Public Affairs Specialist

  • Full-Time
  • Washington, DC
  • US Court Services And Offender Supervision Agency For DC - Agency Wide
  • Posted 2 years ago – Accepting applications
Job Description
Duties

Serves as a communications and social media technical expert responsible for the tactical operations, implementation/execution, and alignment of the CSOSA written communication and social media content, products, and platforms to the overall CSOSA communication and social media strategy.

Plans and executes a public affairs program that supports directors' priorities through the integration of media relations and social media. Creates video content and all aspects of the production cycle for social media and uses a variety of print, broadcast, electronic, and automation methods and techniques to achieve communication goals.

Manages day-to-day social media activities for the agency. Stays abreast of new social media developments, techniques, and practices to keep CSOSA's broadcast media program in the forefront of digital reach, design, and branding.

Creates written products to include news and feature articles, press releases, talking points, communications plans, scripts, marketing materials, and other narrative material for various venues that accurately and effectively portray CSOSA.

Requirements Conditions of Employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable
  • Background security investigation, drug test, and favorable adjudication
  • May be required to successfully complete a one year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments directly deposited into a financial institution of their choosing.
  • CSOSA uses E-Verify, if you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
  • Bargaining Unit Status: Not Eligible
  • Relocation expenses are not authorized.
  • This vacancy announcement may be used to fill future vacancies for identical positions within the next year.
  • Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
  • You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
  • CSOSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • This is not a virtual position; you must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.
Qualifications You may qualify at the GS
  • 13 level, if you fulfill one of the following qualification requirements:

    One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service that demonstrates your ability to coordinate the development of publication, audiovisual, and multimedia products (including video) for internal and external audiences; develop public affairs activities and materials to communicate the results of research programs; develop communication plans; answer inquiries about programs and research from a variety of audiences, including the general public, special interest organizations, community groups, news media, technical, professional and social organizations, local, state and federal agencies; provide consultation/advice to Agency leadership for the development of public affairs strategies, initiatives, and programs to support overall Agency goals and objectives ; analyze and evaluate specific issues generated as a result of public reaction to Agency programs, projects, and activities; develop and implement comprehensive public affairs programs that enhance the public image and visibility of the Agency; establish and maintain effective working relationships with local and national media representatives and other stakeholders for potential generation of media coverage; write and edit news releases, feature stories, talking points for senior leaders, and fact sheets for internal and external dissemination.

    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

    Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at this grade level.

    Additional information

    To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

    Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

    If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant, you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the CTAP or ICTAP must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and meet the mid-level (scoring between 85 and 89) of the rating criteria for all factors or the established cutoff score. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456. Additional information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.


    • 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.

    You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the online assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

    • Attention to Detail
    • Customer Service
    • Flexibility
    • Influencing/Negotiating
    • Integrity/Honesty
    • Interpersonal Skills
    • Learning
    • Oral Communication
    • Partnering
    • Problem Solving
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Reasoning
    • Self-Management
    • Stress Tolerance
    • Teamwork
    • Writing


    In order to be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

    Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

    Your application will be rated under Category Rating Procedures and be placed in one of three categories: Highly Qualified (highly proficient with an overall comprehensive level of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the job based on a complete review of experience, education and training), Well Qualified (competent in the position with an overall accomplished level of knowledge, skills, and abilities of the job based on a complete review of experience, education and training), or Qualified (an overall basic level of knowledge, skills and abilities of the job based on a complete review of your experience, education and training). With the exception of positions which are professional and scientific at the GS-09 (or equivalent) and above, qualified preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 30-percent or more (CPS) and those with a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10-percent but less than 30-percent (CP) move from the category in which they would otherwise be placed to the top of the highest quality category.

    • 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 a complete Application Package which includes:
    • Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).
    • To apply for this position,
    • Your
    • résumé
    • showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
    • Other
    • supporting documents:
    • Cover Letter, optional
    • College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education
    • Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)
    • DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
    • https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
    • Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable
    • 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.)
    • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

  • How to Apply

    Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online assessment and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

    1. To begin the application process, click the Apply Online button.
    2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
    3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
    4. After submitting an online application, you will be notified whether or not you are required to take additional online assessments through the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment system. This message will be delivered to you via email notification. The email may be routed to your "Spam" or "Junk" folder.
    5. If you are asked to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be presented with a unique URL to access the USA Hire system. Access to USA Hire is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Be sure to review all instructions prior to beginning your USA Hire Assessments. Click here for Computer System Requirements https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_System_Requirements
    6. Note, set aside at least 3 hours to take these assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue at a later time, you can re-use the URL sent to you via email and also found in your USAJOBS account under the "Track my application" link for the corresponding application.

    To update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://usajobs.gov). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

    To verify the status of your application both during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account: https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. 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/.

    Agency contact information Vanessa Willis Phone

    202-220-5443

    Email

    Vanessa.Willis@csosa.gov

    Address

    CSOSA
    800 North Capitol Street NW Suite 700
    Washington DC, DC 20002
    US Next steps

    Based on your application and your responses to the application questionnaire, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire system to complete the online assessments. The online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation for the assessment should you have a disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

    Your assessment results will be kept on record for one year and used toward future positions for which you might apply that require the same assessments.

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is setup 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 a complete Application Package which includes:
  • Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).

  • To apply for this position,
  • Your
  • résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
  • Other
  • supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter, optional

  • College transcript(s), if qualifying based on education

  • Most recent SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held (if applying as a status candidate with current or former Federal Service)

  • DD-214, SF-15 Form and VA letter, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty from Veterans for consideration under Veteran hiring authorities.
  • https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans.
  • Noncompetitive appointment authority documentation, if applicable

  • 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.)


  • If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation to the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, submit documentation to support your request, including the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form found here. https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire


    Help This job is open to
    • Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

      Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

    • The public

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

    • Veterans

    Clarification from the agency

    United States Citizens

    Apply to this Job