Program Support Specialist
: Job Details :

SummaryIf you're looking for a pursue a leadership role in a multi-faceted and fast paced environment, you've come to the right place! This position is located in the Office of Data Management (ODM). The mission of the Program Support Specialist is to be responsible for timely and accurate captureof patent data, and to disseminate products that that are consistently of the highest quality to the intellectual property community.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverview* Accepting applications* Open & closing dates12/12/2024 to 12/27/2024This job will close when we have received 300 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more* Salary$55,924 - $88,926 per year Salary listed above is for the Washington-Baltimore-Arlington area; Salary dependent on location of selectee; Locality tables are listed on OPM. * Pay scale & gradeGS 7 - 9* HelpLocation5 vacancies in the following location:* Alexandria, VA* Remote jobNo* Telework eligibleYes-as determined by the agency policy.* Travel RequiredNot required* Relocation expenses reimbursedNo* Appointment typePermanent* Work scheduleFull-time* ServiceCompetitive* Promotion potential9* Job family (Series)* 0301 Miscellaneous Administration And Program* Supervisory statusNo* Security clearanceNot Required* Drug testNo* Position sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk* Trust determination process* Suitability/Fitness* Financial disclosureNo* Bargaining unit statusYes* Announcement numberPATS - OODM-25-12634800-MP* Control number823858800HelpThis job is open to* Federal employees - Competitive serviceCurrent or former competitive service federal employees.* Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.* Veterans* Individuals with disabilities* Military spouses* Special authoritiesIndividuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.* Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VistaClarification from the agencyCareer transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL), Federal employees - Competitive service, Individuals with disabilities, Military spouses, Veterans; Applications will be accepted from current Federal employees serving on career or career-conditional appointment in the Competitive Service, former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, persons eligible under special hiring authorities including Schedule A and VEOA, and CTAP/ICTAP eligible candidates in the local commuting area.HelpDutiesThe physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia.This position is telework eligible per agency and business unit discretion/policy. Fully remote within 50 miles of the USPTO Alexandria, VA headquarters and the duty station is the authorized telework location.This role is the ideal next career step for you if:* You have comprehensive knowledge monitoring, reviewing and analyzing information related to specific docket areas to analyze workload and assess the status and progress of docketed cases; acts as directed which may involve forwarding notices/reminders or redistributing cases.* You have proficiency creating queries to extract data for analysis and comparison; initiates in-depth analysis of case documents and workflow processing to identify and isolate issues and reasons for the lack of progress.* You want to play a key role in identifying patent application processing issues and problems in the business areas; perform data analyses to identify anomalies and performs root cause analysis; develop and presents recommendations to support improvement of workflow, timeliness, effectiveness and efficiency.HelpRequirementsConditions of Employment* Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.* Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.* You must meet the definition of specialized experience.* Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.* Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).* If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.* You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.* Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.* Suitable for Federal Employment.QualificationsYou must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Experienceis experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-05.Specialized experience for this position includes:SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-07 To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must meet the basic requirements below. One year or twelve (12) months of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance. Specialized experience is defined as experience which includes (1) assisting in monitoring workload dockets, ensuring proper distribution of cases within delegated authority; (2) collecting and analyzing data to create routine and ad hoc reports; AND (3) identifying and resolving basic procedural issues in workflow processing.OROne must have completed 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievementORCOMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions.SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-09 To be eligible for this position at this grade level, you must meet the basic requirements below. One year or twelve (12) months of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal government. Specialized experience is experience that is related to the work of this position and has provided you with the competencies required for successful job performance. Specialized experience is defined as experience which includes (1) monitoring and managing workflow within assigned docket areas; (2) generating, analyzing, and presenting data-driven reports to support procedural enhancements; AND (3) identifying and resolving processing issues through root cause analysis.OROne must completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D.ORCOMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: You may qualify by a combination of experience and education. Options for qualifying based on a combination will be identified in the online questions.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.EducationPlease refer to the Qualifications section.PLEASE NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable.Additional informationIf you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.This is a Bargaining Unit position and represented by The National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 243 (NTEU 243)Background Investigation - If selected for this position, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306), which includes a fingerprint and credit check, to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.The USPTO participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the Department of Homeland Security Website.All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.Relocation Expenses are not authorized and will not be paid.CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a well qualified rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: OPM CTAP/ICTAP.CTAP documentation requirements are listed in the 'Required Documents' section of this announcement.More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued.All application materials become the property of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.USPTO Job Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should request accommodation(s) from the USPTO at United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. If you believe that you have been discriminated against and would like to file an EEO complaint, you must do so within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act. Claims of employment discrimination must be submitted to the attention of the USPTO's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity via email (...@uspto.gov) or phone (571-###-####).Read more* BenefitsHelpA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements, as defined in the job opportunity announcement, will be referred for selection consideration. Preference eligibles are encouraged to submit their supporting documentation (DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service, VA letter, SF-15, etc.).Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate possession of any specialized experience and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement. Responses to job questions that are not fully supported by the information in your resume may result in adjustments to your rating. Any experience claimed in a cover letter should be substantiated by information contained in your resume. A HR Representative will validate the qualifications of those candidates eligible to be referred to the hiring official.The scored occupational questionnaire will evaluate you on the following competencies. Please do not provide a separate written response.* Data Management* Planning and Evaluating* Problem Solving* Technology ApplicationYour responses to the self-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self-assessment questions, or your score may be adjusted or lowered accordingly which may affect your overall final rating. The best qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview. If referred all relevant documents submitted with your application package will be forwarded to the selecting official, due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and awards in accordance with 5 CFR § 335.103(b)(3), during the interview/selection process conducted by the hiring manager. Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or for changing your scored responses to questions you've answered, which may affect your overall final score.Please click the link below to preview the Assessment Questionnaire: you are invited for an interview, you will be required to provide a writing sample.If you are invited for an interview, you will be asked to bring a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the Required Documents section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application.)* BenefitsHelpA 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 benefitsEligibility 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 DocumentsAs 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.A complete application consists of:1. A resume or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications; optional cover letter: Your resume should indicate your citizenship and should list your educational and work experience including titles, salary, employment dates, duties, experience and how it relates to the specialized experience in the job announcement.2. Transcripts: You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are accepted, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirement. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration. (For Individual Occupational Requirements and/or Substitution of Education for specialized experience.Supporting Documents:1. Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) - For current and/or former Federal employees, your status eligibility and highest permanent grade/step/salary held in the Federal service will be validated with a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action so that we may verify your time-in-grade.2. Performance Appraisal - Recent performance appraisal with supervisor's signature showing the official final rating of record and copy of incentive award(s). In cases where the performance appraisal is incomplete or unavailable, applicants may provide explanation of the reasons.3. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documents - If you are a Veteran claiming eligibility under VEOA, you will be asked to submit a copy of your DD-214. Veterans must include dates of military service on their application materials and submit a copy of each Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214. For more info, please visit Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.4. CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: 1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice); 2. A copy of your SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action , noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.5. ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: 1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination, certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; 2. A copy of your SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action , documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.6. Special Appointing Authorities - If you are applying under a special appointing authority (i.e., Schedule A, disabled veterans, or certain military spouses), you will be asked to submit documents showing eligibility to non-competitively apply under Merit Assignment announcements. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application. For more info on non-competitive appointments and supporting documents, please visit Federal Employment of People with Disabilities or Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities.You can upload your documents when you register or update your information on the Dept. of Commerce site which you access through the USAJobs site.Your application and all required documents must be received by 11:59 pm ET on the closing date of this job announcement. NOTE: The preceding documents requirement are based on job requirements and individual applicant eligibility. Not all documents are applicable to all applicants; if you are unsure which documents apply to you, contact the HR Specialist listed on this announcement.* How to ApplyYou MUST apply online. If you experience difficulties with the application process or do not have access to a computer, please contact the HR Specialist listed as the point of contact before the closing date of this job announcement.If you are a new user to the USAJobs Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJobs user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help setting up an account or for general help using USAJobs, go to USAJobs Help Page. Once you have gathered all of the required information and are ready to begin the application process, click the APPLY button at the right side of the page. You will then be directed away from USAJobs to the Department of Commerce application site for USPTO. You must click Submit at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at and click on Applications. Click on the position title, then select Update Application. If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! OPM has a Help feature on each page. Use this option when you need assistance.All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJobs Saved Documents feature.Personally Identifiable Information (PII)Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is defined as information that can be traced back to a specific individual and potentially compromise their security or privacy. Examples of PII include: date of birth, Social Security Number, and place of birth.Please ensure that you have removed all Personally Identifiable Information from all documents prior to submitting or uploading your applications material.Agency contact informationCatherine ZuraskiPhone 571####### Email ...@USPTO.GOVAddress PATS - Office of Data ManagementOffice of Human ResourcesMail Stop 171P.O. Box 1450Alexandria, VA 22313-1450USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsYou will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs System when you have successfully submitted your application.You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at and clicking on Track Your Online Application. The four points of notification are:1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;3. Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and4. Selected or Not SelectedAfter all application packages have been received, we will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and you may be contacted for follow-up supplemental documentation. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide any supplemental documents or information requested by the Office of Human Resources within the allocated timeframes.You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.). You can check the status of your application by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJobs Account, editing your profile and changing the Notification Settings to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within 2 weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) and Telework Program are available to eligible employees.* Fair and TransparentThe 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 requestHelpRequired DocumentsA complete application consists of:1. A resume or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications; optional cover letter: Your resume should indicate your citizenship and should list your educational and work experience including titles, salary, employment dates, duties, experience and how it relates to the specialized experience in the job announcement.2. Transcripts: You MUST submit copies of your college transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are accepted, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirement. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration. (For Individual Occupational Requirements and/or Substitution of Education for specialized experience.Supporting Documents:1. Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) - For current and/or former Federal employees, your status eligibility and highest permanent grade/step/salary held in the Federal service will be validated with a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action so that we may verify your time-in-grade.2. Performance Appraisal - Recent performance appraisal with supervisor's signature showing the official final rating of record and copy of incentive award(s). In cases where the performance appraisal is incomplete or unavailable, applicants may provide explanation of the reasons.3. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) documents - If you are a Veteran claiming eligibility under VEOA, you will be asked to submit a copy of your DD-214. Veterans must include dates of military service on their application materials and submit a copy of each Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214. For more info, please visit Special Appointing Authorities for Veterans.4. CTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: 1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area; a Certificate of Expected Separation (CES); or certification that you are in a surplus organization or occupation (this could be a position abolishment letter, a notice of eligibility for discontinued service retirement, or similar notice); 2. A copy of your SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action , noting current position, grade/band level, and duty location; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your bureau/operating unit that shows your current promotion potential.5. ICTAP applicants MUST submit the following documents: 1. A copy of your RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a directed geographic relocation outside of the local commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination, certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related compensable injury; or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; 2. A copy of your SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action , documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade/band level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through RPL, etc.; 3. A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and 4. Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.6. Special Appointing Authorities - If you are applying under a special appointing authority (i.e., Schedule A, disabled veterans, or certain military spouses), you will be asked to submit documents showing eligibility to non-competitively apply under Merit Assignment announcements. Please indicate the type of special appointment you are seeking on your application. For more info on non-competitive appointments and supporting documents, please visit Federal Employment of People with Disabilities or Feds Hire Vets - Special Hiring Authorities.You can upload your documents when you register or update your information on the Dept. of Commerce site which you access through the USAJobs site.Your application and all required documents must be received by 11:59 pm ET on the closing date of this job announcement. NOTE: The preceding documents requirement are based on job requirements and individual applicant eligibility. Not all documents are applicable to all applicants; if you are unsure which documents apply to you, contact the HR Specialist listed on this announcement.HelpHow to ApplyYou MUST apply online. If you experience difficulties with the application process or do not have access to a computer, please contact the HR Specialist listed as the point of contact before the closing date of this job announcement.If you are a new user to the USAJobs Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJobs user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help setting up an account or for general help using USAJobs, go to USAJobs Help Page. Once you have gathered all of the required information and are ready to begin the application process, click the APPLY button at the right side of the page. You will then be directed away from USAJobs to the Department of Commerce application site for USPTO. You must click Submit at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at and click on Applications. Click on the position title, then select Update Application. If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! OPM has a Help feature on each page. Use this option when you need assistance.All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJobs Saved Documents feature.Personally Identifiable Information (PII)Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is defined as information that can be traced back to a specific individual and potentially compromise their security or privacy. Examples of PII include: date of birth, Social Security Number, and place of birth.Please ensure that you have removed all Personally Identifiable Information from all documents prior to submitting or uploading your applications material.Read moreAgency contact informationCatherine ZuraskiPhone 571####### Email ...@USPTO.GOVAddress PATS - Office of Data ManagementOffice of Human ResourcesMail Stop 171P.O. Box 1450Alexandria, VA 22313-1450USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsYou will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs System when you have successfully submitted your application.You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at and clicking on Track Your Online Application. The four points of notification are:1. Application Received or Application Incomplete;2. Minimum Qualification Requirement Met or Minimum Qualification Requirement Not Met;3. Eligible (Application Referred to the Selecting Official) or Eligible (Application Not Referred to the Selecting Official); and4. Selected or Not SelectedAfter all application packages have been received, we will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided and you may be contacted for follow-up supplemental documentation. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide any supplemental documents or information requested by the Office of Human Resources within the allocated timeframes.You will be required to submit official docume