Summary
This position provides for the assignment of the incumbent to the Social Security Administration’s Pathways Internship Program. This program provides substantive, developmental work assignments that prepare incumbents for placement in a target position in one of the occupational series covered by the 1099 Information and Arts Group. The incumbent will be given orientation to SSA and basic orientation in the functions and operations of the organization to which the incumbent is assigned.
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
The SSA Internship Program (Program) provides individuals who are currently enrolled in or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate in qualifying educational institutions/programs with developmental experiences in the Federal Government. The Program is intended to provide clear paths and potential careers in the civil service.
Duties
- Work involves professional, technical, or clerical work in the communication of information and ideas through visual, display, or pictorial means.
- Work consists of performing a full range of standard and non-standard assignments and resolving a variety of non-recurring problems involving different and unrelated steps, processes, or methods.
- The employee must identify and understand the issues involved in each assignment and determine what steps and procedures are necessary and the order of their performance.
- Develops charts, graphs, etc. to use in reports that may include the use of personal computers, word processing, and/or spreadsheet software and printing equipment.
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.
- Agencies may terminate a Program participant for reasons including misconduct, poor performance, or suitability.
- As budget permits, interns who reach the end of their academic program, complete at least 640 hours of career-related work experience, and meet all requirements specified in the Participant Agreement, may be converted to the competitive service.
- In a part-time work status, interns may work between 16 and 32 hours a week. Interns are expected to work full-time during the summer months; however, exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the manager/supervisor.
- Interns are allowed to work full-time during any vacation period or whenever school is officially closed, as budget permits. If a break in the academic program is approved, an Intern may work full-time during the break.
Qualifications
To qualify for the Program, applicants must be a student currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate in a qualifying educational institution or program (including awardees of the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship Program) on a full or half-time basis as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled.
Proof of education must be submitted with your application package and received by the closing date of the announcement.
Candidates must meet the basic qualification requirements for the positions being filled, including any positive education requirements and/or selective placement factors.
To qualify for this GS-5 position, applicants must possess ONE of the following:
- At least fifty-two (52) weeks of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4grade level in the Federal service that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. This experience includes: (1) Knowledge of maintaining and using equipment to provide audiovisual support for presentations; (2) providing photographic and/or video coverage of events; (3) creating graphic material; and (4) converting basic written information to form. ***NOTE: Your resume must describe duties you perform as they relate to the specialized experience required for this position, and must also include the start and end dates, and amount of hours worked per week for each position. If your resume lacks this information you will be found ineligible!
- OR successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree. NOTE: Transcripts are required to substantiate claimed education.
- OR a combination of education and experience that total 100% of the requirements. NOTE: Transcripts are required to substantiate claimed education.
Additionally, to qualify for the SSA Pathways Internship Program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be at least 16 years old (minors under the age of 18 must submit a work permit if selected).
- Be enrolled in or accepted for enrollment and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis (as defined by the institution in which the student is enrolled). Note: Transcripts 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/1000/information-and-arts-student-trainee-series-1099/
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
THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION. THE SELECTEE IS REQUIRED TO LIVE WITHIN TWO COMMUTING HOURS OF THE DUTY STATION (WASHINGTON, DC.) AS OF THE APPOINTMENT DATE.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
This is a bargaining unit position represented by AFGE.
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.
- 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 evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire. Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the desired competencies for this position. These competencies include:
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing
- Knowledge of audiovisual, video and computer equipment
- Ability to use a personal computer and software applications
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/12158138
Numerical scores will be assigned on a scale of 100. Each applicant who meets the qualification requirements for the position will be assigned a rating of 70 or more and will be eligible for appointment. Preference eligible veterans scoring 70 or more will receive additional points for veterans’ preference.
- 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:
- Your Resume
- Transcript(s)
- The Occupational Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 10/22/2023
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 Staffing DCHO at OPE.Staffing.DCHO@ssa.gov or 410-965-1234.
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 and select “Application Status”. If your status has not been updated, then no changes have occurred since your referral. Please note that the selecting official may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred candidates. You will be contacted directly if you are to be interviewed.
Additionally, you will receive notification via email to the email address in your USAJOBS profile when your status is updated, such as if another applicant was selected or the posting was cancelled. ALL INFORMATION AVAILABLE WILL BE SENT THROUGH NOTIFICATION EMAILS AND POSTED TO YOUR APPLICATION STATUS. NO CHANGE IN STATUS MEANS THERE ARE NO UPDATES.
Agency contact information
OPE Staffing DCHO
Phone
410-965-1234
Email
OPE.Staffing.DCHO@ssa.gov
Address
DCHO – OEOSM 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore, 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 referred candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews; the announcement contact is not involved in the interview process at all and will have no information to provide about 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.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- 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:
- Your Resume
- Transcript(s)
- The Occupational Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents, if applicable (see Required Documents section)
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 10/22/2023
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 Staffing DCHO at OPE.Staffing.DCHO@ssa.gov or 410-965-1234.
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 and select “Application Status”. If your status has not been updated, then no changes have occurred since your referral. Please note that the selecting official may choose to interview all, some, or none of the referred candidates. You will be contacted directly if you are to be interviewed.
Additionally, you will receive notification via email to the email address in your USAJOBS profile when your status is updated, such as if another applicant was selected or the posting was cancelled. ALL INFORMATION AVAILABLE WILL BE SENT THROUGH NOTIFICATION EMAILS AND POSTED TO YOUR APPLICATION STATUS. NO CHANGE IN STATUS MEANS THERE ARE NO UPDATES.
Agency contact information
OPE Staffing DCHO
Phone
410-965-1234
OPE.Staffing.DCHO@ssa.gov
Address
DCHO – OEOSM 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore, 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 referred candidates, but there is no requirement that interviews be conducted. The hiring office will contact candidates directly for interviews; the announcement contact is not involved in the interview process at all and will have no information to provide about 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.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request