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2022 Congressional Fellowship Program

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Jun 22, 2021
Duties

Summary

The application period may close on July 30, 2021 or once the first 150 eligible candidates with completed application packages have been received.

This is an employee developmental program which is utilizing USA Jobs to accept and screen applications. You will stay in your current grade. You will not be reassigned, changed to a lower grade or promoted. Your current office will remain in charge of reporting your time and attendance.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

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.

You will be required to sign a three year continuing service agreement (CSA).

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

Telework may be available on occasion but not guaranteed.


Are you a GS-12 to GS-15 grade level with at least two years of service working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and have strong written and communication skills and a keen sense of detail? The Department of VA is seeking highly motivated VA employees to work in the Capitol Hill Office of a Member of Congress, or with a congressional committee as part of the 2022 VA Congressional Fellowship Program. Successful candidates will begin working on Capital Hill during January 2022.

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.

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 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 one year 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 twelve (12) 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.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel to/from for this program and limited travel within the duration of the program.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment


Permanent Career or Career Conditional (including Veterans Readjustment Act) VA employees, who are GS-12 through GS-15 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, Career or Career Conditional VA employees with at least two years of service working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, who are GS-12 through GS-15 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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applications will be evaluated and selections will be made without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, political preference, color, marital status, age, disabling condition, sexual orientation, parental status, and with proper regard for privacy and rights as set forth in 5 USC 2302(b).

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Applications
The application deadline is July 30, 2021.

The application must contain the following required documents:
  • No more than a two-page resume.
  • A one-page 250 words or less personal statement indicating how your skills and abilities apply to the program's purpose.
  • Written supervisory approval which must include an electronic certificate signature. The memo must also include an understanding that your home organization is acknowledging:
    • While your are attending the 2022 Congressional Fellowship Program, you will be absent from your current position for up to one year.
    • Your home office is responsible for any relocation costs or payroll adjustments.
    • Your home office is responsible for any travel while participating in the program or during the application and training period.
  • One to two letters of recommendation.
  • Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal.
  • If you are a veteran, please submit your DD-214 and VA disability award letter (if applicable).
  • You will be required to complete a questionnaire as part of the application package.

    Incomplete or late application packages will not be considered.

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