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Program Specialist

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Jun 19, 2021
Duties

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Library Services, Discretionary Programs Section and serves as a Program Specialist. The incumbent will participate in grants management work involving Federal grants and cooperative agreements, and provide grants-related guidance and services to both applicants and awardees.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Due to the Pandemic and individual states with different phases of reopening, the selectee's report date to the official duty station (Washington, DC) may be delayed until such time as employees are allowed to report to the workplace. The person selected may telework up to the maximum extent possible, up to and including full time, until it is determined by state and Federal officials that employees are allowed to report to the workplace (Washington, DC) where this position is located, on a regular basis.

At the full performance level, the incumbent will work on various phases of the receipt and processing of library grant applications as well as the monitoring and assessing of awardee performance. If selected for the Program Specialist, you will receive formal and/or on-the-job training as needed. Typical work assignments will include:
  • Provides technical support in reviewing grants applications, annual reports, and required forms for the fulfillment of financial prerequisites and compliance with standard policies or regulations. Assists in researching administrative and regulatory citations and liaising with grant applicants and grantees as needed.
  • Coordinates the finalization and dissemination of grant documents. Assists with processing grant applications and contacting grant applicants.
  • Coordinates the peer review of grant applications and provides technical assistance to reviewers.
  • Works closely with program staff and other agency staff as needed to develop and deliver training workshops and presentations on grant processes, requirements, and other matters.
  • Responds to external and internal inquiries. Provides general guidance regarding basic program requirements but refers difficult questions or issues to a Program Officer. May contact grantees regarding incomplete reports or other matters as directed by program staff.
  • Tracks and manages official grant files and documentation both in hardcopy and electronic format.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

    Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

    Travel Required

    Occasional travel - Travel for training and conferences.

    Supervisory status
    No

    Promotion Potential
    11

    Requirements

    Conditions of Employment

    • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
    • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
    • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
    • If not previously completed, a background security investigation will be required for all appointees. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication.
    • 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.
    • Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
    • Resume and supporting documents (see Required Documents).
    • You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.


    Qualifications

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    GS-9 :
    To be eligible at the GS-9 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as the following: Specialized experience is defined as: (1) knowledge of grants management laws, policies, and procedures (e.g., federal, state, local, private organizations); (2) knowledge of and/or experience with reviewing applications for grants or cooperative agreements, etc.; (3) skill in utilizing a web-based grants management database to process applications and run reports; (4) skill in oral and written communications to provide general assistance and run reports for internal/external stakeholders.
    OR
    I have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position in an accredited or pre-accredited college or university or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education related in one or a combination of the following educational leading to such a degree. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. Qualifying education includes one or a combination of the following fields: Library and Information Science, Business, Education or American Indian Studies.
    OR
    I have some specialized experience as described above, but less than one year and I have more than one year but less than two years of graduate education. A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (i.e. Master's degree), related to the position. Graduate level education must demonstrate the competencies necessary to do the work of the position. Qualifying education includes one or a combination of the following fields: Library and Information Science, Business, Education or American Indian Studies.

    GS-11: To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-09 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience is defined as the following: (1) knowledge of and/or experience interpreting grant management laws, policies, and procedures, or requirements (e.g., federal, state, local, private organizations); (2) experience monitoring complex grant program programs (e.g. application and review processes; awardee reporting; and program administration); (3) skill in written communications to create policies/procedures, reports, and/or respond to internal/external inquiries; and (4) skill in oral communications to assist complex technical inquiries, conduct training, or lead projects and other initiatives.
    OR
    Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree (i.e. PhD), related in one or a combination of the following educational fields is required: Library and Information Science, Business, Education or American Indian Studies.
    OR
    A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (i.e. PhD), related in one or a combination of the following fields is required: Library and Information Science, Business, Education or American Indian Studies that equates to one year of experience. To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first two years by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.

    NOTE:
  • 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.
  • Graduate Education:
    • GS-9: To qualify on the basis of education for the GS-0301 position at the GS-9 grade level, graduate education must be in one or a combination of the following fields is required: Library and Information Science, Business, Education or American Indian Studies. Only graduate education in excess of the first year may be used to qualify applicants for positions at the GS-9 grade level. See "Combination of education and experience" for more information on calculating percentage of education.
    • GS-11 :To qualify for the GS-0301 position at the GS-11 grade level(s) on the basis of graduate level education, graduate education must be in one or a combination of the following fields is required: Library and Information Science, Business, Education or American Indian Studies. Only graduate education in excess of the first two (2) years may be used to qualify applicants for positions at the GS-11 grade level. See "Combination of education and experience" for more information on calculating percentage of education.
  • Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level.
  • Note: An academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 academic year of full-time study. This determination is made based on normal course loads for a full year of study in the graduate program. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement. Part-time graduate education is creditable in accordance with its relationship to a year of full-time study at the school attended.

    Education

    ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY?
    You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see the Department of Education website at www.ed.gov .

    PASS/FAIL COURSES:
    If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society.

    GRADUATE EDUCATION:
    One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.

    FOREIGN EDUCATION:
    if you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

    Additional information

    Career Transition Assistance Programs :
    These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: (1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; (2) be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 85 or above; and, (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp .

    Selective Service Registration:
    Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx ).

    Veterans Preference :
    If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Veterans .

    HIRING INCENTIVES:
    • Eligible for Student Loan Repayment Program
    • Eligible for Tuition Assistance Program
    • This position is telework eligible - For details on agency's Telework policy, contact Office of Human Resources at recruiting@imls.gov


    How You Will Be Evaluated

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

    Your application will be evaluated and rated under IMLSs Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories:
    • Best Qualified
    • Highly Qualified
    • Qualified
    The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category. Veterans' preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher).

    If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Within these categories, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.

    All applicants' qualifications will be evaluated on the below-listed competencies, which are required for this position. Please outline experience/ education for these competencies in your resume. The required competencies for this position are as follows:
    • Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
    • Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
    • Grants Management, Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines: Knowledge of principles, laws, regulations, policies, practices, and guidelines (for example, Executive Orders, Code of Federal Regulations, OMB circulars) of grant or agreement programs, including their order of precedence, and procedures for soliciting, receiving, reviewing, and processing proposals, and awarding and administering grants and agreements.
    • Planning and Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
    The Occupational Questionnaire will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete. To preview the Occupational Questionnaire, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11130129

    Background checks and security clearance

    Security clearance
    Not Required

    Drug test required
    No

    Position sensitivity and risk
    Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

    Trust determination process
    Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness

    Required Documents

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    1. (Required): Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).
    2. (Required): Your resume showing relevant experience and dates (month/year) of employment and work schedule for each (e.g., part-time XX hours per week or fulltime) (cover letter optional). Please limit your resume to 5 pages and include only information that demonstrates you meet the eligibility for this position.
    3. (Required, if you meet qualifications based on education): An unofficial college transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript will be required prior to your first day.).
    4. (Required, if applicable): Are you claiming special priority selection rights under the Inter-agency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP)? If so, submit:
    • A copy of your Reduction In-Force (RIF) separation notice; OR notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate OR; notice of disability annuity termination or certification from your former agency that it cannot place you after your recovery from a work-related (OWCP) compensable injury; OR certification that you are eligible for Special Disability Retirement as a Former Military Reserve/National Guard Technician.
    • A copy of your SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your positions, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification letter of inability to place you through the Reemployed Priority Listing (RPL), etc.
    • A copy of your latest performance appraisal including your rating; and
    • Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
    5. (Required, if applicable): Are you claiming Veteran's Preference? If so, submit: DD-214 or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days, or letter referencing service-connected disability from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Standard Form (SF) 15.
    6. (Required, if applicable): 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:
    • Beginning and ending dates of appointment
    • Agency; and
    • Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
    • Position title
    NOTE: Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted. If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application.

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