your USAJOBS account will not display this application or status updates related to this application.

To view the questionnaire, click on the following link:

https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12526188

Agency contact information

CDC HELPDESK

Phone

(770) 488-1725

Email

HRCS@CDC.GOV

Address

OC-DMR-MEDIA SUPPORT BRANCH

1600 CLIFTON RD NE

ATLANTA, GA 30333

US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).

If selected, you will be contacted with a job offer. Please ensure that your USAJOBS profile is setup with a personal email address prior to acceptance.

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.

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