Duties

Summary

READ ALL INFORMATION FOR INSTRUCTIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

Not a virtual position - selectee will be stationed at SSA-HQ in Woodlawn, MD.

Serves as Law Librarian -- provides technical guidance and expert advice on comprehensive legal and legislative reference services to the legal staff members in the Office of the General Counsel, as well as SSA's administrative research and legal staff.

See Responsibilities for other duties.

See Conditions for key information.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance, direction and oversight in a major library system; programs, e.g., cataloging, acquisitions and collections development and maintenance; reference and research; and/or Internet/Intranet services (Digital Library).
• Provides comprehensive, reference, research, advisory, evaluative, consultative and instructional services to individuals and groups.
• Responds to complex or difficult inquiries, including those in new or highly specialized fields of knowledge, those regarding historical materials that are difficult to identify or locate, or for information involving rapidly evolving terminology.
• Responds orally or in writing to inquiries related to assigned field of responsibility.
• Exercises considerable judgment and discretion when interpreting and applying guidelines, including deviating from or extending traditional methods, techniques and practices or identifying areas for improvement in established methods and procedures.
• Plans and manages all functions of a large, diverse legal research collection.
• Provides extensive legal and legislative reference services utilizing a variety of highly complex technical and specialized databases and other diverse sources.
• Recommends acquisition and budget modifications by reviewing all new and renewal contracts for publications and library services, for consistency in specifications and customer requirements.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
• Background and/or security investigation required
• Job offers are contingent on background / security investigation results
• Selectees may be required to serve a 1 year probationary period
• Relocation expenses will not be paid
• All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement
• Position is eligible for telework consideration. Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met.
• Position is on a full-time, flex-time scheduled and may be eligible for Alternate Work Schedules.
• Position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing.
• Relocation expenses will not be paid.
• Successful performance in this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served by all new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
• Use the Application Checklist at the end of the online questionnaire to ensure submission of a complete and comprehensive application.

Qualifications

READ THIS SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for this GS-13 Librarian position are based on:
(1) an Individual Occupational Requirement for the federal GS-1410 series AND
(2) Specialized Experience supplemented by additional experience and/or education

(1) INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT (IOR):
Basic Qualifications for a Librarian position are very specific.
Your resume must clearly support your claim and you must upload transcripts at the conclusion of this questionnaire.
Unsupported claims will cause you to lose consideration for this vacancy.

To meet the IOR for this position, you must have one of the following:

A. One (1) full academic year of graduate study in library science in an accredited college or university, in addition to completing all work required for a bachelor's degree.

B. A combination of college-level education, training and experience that totals at least 5 years. To qualify on this basis, you must establish conclusively that the education, training and experience provided a knowledge and understanding of the theories, principles and techniques of professional librarianship; a knowledge of literature resources; and the knowledge and abilities essential for providing effective library and information services.

(2) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must have at least 52 weeks of Specialized Experience as described below. This experience must have been gained in a federal position at or above GS-12 OR (if your position/experience is in another federal payscale or outside of federal service) by performing duties at a level equivalent to those performed in a federal position at or above GS-12. This Specialized Experience must have provided you with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of this GS-13 Librarian (Law) position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is work primarily concerned with directing the overall operation of a law library; utilizing theories and practices by which information is categorized; providing comprehensive legal reference, research and advisory services to professional staff and maintaining up-to-date information on law librarianship.

TYPICAL DUTIES include planning and managing a diverse legal research collection; performing legal research; performing detailed searches of State and Federal codes, case reports, digests and indexes; developing search tools to identify a special legal point or locate a pertinent case or decision; providing legal and legislative reference services; responding to complex inquiries; and researching and monitoring legislative and regulatory issues that may affect an organization.

Specialized Experience must be supplemented by additional experience and/or education as described below:

A. Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university that meets all academic requirements for a bachelor's degree and included at least 24 semester hours in library science.

B. Successful completion of at least 24 semester hours of legal study in an accredited law school.

C. At least 4 years of library experience of such nature and level to provide a knowledge of the basic principles, theories, practices, techniques, terminology and expressions of law librarianship; an understanding of the standard methods, procedures and techniques of research and analysis of law; ability to acquire additional information about the field and related fields; and some knowledge of literature resources in the field. ***Such experience should be equivalent to that which would have been acquired through successful completion of a full 4-year curriculum in an accredited college or university with major study in library science (as specified in A above) or legal training (as specified in B above).

D. A time-equivalent combination of experience as described in C above with education as described in A above or B above.

Performance of duties that do not meet the requirements of the Specialized Experience statement (above) will result in a rating of ineligible.

Since Specialized Experience also has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe meet the time requirement.

Affirmative responses to the experience and eligibility questions in the online questionnaire are subject to verification.

If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (e.g., Individual Occupational Requirement and Specialized Experience) must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

If your experience was gained in a federal position, state the grade and pay scale of that position in your resume, along with the full start- and stop-dates of each position you are using towards meeting the Specialized Experience requirement.

Information on this job series can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1400/librarian-series-1410/

Education

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) in addition to the Specialized Experience requirement with supplemental education/experience. Both requirements are described under QUALIFICATIONS above

You must meet and demonstrate both requirements.

All IOR claims should be stated on your resume and supported by a copy of your relevant transcript(s).

If you are demonstrating a combination of education, training and experience, be very specific about how those items are blended to meet the full qualification.

You may submit an unofficial transcript, but it must include your name, the name of the school, the date of completion and the degree earned.

Remember to submit transcripts for ALL relevant education; e.g., your Bachelor's Degree as well as transcripts for all graduate study.

Highlight courses in library science and/or legal studies to ensure they're given appropriate consideration.

If you are claiming 52 weeks of Specialized Experience be certain to address the experience stated in the requirement and any of the typical duties' you perform.

If you are demonstrating 4 years of library experience to meet the Specialized Experience requirement, be specific about the work you've done and establish how it's equivalent to a qualifying 4-year college curriculum.

If you are demonstrating a time-equivalent combination of experience and education, be specific about the work you've done, establish how it's time-equivalent and provide relevant (highlighted) transcripts.

If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of your appointment.

Foreign Education: If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation 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 a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or that full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Additional information

Vacancy open to all US Citizens.

Before you apply, review the Biographical Data in your USAJobs Account. USAStaffing uses that information (NOT the information on your resume) to communicate with you.

Incorrect information in your USAJobs Biographical Data means you may not receive important emailed information pertaining to this vacancy announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information provided in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss important emailed information.

No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .

If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.

Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.

OTHER NOTES:

See QUALIFICATIONS and CONDITIONS for important information pertaining to this position.

See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS to ensure you upload the documents needed to support your claim.

Position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule and may be eligible for an Alternate Work Schedules (AWS).

Position is eligible for telework consideration.
Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met.

Position is not authorized to be filled virtually or through outstationing.

Successful performance in this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served by all new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).

This is a moderate risk public trust position. You will be required to complete Standard Form 85P (Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions) to have the appropriate investigation conducted.

Location of position:
SSA Headquarters
Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance and Management (ODCBFM)
Office of Facilities and Logistics Management (OLFM)
Office of Media and Logistics Management (OMLM)
Division of Library and Duplicating Services (DLDS)

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

SEE QUALIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.

Answer all questions and follow instructions. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Your score will be based on your responses.

If you are among the highest-ranking applicants based on that score, your resume and/or transcript(s) will be compared to your responses, which are designed to capture the required competencies for this position.

Only applicants who demonstrate the IOR will be evaluated.

To meet Specialized Experience:
Describe duties you perform that meet the Specialized Experience for this position, as well as duties that demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities as they pertain to the SpecializedExperience. Since Specialized Experience has a time component, it must be evident that the duties you describe are at the required level for at least 52 weeks.

-- Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing
-- Knowledge of legal online searches (special methods of legal research)
-- Knowledge of Law Library Theories and Practices
-- Ability to plan and manage a legal research library
-- Knowledge of legislative processes and legal programs
-- Knowledge of Federal budget and acquisition process

Since Specialized Experience has a supplemental education or experience requirement, be sure to address all components of the Specialized Experience requirement.

**It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume.**

Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.

PRIORITY SELECTION:
Qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will receive first consideration IF appropriate supporting documents are provided (see Career Transition Guide AND Required Documents).

Veterans' Preference eligibles will be placed ahead of others in the category for which they are ranked.

Preference-eligibles who demonstrate a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent (AND meet minimum qualifications) will be placed in the Best Qualified category.

See Required Documents for information on how to support these claims.

CATEGORY RATING:
If you meet basic requirements, as evidenced by your resume/transcript/responses to the Questionnaire, you will be placed into one of three categories:

(1) Best Qualified -- Candidates who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position
(2) Well Qualified -- Candidates who demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position
(3) Qualified -- Candidates who meet Minimum Qualifications

The highest-ranked applicants will be referred to the hiring manager in category order, beginning with Priority Selections, then Best Qualified. Applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.

Your description of your knowledge, skills and abilities is subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability.

Preview questions here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11222972

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

REQUIREMENTS MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU SUBMITTED IN THE PAST.

DOCUMENTS UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MUST BE RECENT.
OUTDATED DOCUMENTS CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.

ALL APPLICANTS must submit a resume. SSA employees may use SSA-45, if preferred.

RESUMES must describe duties you perform as they relate to the specialized experience required for this position AND duties as they relate to the specialized experience supplements. Include your employer, number of hours per week, start/stop dates (month/day/year) for each position and (if your position is or was federal) your pay scale and grade.

Resumesare the key means for evaluating your qualifications for this position.

If your resume is not current, you should make necessary updates to demonstrate that you qualify for this position. Be sure you address the Specialized Experience required for this position.

Describe duties you perform (not just knowledge, skills and abilities) as they relate to the Specialized Experience required for this position.

Be clear, accurate and specific when describing your experience.

You cannot be credited for federal experience unless you clearly show your grade at the time the experience was gained, as well as the complete dates (month/day/year) you served at each grade level.

You must clearly demonstrate that your claimed experience meets the 52-week time-in-grade requirement.

Reviewers cannot assume any information you don't specifically state.

It's not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume. You may need to edit or rewrite your resume to fully demonstrate the experience required for this position.

Information that is copied or restated language from the vacancy announcement or rating criteria will not be considered and may cause you to be ineligible.

SEE QUALIFICATIONS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RESUME MUST DEMONSTRATE.

TRANSCRIPT - Required to support IOR claim and supplemental Specialized Experience claim. State educational claims in your resume.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but must include your name, the name of the school, the degree earned and date of completion.

SF-50s are recommended for verifying federal employees' grade equivalency.

If you claim Priority Selection, submit supporting documents indicated below.
NOTE: don't claim CTAP or ICTAP if you voluntarily separated from federal employment (e.g., if you resigned, retired or transferred out) OR you separated at the end of a term or temporary appointment OR you were terminated for performance or conduct reasons OR you have never held a federal position.

CTAP (Career Transition Assistance Plan) - for competitive service employees displaced from SSA.
ICTAP (Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan) - for competitive service employees displaced from other federal agencies.

CTAP and ICTAP candidates must provide:
-- written notice of eligibility or copy of separation SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action) and
-- most recent performance rating of at least "fully successful" (Level III) or equivalent

For more information see http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp .

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: If you claim preference, submit DD-214 ( member 4 copy ONLY ) OR (if still on active duty) an official statement of service from your command.

Document must show Character of Service. Documents must be legible. Preference will be based on documents provided. This may affect your eligibility and/or rating.

To claim 10-point preference based on service-connected disability, submit SF-15 ( Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference) and documents required by SF-15.

For derived preference -- submit SF-15 and documents required by the SF-15.

NOTICE: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veteran's preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. See updated CFR language here . Other eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.

MILITARY SPOUSES -- see https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/ . Submit marriage certificate and proof that your spouse is still an active-duty member of the military.

Preference will be granted using ONLY the documents listed above. See Vet Guide for more information.