Duties

You will be a Fellow and will act as a Policy Advisor to Congress and showcase the quality of the Department's workforce. You will be assigned to the staff of a VA oversight committee or appropriations subcommittee, staff of a Member of a VA oversight committee or appropriations subcommittee, the staff of the House or Senate Majority or Minority Leader, or the staff of the Speaker of the House. Your duties as a Fellow will vary depending on the Legislative and policy agenda of the specific assignment.

The VA Congressional Fellowship Program is an Employee Developmental Program that is 15-18 months in duration and consists of three components: (1) training through the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA), (2) a legislative operations seminar through the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, and (3) working on Capitol Hill. You may be required to work away from the Department of VA for a specified time not to exceed 15-18 months..

You will be placed based on the assessed needs of the participating offices. You will most likely meet with your prospective office prior to the beginning of the program.

You will learn the workings of the Legislative Branch of the federal government and will serve in a position that capitalizes on the education and experience gained. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of the legislative process that will help the VA interact more effectively with Congress.

Compared to prior years, OCLA has extended this program from a one year program to 15-18 months. Selectees will spend one year on Capitol Hill and an additional 3-6 months in OCLA. The range of 3-6 months is based on supervisor approval.

Please ensure to read this advertisement in its entirety before submitting an application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Relocation is not authorized; however, home office may temporarily fund relocation for the duration of the program.

For purposes of this program, you will be considered a Fellow.

This fellowship program does not include a follow-on assignment.

Telework may be available on occasion but not guaranteed.

Your will remain on your home office's payroll while participating in the program.

Your home office will be responsible for:

• Any relocation costs or payroll adjustments.
• Any travel while participating in the program or during the application and training period.

You will be responsible for determining your home office's ability to fund your participation in the fellowship program prior to applying which requires supervisory approval to meet the program's eligibility requirements.

You will be responsible for setting up your own living accommodations.

This fellowship program does not include a follow-on assignment. You will return to your original position at your home office.

You may be required to sign a continuing service agreement.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Permanent VA employees, who are GS-12 through GS-14 with strong written and oral communication abilities and a keen sense to detail, are invited to apply. Parent organizations are responsible for funding costs associated with selected candidates. The ideal candidate is an employee who meets the eligibility criteria and works in the Washington, DC area.

Qualifications

Permanent VA employees with at least two years of service working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, who are GS-12 through GS-14 with strong written and oral communication abilities and a keen sense to detail, are encouraged to apply.

Title 38 employees are not currently eligible for the program. Incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be considered for the program. There are no exceptions.