Public Affairs Specialist
: Job Details :

Summary

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), through strategic partnerships, prepares the federal law enforcement community to safeguard America's people, property, and institutions. We are a unique inter-agency organization preparing the next generation of law enforcement officers to meet our Nation's most pressing security challenges. Click here to learn more.

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

12/13/2024 to 12/30/2024

* Salary

$59,968 - $113,047 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 9 - 12

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Location

* Glynco, GA 1 vacancy

* Remote job

No

* Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

* Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

* Appointment type

Permanent

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Competitive

* Promotion potential

12

* Job family (Series)

* 1035 Public Affairs

* Supervisory status

No

* Security clearance

Not Required

* Drug test

No

* Position sensitivity and risk

Moderate Risk (MR)

* Trust determination process

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

No

* Bargaining unit status

Yes

* Announcement number

FLETC-DO-25-12622930

* Control number

823773500

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This job is open to

* Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

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

* Veterans

* Individuals with disabilities

* Military spouses

* Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

* Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista

* Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Clarification from the agency

* Federal employees serving on career or career-conditional appointments Former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility Individuals with disabilities, peace corps, former overseas employees, military spouses, 30% disabled veterans, and those eligible under other special hiring authorities Persons eligible under Interchange Agreements Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)

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Duties

Serving as a Public Affairs Specialist GS-1035-9/11/12 makes you a valuable member of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) team and mission. This position is located in the Director's Office (DO), within the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), and located in Glynco, GA.

Typical duties include:

* Advises FLETC personnel and others directly involved with activity operations on handling problems and incidents related to the organization's programs.

* Communicates with a broad spectrum of individuals nationwide to coordinate, negotiate, and execute marketing strategies, including senior law enforcement, training, and legal officials in the Federal, state and local governments, vendor and contract

representatives, media marketing personnel, and all levels of management at various agencies in government and the private sector.

* Planning, coordinating, and conducting tours of the FLETC facilities.

* Drafting articles, press releases, and speeches for the FLETC Director and other senior level officials for specialized trade publics.

* Assists with the implementation of professional marketing strategies to market FLETC training programs.

* Using and maintaining FLETC Official Social Media platforms to communicate FLETC mission and training to stakeholders.

* Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with print and broadcast media representatives in disseminating information or answering inquiries about the FLETC's operations or activities.

View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.

* Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.

* You must successfully pass a background investigation.

* Current and former federal employees within the General Schedule (GS) must meet the time-in-grade requirements outlined in the Qualifications section of this announcement.

* Bargaining Unit: This is a bargaining unit covered position, represented under the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU).

* You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

* This position is eligible for situational telework-only based on agency policy.

* Occasional travel may be required.

* Overtime may be required.

* Shift work may be required.

* Weekends and federal holidays may be required.

* This position is Emergency Essential and required to sustain FLETC's operations under all conditions, e.g., in the event of a localized emergency situation, such as inclement weather, interruptions to power, or dismissal or closure of DHS operations

* Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license to conduct official government business.

Qualifications

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Please visit www.fletc.gov/site-page/employment-faqs website for further guidance regarding this page limit.

You qualify for the GS-09 grade level if you possess one of the following:

* One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the federal service using a variety of messaging campaigns to collect, assemble, prepare, and disseminate information to convey agency policies, programs, and actions to internal and external audiences; OR

* Successful completion of 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., if directly to the work of the position to be filled; OR

* An equivalent combination of specialized experience and graduate level education. Only graduate education beyond the first 18 semester hours will be combined with the specialized experience.

If qualifying for this position based on education, you must submit college transcripts; copies are acceptable.

You qualify for the GS-11 grade level if you possess one of the following:

* One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service planning and implementing communications strategies that convey organizational policies, programs, and actions to internal and external audiences; OR

* Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if directly to the work of the position to be filled; OR

* An equivalent combination of graduate education and specialized experience. Only graduate education in excess of the first 36 semester hours may be combined with the specialized experience.

If qualifying for this position based on education, you must submit college transcripts; copies are acceptable.

You qualify for the GS-12 grade level if you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the federal service, evaluating a public affairs program's effectiveness; writing comprehensive materials for an organization to increase understanding by the general public; and maintaining working relationships with members of the news media, and internal and external personnel.

NOTE: Only graduate education in excess of the first two years may be used to qualify for the GS-11 level.

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Time-in-grade: Current General Schedule (GS) federal employees, and those that have served in GS positions within the last 52 weeks, must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade, or a combination of the next lower grade level and an equivalent band in the federal service by the closing of this announcement.

Note: Current or former Federal employees MUST submit a copy of their SF-50 Form which shows competitive service appointment ( position occupied block 34 on the SF-50 should show a 1 ), tenure group (block 24 should show a 1 or 2), grade, and salary. If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide the SF-50 Form which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s dated a year apart within the same grade/job). If you have promotion potential in your current position, please provide proof. Employees applying with an interchange agreement must provide proof of their permanent appointment. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CONSIDERATION AS A STATUS CANDIDATE.

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.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP/ICTAP eligible. View information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. To be considered eligible under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be placed in the well-qualified category for this position, as described above. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, FLETC requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Suitability as a condition of placement in this position. This review may include financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Work Environment: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions typical of office settings and automobiles. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. In addition, position requires physical presence on-Center to support guided tours of FLETC sites; support significant events; support media during visits.

Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary with some minor physical activity during visits to gather information, traveling to locations, and executing logistics for special events and/or conferences.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must be 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures. View VEOA information on Feds Hire Vets.)

Education

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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website:

You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution listing the college/university, degree confirmation date(s) and applicable courses for the position you are applying to.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency (a U.S. private organization's interpretation that such education has been deemed at least equivalent to conventional U.S. education programs) with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education webpage on the Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Additional information

This position may be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 level. If selection is made at the GS-09 level, promotion to the GS-11 level may occur without further competition.

The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs. To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12564 and FLETC policy, FLETC is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at FLETC are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

Re-employed annuitants' annual salaries will be reduced by the amount of their retirement annuity and by further cost of living increases. FERS retirees receiving a FERS annuity supplement must also be aware that, like social security benefits, their FERS annuity supplement is subject to an earnings test and may be reduced if the salary earned is more than the social security exempt amount of earnings. Additional information is available on OPM's website or by contacting OPM.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

This announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies during the next 90 days. This could result in a few or many vacancies being filled from this announcement.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to ...@fletc.dhs.gov.

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* Benefits

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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.

Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. If met, we will use multiple assessments to determine the degree to which your experience, education, and training demonstrate the following competencies needed to perform this job:

Communications and Media, Oral Communication, Problem Solving, and Writing

The first assessment will consist of skilled-based questions designed to evaluate the degree to which you possess the skills needed to perform the duties of the positions being filled. Applicants who score a minimum of 85 on the assessment questionnaire and submit a second assessment writing sample will be evaluated to further assess an applicant's proficiency as it relates to the position.

The second assessment will be a Writing Assessment. You must submit your writing sample with your application, if the second assessment is not included in your application, you will be disqualified from further consideration.

Instructions for Writing Sample: From the information provided, draft a press release which includes a proposed quote from the Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. The Press Release should not exceed one page, Times New Roman 12-point font, and 1-inch margins.

Author: OPA

Issue: New Training Facility Opened

Information:

* FLETC will open a new training facility next Tuesday.

* The facility will provide a new venue to instruct students from FLETC's three flagship basic training programs, UPTP, CITP, LMPT

* The facility will be based in FLETC Glynco but will be replicated at FLETC's other three training sites in New Mexico, South Carolina, and Maryland.

* The site will provide cutting edge training on Internet of Things (IOT).

* The training venue will also be used by FLETC partner organizations.

* FLETC currently has 127 partner organizations.

* The venue was built at a significant cost savings by utilizing FLETC personnel in the design and construction of the facility.

The sample must be authentically written/prepared by the applicant. Plagiarized material and use of AI tools such as ChatGPT will be grounds for immediate disqualification and removal from further consideration. Applicants who score a minimum of 85 on the assessment questionnaire and who provide a writing sample will be evaluated to further assess their technical proficiency as it relates to the position. More information will be provided to applicants as they progress through the application process.

Preview the job questionnaire

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have overstated your qualifications and/or experience, you may be removed from consideration, or your score may be lowered.

Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3).

* Benefits

Help

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.

* Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

* Your responses to the job questionnaire

* Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.

* Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution listing the college/university, degree confirmation date(s) and applicable courses. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. For example, specific courses accepted for college-level credit by an accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign education evaluated by an organization recognized for accreditation by the Department of Education as education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. college or university. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information.

* Are you a veteran? You must provide acceptable documentation of your preference or appointment eligibility. The member 4 copy of your DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, is preferable. If claiming 10 point preference, you will need to submit a Standard Form (SF-15), Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification. This must indicate your dates of service, your rank, and confirm that you will be separated under honorable conditions. View more veterans' information.

* Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP)? Submit the following:

* A copy of your agency notice,

* A copy of your most recent performance rating, and

* A copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, noting your current position, grade level, and duty location.

* Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

* Position title,

* Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee),

* Agency,

* Beginning and ending dates of appointment.

* Are you applying under special hiring authorities as a military spouse? Provide a copy of your:

* Marriage certificate, and

* Your spouse's PCS orders or a completed SF-15 with supporting documentation.

* Are you applying under Schedule A hiring authority for persons with severe disabilities? Provide evidence of your intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability obtained from a licensed medical professional (e.g., a physician or other medical professional certified by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory to practice medicine); a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist (i.e., state or private); or any Federal agency, state agency, or agency of the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefit. Information on documentation can be found here.

* If you are referred, you may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards.

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 begin your online application, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the Required Documents section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may contact the individual listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this job opportunity announcement between the hours of 7:30AM and 4:30PM ET (excluding Federal holidays) prior to the closing date of this announcement to receive assistance. When e-mailing, please include the vacancy announcement number in the subject line.

Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes.

It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.

Agency contact information

Melva Mottu

Phone (912) ###-#### Email ...@fletc.dhs.gov

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on Application Status, and then click More Information. We expect to make a job offer with 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Note: If you receive a final job offer to onboard, please complete the onboarding forms and submit them electronically in an expeditious manner. Your start date may be delayed if the action above is not completed.

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more aboutE-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U.S. Office of Personnel Management guidance and U.S. Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Multiple selections may be made from this announcement.

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.

* 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

Help

Required Documents

* Your resume (click the link for information on what to include). If you are a current or former Federal employee, your resume must indicate the GS or pay band level for each position held. Please limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

* Your responses to the job questionnaire

* Are you a current or former federal employee? Submit your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases and accessions.

* Are you qualifying based on education? Submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial is acceptable) from an accredited institution listing the college/university, degree confirmation date(s) and applicable courses. Once selected and prior to appointment, applicants must provide an official college transcript. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet Feder