Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support)

Summary

This is a Student Internship position under the Pathways Internship Program; this position is located in the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Field Division.

These position(s) primary purpose is to provide clerical and administrative support to the field offices.

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.

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from any U.S. Citizen. This position is part of the Pathways Program and is open to current students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational institution and enrolled at least half-time.

Duties

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

The Pathways Internship Program gives Interns the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and the opportunity to foster networking relationships.

As a Student Trainee, your typical work assignments may include the following:

• Communicating with internal and external customers.
• Providing clerical support to assigned office.
• Performing data entry, data queries, manipulating and extrapolating data for reports and presentations.
• Using computer and various software to produce written products.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.sss.gov/).
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment.
• The intern is in a trial period throughout the entire Pathways Internship appointment.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and receive no grade below average (C or equivalent) for the duration of their internships to continue their eligibility for participation in DEA Internship Program.
• Must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the internship.
• Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute.
• Must be enrolled in classes a minimum of half time for the duration of the internship.
• Must provide all transcripts/proof of enrollment/acceptance, and/or current class schedule.
• Must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
• DEA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States.

Qualifications

Positions are open to current students pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate in an accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled).

To qualify for a Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support) as a GS-04, students must have completed two (2) full academic years of post-high school study or have an associate degree.

To qualify for a Student Trainee (Administrative and Office Support) as a GS-05, students must have completed four (4) academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree, 3 years of general experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4 level work, or a combination of education and experience.

For qualification purposes, an academic year is computed as follows:

• At the undergraduate level, successfully completed education that has not led to possession of a degree is credited based on its relationship to 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours. For example, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements. Additional credit cannot be given for duplicate course work.
• For study at a business or technical school, 36 weeks of study (20+ classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.
• An academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study. This determination is made based on normal course loads for a full year of study in the graduate program. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.
• When academic credit is expressed in contract months, units, or other terms that differ from conventional semester or quarter hours, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide an interpretation of such credits from the appropriate institution in order to equate them to the semester or quarter hours specified in the standard.

NOTE: If your college, vocational, trade, technical or high schools' definition of "academic year" differs from above, you must submit proof of this difference (e.g., copy of course catalog that defines an academic year). Absent this documentation, you will screened for academic qualifications based on the academic hours as defined in the bullets above

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available on the OPM's web site.

Competencies: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competencies in the following areas:

Attention to Detail, Clerical, Oral Communication, and Written Communication

For this internship, you must be able to work part-time when school is in session and full-time when not attending classes.

Interns will be assigned tasks designed to increase familiarity with the target occupation in a real-world work environment.

This opportunity follows a standard promotional path:

1. Internship selection will be made at the GS-04 or GS-05 level. These grade levels are what typical college students in their first or second year may qualify.
2. Within 180 days after completion of Internship requirements, you may be eligible for conversion into a permanent position without further competition and provided the Hiring Division/Office has an appropriate vacant position available at that time.
3. Entry level for these positions are typically at the GS-05 level. The actual grade level at the time of conversion depends on academic achievement and other factors. The full performance level of this position is GS-05.
4. Progression from the entry-level to the full performance level for this occupation will depend on successful completion of all requirements for promotion. Promotions may be considered after a year at each grade level but are not guaranteed to occur on a specific time schedule.

See requirements for conversion to permanent or term position in the "Additional Information" section below.

Education

Pathways Student Program Education Requirements:

A. Must be currently accepted for enrollment OR are you currently enrolled in a qualifying educational institution (a public high school whose curriculum has been approved by a State or local governing body; a private school that provides secondary education as determined under State law, a home school that is allowed to operate in a State; any of the following educational institutions or curricula that have been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education: technical or vocational school; a 2-year or 4-year college or university; a graduate or professional school (e.g. law school, medical school); or a post-secondary home school curriculum), on a full or half-time basis. You must remain enrolled and will be required to provide proof of current student status to be eligible for this program. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, click here.

B. You must maintain student eligibility and enrollment for the duration of the internship. If you do not maintain eligibility and enrollment, you are ineligible for this program. Please review this vacancy announcement in its entirety to ensure that you qualify to apply to this internship.

C. Every semester, you must maintain good academic standing with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) throughout their appointment to remain in the program. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Applicants MUST submit a current transcript with the online application that details current classes or enrollment status and GPA. For transcripts which do not include current enrollment status then applicants can attach proof of enrollment in addition to their current transcripts.

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, click here.

Additional information

This position is a temporary excepted service appointment, Not To Exceed (NTE) for one year with the possibility of extension without further posting. This student position can possibly be extended until the student graduates or is no longer enrolled at which time the position will be terminated.

Conversion to Competitive Service

Upon completion of the program, the hiring Division/Office may noncompetitively convert the employee to a permanent (or in some cases to a term position lasting 1-4 years) in the competitive service within 120 days of successful completion of the program, provided they have the appropriate vacant position at that time. Conversion is neither mandatory nor guaranteed.

To be eligible for conversion, an Intern must:

1. Meet the U.S. citizenship requirement;

2. Complete a minimum of 640 hours of work experience under the Internship Program;

3. Complete their degree or certificate requirements;

4. Receive a favorable recommendation for conversion from supervisor.

5. Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted;

6. Meet all specific requirements as outlined in the Participant's Agreement; and

7. Maintain acceptable performance under DEA's approved performance management system.

If selected, you must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement; be able to furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and be able to provide verification of academic status (official transcript) at the end of each academic term.

The student intern serves a trial period for the duration of their excepted service appointment.

All non-DEA applicants must complete a drug use questionnaire. Applicants who are found, through investigation or personal admission, to have experimented with or used narcotics or dangerous drugs, except those medically prescribed, will not be considered for employment with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Exceptions to this policy may be made for applicants who admit to limited youthful and experimental use of marijuana. Such applicants may be considered for employment if there is no evidence of regular, confirmed usage, and the full-field background investigation and results of other steps in the process are otherwise favorable. Compliance with this policy is an essential requirement of the position.

Click the below links for additional information.

How to Claim Veterans' Preference

Military Spouse Preference

EEO Policy Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement

In accordance with 5 CFR 2635.704, applications will not be accepted in postage-paid Government envelopes.

Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.

If you experience technical issues with completing your online application, you may review online help resources or submit a ticket to the Help Desk by accessing the 'Help Center' (upper-right of your screen, next to the question mark icon).

To learn more about the specific requirements and conditions of the Pathways Internship program, please see the USAJOBS Students & Recent Graduates page, or the OPM Pathways Program site.

• 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.

Your application will be evaluated and rated under DEA's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. Your application will then be placed in one of three categories; Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Names of all candidates in the best qualified category will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. Candidates within the best qualified category who are eligible for veteran preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligible..

Although veteran preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated," veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category(i.e. Best Qualified).

• 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.
  
  Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.
  
  To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  • Your résumé showing your expected graduation date and major. Your application package must indicate any skills and experience you possess that are related to the duties posted in the job announcement.
  • Transcript and/or enrollment verification. You must submit current transcript(s) or proof of acceptance to verify that you meet the education requirement for this position. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application; however, you must provide your official (sealed) Transcripts before you can be hired for this position. NOTE: Your application will be removed from consideration for this position, if you fail to submit a current transcript or other proof that you meet the education qualifications for this position.
  • Other supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
  
  Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.
  
  NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job 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 complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on to receive consideration.
  
  If you would like to preview the assessment questionnaire, please see:
  
  • Click "Apply Online" to get started.
  • If you're not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you don't have an account, please create one.
  • You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.
  • You'll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before you're able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DEA logo, you are still on USAJOBS. You'll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.
  • Once you reach DEA's Application Manager system, you'll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.
  • After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS *OR* upload documents directly from your computer or device.
  • If you opt to upload a document directly, click the "Upload" button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.
  • Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.
  • Once you've uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.
  • If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.
  
  If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Drug Enforcement Administration cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.
  
  We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements.
  
  To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application, including the invitation to take the USA Hire assessment. 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/.
  
  Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center
  
  Agency contact information
  
  LaNesha Kearse
  
  Phone
  
  571-776-0868
  
  Email
  
  LaNesha.E.Kearse@dea.gov
  
  Address
  
  Drug Enforcement Administration
  
  Do Not Send Postal Mail
  
  Springfield, VA 21310
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DEA. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list. Click here to learn more about checking your application status, or see what each application status means.
  
  We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if openings in other offices occur within 90 days.
• 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

Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date will result in your application not receiving full consideration.

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

• Your résumé showing your expected graduation date and major. Your application package must indicate any skills and experience you possess that are related to the duties posted in the job announcement.
• Transcript and/or enrollment verification. You must submit current transcript(s) or proof of acceptance to verify that you meet the education requirement for this position. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted with your application; however, you must provide your official (sealed) Transcripts before you can be hired for this position. NOTE: Your application will be removed from consideration for this position, if you fail to submit a current transcript or other proof that you meet the education qualifications for this position.
• Other supporting documents:
• Cover Letter, optional
• Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)

Transcripts: For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts or an unofficial transcript of college courses which includes course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned.

NOTE: Please ensure that your resume contains the basic information outlined in the Applying for a Federal Job 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 complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation. Your complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on to receive consideration.

If you would like to preview the assessment questionnaire, please see:

• Click "Apply Online" to get started.
• If you're not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you don't have an account, please create one.
• You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.
• You'll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before you're able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DEA logo, you are still on USAJOBS. You'll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.
• Once you reach DEA's Application Manager system, you'll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.
• After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS *OR* upload documents directly from your computer or device.
• If you opt to upload a document directly, click the "Upload" button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.
• Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.
• Once you've uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.
• If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.

If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side). Regrettably, the Drug Enforcement Administration cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

We cannot assume responsibility or grant extensions for personal issues (e.g., troubles navigating the application process, loss of internet, not understanding a question) when applying to our announcements.

To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. All of your applications will appear on the Welcome page. The application record in your USAJOBS account provides an Additional Application Information page that provides information regarding the documentation you submitted and any correspondence we have sent related to this application, including the invitation to take the USA Hire assessment. 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/.

Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center

Agency contact information

LaNesha Kearse

Phone

571-776-0868

Email

LaNesha.E.Kearse@dea.gov

Address

Drug Enforcement Administration

Do Not Send Postal Mail

Springfield, VA 21310

US

Next steps

You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DEA. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list. Click here to learn more about checking your application status, or see what each application status means.

We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement if openings in other offices occur within 90 days.

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